no sporty Avants / goodbye S4

[cyclezib]

With a measure of reluctance, I've decided that I don't like driving a S4 sedan as much as the utilitarian use, and stealth nature of a debadged sport wagon. I'm jumping over to Mercedes. I wrote a note to AoA explaining my reasoning. I did get a nice, and thoughtful response. Essentially, they don't see a market for avants. Neither does Mercedes, nor Cadillac see much of a demand, but they still offer them.

[d.p]

Later mang.

[Johnnycash]

debadged sq5 broseph

[s4buckeye]

With a measure of reluctance, I've decided that I don't like driving a S4 sedan as much as the utilitarian use, and stealth nature of a debadged sport wagon. I'm jumping over to Mercedes. I wrote a note to AoA explaining my reasoning. I did get a nice, and thoughtful response. Essentially, they don't see a market for avants. Neither does Mercedes, nor Cadillac see much of a demand, but they still offer them.

Cadillac still makes a wagon? I think MB only makes the E class still in normal and AMG.

I know the Golf Sportwagen hits dealers in April, but it won't be the R or the diesel GTD wagon - only Europe gets the good rides once again.

[acsgp]

With a measure of reluctance, I've decided that I don't like driving a S4 sedan as much as the utilitarian use, and stealth nature of a debadged sport wagon. I'm jumping over to Mercedes. I wrote a note to AoA explaining my reasoning. I did get a nice, and thoughtful response. Essentially, they don't see a market for avants. Neither does Mercedes, nor Cadillac see much of a demand, but they still offer them.

Man, that's sad. Why can't they do it on special order?

[doug97gxe]

Later mang.

my thoughts exactly

[CaptSlow]

Audi Allroad, got plenty of get up and go

[littleredwagen]

Benz I heard isn't bringing the C450 AMG Estate either to the US, and that car is a S4/335i direct competitor

[mkasperzak]

Audi Allroad, got plenty of get up and go

can't get in in a 6MT

[blackfunk]

With a measure of reluctance, I've decided that I don't like driving a S4 sedan as much as the utilitarian use, and stealth nature of a debadged sport wagon. I'm jumping over to Mercedes. I wrote a note to AoA explaining my reasoning. I did get a nice, and thoughtful response. Essentially, they don't see a market for avants. Neither does Mercedes, nor Cadillac see much of a demand, but they still offer them.

So you got an E63 then? Because that the only 'sporty' Benz wagon out there.

[Sundowner]

Audi Allroad, got plenty of get up and go

no. no it does not.
it does have a lot of prophylactic plastic.
like a condom.

[Sundowner]

So you got an E63 then? Because that the only 'sporty' Benz wagon out there.

this E350 wagon looks more sporty than most S4's.

[CaptSlow]

this E350 wagon looks more sporty than most S4's.

That's an E63

[CaptSlow]

no. no it does not.
it does have a lot of prophylactic plastic.
like a condom.

I like body colored side molding :)

If he wants sporty, maybe get a tune

[Sundowner]

I like body colored side molding :)

If he wants sporty, maybe get a tune

I do too! ;)
Still a little offended that they charge $1k to make the car look like it doesn't have the cladding I wouldn't have bought, anyway.

[Sundowner]

That's an E63

I stand corrected.
Still, the base E350 wagon is nigh visually identical when the (no cost) sport appearance option is checked.

[Li ls4]

the cts-v wagon has all the get up and go u would ever need.

[CaptSlow]

I stand corrected.
Still, the base E350 wagon is nigh visually identical when the (no cost) sport appearance option is checked.

E Wagon has always been pure bliss. Second car will eventually be this or A6 avant if it ever comes here.

[Dr GP]

SUVs have made the station wagon an endangered species. Audi 6MTs are going to become extinct. SOON! (not happy)

[maf9]

If you're considering MB, you won't mind the auto trans:

http://www.nextpolestar.com/#/showcase

[RudyH]

With a measure of reluctance, I've decided that I don't like driving a S4 sedan as much as the utilitarian use, and stealth nature of a debadged sport wagon. I'm jumping over to Mercedes. I wrote a note to AoA explaining my reasoning. I did get a nice, and thoughtful response. Essentially, they don't see a market for avants. Neither does Mercedes, nor Cadillac see much of a demand, but they still offer them.

So what Mercedes wagon did you buy?

Likely could have proved a better point buying a 3-series touring or a Volvo V60

SUVs have made the station wagon an endangered species. Audi 6MTs are going to become extinct. SOON! (not happy)

As an automotive enthusiast, one needs to call the SUV by it's real name. Sport Utility Van
Since marketing it as a van as it originally was suppose to be called, doesn't appeal just like the 'station wagon' doesn't...

