In the end, while power is the 4.2 allroad's most evident advantage over its 2.7T brother, its less frantic non-turbocharged power delivery is also quieter, which should result in a more relaxing environment.
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| With the already adequate 250-hp 2.7T model, the reasoning behind Audi's decision to build the allroad V8 may not justify it's much higher expected price. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
To be honest, the biggest question that has been brought up by the allroad V8's introduction is not how much it will cost, or where one might be found, but rather the reasoning behind it. The allroad was meant to be a car that could challenge and overtake SUVs using alternative methods. Few sport utilities are designed with a wagon layout, the aforementioned Volvo XC70 and Subaru Outback being the other two of the few. Of these only the Audi, even in its 250-hp 2.7T form, offers anywhere near as much get up and go. So the question is, did Audi need to create the 4.2 V8 at all?
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| Whether the pricey V8 model was necessary or not can only be proven on the showroom floor. (Photo: Volkswagen AG) |
When it comes to luxury SUVs, or even crossover wagons in the allroad's case, needs have very little to do with customer preferences. The proof of what Audi needed to do will be directly reflected by its success on the dealership showroom floor, where that sophisticated demographic will have the option of stepping up to more power and refinement, at a very real cost both in their monthly payment and at the gas pump, or sticking with the more efficient and still extremely sporty 2.7T V6. When all is said and done Audi's 4.2 V8 upgrade could prove to be a pointless exploit, but then again big V8 SUVs are hardly waning in demand, in the U.S. at least. Only time will tell.