The two robust station wagons Audi A4 allroad and Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain want to offer the best of both worlds: the efficiency of a station wagon and almost the rough road suitability of one SUV. Sounds like a good idea. How well, that clarifies a comparison test.
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Audi says the A4 allroad has “off-road qualities” on its website, while Mercedes calls the all-terrain an “off-road variant, comfortable off-road”. The current Audi A4 allroad – the first appeared in 2009 – officially offers 3.5 centimeters more air under the axles, the all-terrain version of the Mercedes C-Class offered for the first time four centimeters. The ground clearance of our test car sobered. At Audi it is 175, at Mercedes only 160 millimeters. You have to be careful on the forest path.
Not always on all fours: Audi only engages the rear axle when necessary – with advantages in terms of fuel consumption.
Especially since the first C-Class, which is also available as an all-terrain (206)on the air suspension must do without, which it was in the series before (S205) still existed. This is a bit of a shame for the “small” All-Terrain, as it comes with real permanent all-wheel drive (power distribution 45 percent at the front, 55 percent at the rear), supplemented by a multi-plate lock – hardly anyone gets stuck with it that quickly.
The all-wheel drive of the A4 is not permanent
Audi relies on a multi-plate clutch supplied by Magna with fuel-saving shut-off of the entire drive train to the rear axle – with a quick reaction and without any functional disadvantage. This four wheel drive Audi also offers the not inconsiderable advantage that standard consumption with actually deactivated four wheel drive to be allowed to measure. However, the A4 allroad 40 TDI turns out to be exemplary on our fuel consumption test, making do with 6.1 liters diesel to 100 kilometers. The unladen weight, which is 195 kilograms lower than that of the Mercedes, should also play a role.
Engine type/cylinder
installation position
valves/camshafts
camshaft drive
displacement
kW (HP) at 1/min
Nm at 1/min
V max
transmission
drive
Brakes front/rear
test car tires
tire type
wheel size
Exhaust gas CO2
Consumption*
tank capacity
fuel type
SCR catalytic converter/AdBlue tank content
pass-by noise
trailer load used/unused
drawbar load
trunk volume
Length Width Height
wheelbase
base price***
Test car price*** (is evaluated)
Seven-speed double clutch
4762/1847-2022**/1493mm
4751/1841-2033**/1494mm
While the Audi seems like an old acquaintance (in 2019 there was a facelift for the fifth series introduced in 2016), the Mercedes represents the big screen modernity: Two huge monitors serve as instrument cluster and infotainment control center, plus a head-up display. And: Everything is configurable – there is a lot to set before the first ride.
Little room for off-road adventures: The ground clearance of the Audi is 175 millimeters, that of the Mercedes only 160 millimeters.
The quickest way is to wake up the voice control with a “Hey, Mercedes” command and verbally express navigation destinations, radio station or temperature requests – we have never felt so understood by a car. The Audi works more slowly, often asking for confirmation clicks; he’s just older.
Mercedes relies on softer tuning
Both are comfortable; the Mercedes springs softer tuned, in comfort mode with a slight twist into the rocking. The Audi front axle is a bit more stubborn while still maintaining a high level of comfort. They don’t give much away when it comes to the steering either: Both respond linearly from the central position; the Benz seems to feel better in hand because of the more organic steering feel.
Slight tendency to swing: The Mercedes is tuned softer than the Audi. It weighs significantly more in comfort mode.
Both have a downhill assist for tricky descents. Beneficial: Both test cars had cruise control, which automatically adheres to the speed limit by using traffic sign recognition.
Diesel with different characters
Differences are evident in the driving culture. The Audi shakes when the start-stop system is on Traffic light fires again. The Mercedes diesel, supported by a 20 hp starter generator, starts up much smoother, but remains acoustically surprisingly present over the entire speed range. The noises of electric servomotors can also be heard constantly, especially from the rear. Which is probably because the body is so extremely quiet. Even at 200 km/h, almost no wind noise can be heard.
acceleration
0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
intermediate sprint
60-100km/h
80-120km/h
curb weight/load
Weight distribution v./h.
Turning circle left/right
seat height
braking distance
from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
interior noise
at 50 km/h
at 100 km/h
at 130 km/h
consumption
saving consumption
test consumption
Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)
sports consumption
CO2 (test consumption)
Range (test consumption)
Both do not offer the best of both worlds, as a station wagon they convince. They only give the roughneck visually, real off-road qualities are missing. The ground clearance of the Mercedes should not be enough for rubber boot professionals. The Audi A4 allroad also reaped a little of the laurels of its ancestors. More details about the test can be found in the picture gallery.