[zps123]

If you're considering MB, you won't mind the auto trans:

http://www.nextpolestar.com/#/showcase

man even a used v60 polestar is like 60k...

[MrFunk]

Volvo anyone? Doesn't scream sex appeal by any means... but a quality vehicle.
Had a loaner a few weeks ago. Some of the best seats i have sat in... decently sporty too, especially if you get the R. Full of great options also, heated steering wheel was my favorite.

[maf9]

man even a used v60 polestar is like 60k...

Yeah...they're pricey, probably due in part to limited availability. There is always the R-design that MrFunk alluded to, but from everything I hear you give up some responsiveness.

[mpv314]

Either of these can be fantasically fast, there are some out there with lower/medium mileage, they're pretty rare, and if you rocked an RS4 Avant you'd be a god in the VAG community

B7 A4/S4 avant


B7 RS4 Avant

[Docwyte]

After owning 4 S4 avants in the past, I can commiserate with you. The lack of an avant body style is the only thing I dislike about my B8 S4. Unfortunately they just don't bring it here, along with many other good cars.

I wouldn't own a B6/7 S4 avant now. I had one and while it was a fun car, the timing chain and oil burning issues on the 4.2 are something you don't want to deal now. All of them are coming up on that timing chain job and it's a doozy...

[dsgray16]

After owning 4 S4 avants in the past, I can commiserate with you. The lack of an avant body style is the only thing I dislike about my B8 S4. Unfortunately they just don't bring it here, along with many other good cars.

I wouldn't own a B6/7 S4 avant now. I had one and while it was a fun car, the timing chain and oil burning issues on the 4.2 are something you don't want to deal now. All of them are coming up on that timing chain job and it's a doozy...

It's cheaper than paying the extra $20-30k(?) for a new Merc wagon.. No?

$30k all in gets you a 2006-2008 S4 Avant with a 6MT and a timing chain service done. Hell, you could prob add coilovers and a cat back and still stay in that budget. What new car matches that in a wagon?

[jlaudio]

It's cheaper than paying the extra $20-30k(?) for a new Merc wagon.. No?

$30k all in gets you a 2006-2008 S4 Avant with a 6MT and a timing chain service done. Hell, you could prob add coilovers and a cat back and still stay in that budget. What new car matches that in a wagon?

30k assumes that you don't have cylinder scoring which it seems happens on almost ever b6/b7 s4. ask me how i know. also i could be preaching to the choir here considering your signature and lack of a working motor (lol that's really reassuring to the OP)
its also a 10 year old car at this point, who would spend 30k on a car thats 10 model years old unless it was an RS?

[Dr GP]

So what Mercedes wagon did you buy?

Likely could have proved a better point buying a 3-series touring or a Volvo V60



As an automotive enthusiast, one needs to call the SUV by it's real name. Sport Utility Van
Since marketing it as a van as it originally was suppose to be called, doesn't appeal just like the 'station wagon' doesn't...

Being 64 yrs old, and having personally experienced the rise of the SUV, I don't believe it started out trying to be a VAN. In fact there were AWD vans back in the day. Jeeps were the original SUVs, but they were small and lacked amenities. Jeep Cherokees were larger. The Chevy Suburban was also a SUV , but it was bigger and expensive . The Chevy Blazer and the Ford Bronco were also available. BUt the popularity of the SUV started to grow with release of the intermediate sized Chevy S-10 Blazer and the Ford Explorer. They were smaller than the Blazer /Suburban and bigger than the Bronko. The 4wd/AWD AND 4 DOORS made them great for getting around in bad weather. It became a viable alternative to the Minivan , the Suburban, Jeep and full sized Blazer.

[KRp220]

30k assumes that you don't have cylinder scoring which it seems happens on almost ever b6/b7 s4. ask me how i know. also i could be preaching to the choir here considering your signature and lack of a working motor (lol that's really reassuring to the OP)
its also a 10 year old car at this point, who would spend 30k on a car thats 10 model years old unless it was an RS?

+1

i remember your situation with your old B7. i had scored walls or valve issues and burned a ton of oil

i happened to post on the B6/B7 forum randomly last week, saying 'forget about the b6/7 and get a b8' and got a quite a few defensive remarks. i'm sure you would have chuckled

[s4buckeye]

1. you can't buy a new CTS-V wagon anymore.

2. Polestars come in at 40 per year to the US. That's $60k for 345 hp wagon with not a lot of update/tech on a Swedish car, owned by a Chinese company, with an ever-smaller number of dealers.

