Audi will be debuting a face-lifted 2012 A4 in the next few weeks (the car will be a 2013 in the U.S.), and the Allroad Quattro, its high-riding most-terrain wagon derivative, will get the same updates as the sedan and normal-ride-height Avant. Despite all the camo on the example caught here by spy photographers, most of what will be changed is clearly visible. The headlights, which will offer halogen and xenon illumination, get a new shape. New LED daytime running lights will set the optional xenons apart from the base lamps. The taillights also will receive new detailing, although their basic shape remains untouched. These changes mirror those to the updated A5 and S5.
Also apparent is the modified grille shape, with its chamfered upper corners. Vertical grille slats are exclusive to the Allroad versions of the A4 and A6. Like before, the A4 Allroad will wear unique bumpers and lower-body cladding, which will be available unpainted or in body or contrast colors.
In Europe, the Audi A4 Allroad Quattro will be offered with VW/Audi’s 211-hp 2.0-liter turbo four, while a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 producing 272 hp also is in the cards. The diesel range will include a 177-hp, 2.0-liter four and a 245-hp, 3.0-liter six. Quattro all-wheel drive, of course, will be standard.
The best news here is that, as we previously reported, the debut of the face-lifted A4 will herald the return of the Allroad badge to the U.S. We previously speculated that the gas four would power our Allroad, but now that we know the supercharged six is destined for the car, that seems a likely candidate for our market. Audi considers the Allroad to be a halo vehicle for the U.S., and there’s no better way to elevate a halo than to add more power—well, and to physically elevate it.
