Aeronautik

Is the car able to take a lot? I don't mean like...going off roading, I just mean, can I see myself taking it to dirt roads going mountain biking, or going skiing with it? I am still mulling over the purchase of a car, so please bear with me! To put it short, I don't want a car thats all race car and fast, I want something, say....I don't know, the best way to say this that I can think of is, is it more rugged than a BMW 3-series.

Thanks

CatOne

Perhaps the Allroad is more in line with what you're looking for?

I think the main issues would be clearance -- the S4's clearance with stock suspension is okay, but not great. It can handle gravel roads and the like (most cars can) but if you get big rocks and/or ruts you may have issues.

If you lower it you'll be in a lot more trouble.

Skiing shouldn't be a problem... unless you try and drive on roads that have 1 foot of snow and haven't been plowed. Of course you MUST have snow tires to drive the S4 on snow... quattro doesn't help with traction in slowing or cornering.

-B

Rob O

The engine of the S4, the versatility of an SUV without having to resort to buying a truck, height adjustable suspension, rugged body cladding in a svelte Euro-wagon package, and waaaaay more interior room than the S4 Avant.

RKA

So as long as you don't so something stupid, like off-roading, your car will be able to go anywhere you point it.

One prerequisite is snow tires. The stock tires that come on an S4 are high perf. tires...not ideal for muddy conditions (but it will get you around), and extremely unsafe in snowy conditions. A separate set of snow rims/tires should set you back about $1K.

Nick Gustas

I've never had a problem off the beaten trail.

<a href="http://tychl.txf.com/colorado/?directory=04-monday/&exif=1">My adventure on a 4WD recommended road </a>

<img src="http://tychl.txf.com/colorado/04-monday/105-0586_IMG.jpg">
<img src="http://tychl.txf.com/colorado/04-monday/104-0465_IMG.jpg">
<img src="http://tychl.txf.com/colorado/04-monday/104-0471_IMG.jpg">
<img src="http://tychl.txf.com/colorado/04-monday/105-0557_IMG.jpg">

Steve in NJ

Well, the interior is too nice to trash w/gear, IMO, but so is a 3-series. Go Allroad or subaru

Aeronautik

Yeah, that was pretty much what I needed to know. Nick, your pics were great, they pretty much answered my question on their own! RKA-thats what I was hoping to hear. I just don't want a car that only drives good on the pavement. I want it to be able to drive well on gravel or sometimes dirt roads-reason being is that if I had an S4-I would love to take road trips in it!

Thanks,
-Aeronautik

ROCKCENTER

think you want a wrangler or defender 90 (drool)

CraigB

Of course, I drive to the edge of the pavement and start riding from there; that's what the bike is for. 8^) Plenty of room in the back for ski/cycling gear (even wheels). The Thule 751 bars clamp nicely on the roof rails and let you carry just about anything you can think of.

That said, if you need to do any off-roading other than graded dirt roads, get an allroad, Outback or some other off-road capable vehicle.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25/s4lovelandpass.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/25/s4overhead.jpg">

MarkHunter

Had you driven it around a little longer it would have become completely stealth against that background!

Mark