Audi has expanded its A4 range with the introduction of the all-new A4 Allroad quattro, a taller and tougher version of the A4 Avant wagon with permanent AWD and off-road capability. Making its world debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the A4 Allroad is packed with a range of new features including Audi’s drive select intelligent handling technology, a dual-clutch S tronic transmission, and a new communication and assistance systems.

The design of the A4 Allroad recalls the A4 Avant but picks up wider fenders, a taller ride height, bumpers with a more ruggedized look, new air intake housings and front fog lights. A single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips, and more chrome is used to highlight the enclosure of the fog lights. Optional xenon headlights also feature LED daytime running lights, while stainless steel underbody guards are used at both the front and rear of the car.

Its measurements include a length of 4.72m, a wheelbase of 2.81m, a width of 1.84m and a height of 1.5m. It also features a ground clearance of 180mm. The luggage compartment’s base capacity is 490L. This can be increased, however, to 1,430L and a length of 1.78m by folding down the split rear-bench backrest, which optionally features a load-through hatch with removable ski bag.

Audi will initially offer three different engines for the A4 Allroad: a petrol engine and two diesel units. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection units and come with a new recuperation system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The base unit is the 2.0L TFSI, which outputs 211hp (155kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) and is good for a 0-62mph (100km/h) run in just 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 143mph (230km/h). Fuel consumption is rated at 29mpg (8.1L/100km). Next up is the 2.0L TDI diesel, which comes with 170hp (125kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque and will do the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 132mph (213km/h). Fuel consumption is rated at 38mpg (6.4L/100km). Rounding out the range is a 3.0L TDI V6 with 240hp (176kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque and is good for a 0-62mph (100km/h) run in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 147mph (236km/h). Fuel consumption is rated at 33mpg (7.1L/100km).

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic. The A4 Allroad also features a purely mechanical center differential that distributes power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent AWD system can route up to 65% to the front or as much as 85% toward the tail end.

Audi has also added a new drive select feature that adjusts throttle response, the Servotronic power steering, and S tronic’s shift points in automatic mode. The driver can select between three different modes: comfort, standard, and sport.

Standard features include 17in alloy wheels, roof rails, an automatic climate-control system, an electromechanical handbrake, and Audi’s MMI interface. Optional goodies include a two-part panoramic glass roof, an electromechanical tailgate, a three-zone climate-control system, xenon headlights, 18in alloys, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers.

The car goes on sale in the middle of the year priced at €37,100. U.S. availability and pricing is yet to be revealed.

2010 Audi A4 Allroad driving footage