(however, it was just announced that more Polestars are to be made: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/24/v...ion-confirmed/)

3. Subaru Outback? ugh.

4. E wagon - normal, no way. E wagon - E63S. Yes, but $105-$120K?

5. Audi Allroad? haha, no thanks.

6. BMW 3 wagon. Nice car....at about $20k less for what you get.

7. New Golf Sportwagen....hmmmmm......(but no R or diesel GTD).

etc, etc.


not many (other) or (good) options. too bad SUVs killed US wagons.

[HRDNTS]

Its a shame you guys don't get the Avants - S4/RS4, S6/RS6.

They're so much more practical and I actually find them better looking than the sedan.

I understand the SUV thing appeals to a lot of people (I thought that was Sport Utility Vehicle?) but you're never really going to get that much 'sport' when its sitting up in the clouds.

If AoA can sell Allroads, why not sell the Avant (don't call it a wagon if that has bad connotations) and market it as a sporty alternative by only bringing in the S and RS versions.

[zps123]

Either of these can be fantasically fast, there are some out there with lower/medium mileage, they're pretty rare, and if you rocked an RS4 Avant you'd be a god in the VAG community

B7 A4/S4 avant


B7 RS4 Avant

*ahem* we dont have the rs4 avant here *ahem* :(

[Sundowner]

Audi does not sell avants, they sabotage them:

They import the bare minimum they can at any given time in undesirable configurations, emasculate it with only the base 2.0T and tiptronic, shove them to the back of the lot, never spend an advertising dollar on them, slap an overpriced MSRP on the window, and then cry foul when no one buys them. Instead, buy this Q5, which is cheaper, has more options, and comes with FOUR FRIGGIN DIFFERENT ENGINES in the US market.

When fans cry foul, they slap some rubber on the rockers, call it the 'allroad', keep the inflated price, and then expect to compete with Subaru Outbacks that cost sometimes $10k less. But wait, there's more, as it sits in the same damn showroom as the Q5, but yes, still costs more, leaving the average consumer scratching their heads as to why this thing exists, and Audi offers zilch in marketing material explaining the virtues of the avant - something it does (doesn't do?) only in the US market.

Screw Audi of America.

(this is how I rant - bask in it)

[B18b1ex]

Seems only option is maybe a SQ5 and do something like this to it.

[Thumper3]

When fans cry foul, they slap some rubber on the rockers, call it the 'allroad', keep the inflated price, and then expect to compete with Subaru Outbacks that cost sometimes $10k less.

The Allroad is a model all it's own, it's sold as the A4 Allroad in Europe. They just get way more choices over there, with 2 gas and 2 diesel engine choices and sport models. They didn't "slap rubber" on anything, LOL. Although the horrid plastic fenders do NOT help, even Honda stopped doing that foolish crap a while ago. As to competing with Outbacks......I have a friend with an Outback....trust me.... other than bodystyle they do not compete with anything Audi sells. LOL


OP I hear you, I went BMW as I wanted diesel but have to have a wagon, it's what the cool kids drive.

Sadly, even if we ALL wrote letters they wouldn't change because the ignorant public is sold hook line and sinker that they "need" a SUV or CUV and sales are what Audi is going to follow. True, they would sell a LOT more Allroads if they gave us the engine choices but it still wouldn't be enough.

Seems only option is maybe a SQ5 and do something like this to it.

That's not a wagon, it's just an ugly SUV lowered.

[CaptSlow]

Why the hate on the All Road? It's the only avant you can buy and it looks good!

[dsgray16]

30k assumes that you don't have cylinder scoring which it seems happens on almost ever b6/b7 s4. ask me how i know. also i could be preaching to the choir here considering your signature and lack of a working motor (lol that's really reassuring to the OP)
its also a 10 year old car at this point, who would spend 30k on a car thats 10 model years old unless it was an RS?

I am dealing with sourcing a new engine, but I was not running my 4.2 at stock/conservative tune levels.. I was pushing the limits of a stock motor with 90k miles on it.. Shit happens. More on that in other threads about my particular car..

My point is simply that if you live in the US, your budget is 20-40k, and you want a performance wagon.. Your options are very limited, and the late model B7 S4 Avants still offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Clearly you are not a fan.. That's fine.

The all road is great, but I have been in my sister's 2013 many times.. I would never pair the world "performance" with it..

And the SQ5 as an alternative is also a joke.. That's not a wagon.. Just stop with that.

[HRDNTS]

Why the hate on the All Road? It's the only avant you can buy and it looks good!

All Roads look great when dropped with the body colored over fenders. They just don't offer the dynamics of an S or RS which I think people in this thread seem to be after.

An S4 with the color coded All Road over fenders would be interesting.

[acsgp]

this E350 wagon looks more sporty than most S4's.

It's a matter of taste. Dislike the cut lines and aggression on it. Still prefer mine:



That being said, my fav wagons are the RS2 and the C5 RS6 Avant. So clean and beautifully styled.