Test Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI & Volvo V60 CC B4 im

Still looking for a diesel station wagon move? We bring you over a thousand: When you get into a fully fueled Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI Quattro and Volvo V60 CC B4 D AWD, their on-board computers predict values ​​in the four-digit range. Well, previously both luxury station wagons were in the lap of ams Eco, where the TDI worked on just five liters and the B4 D with 5.5 l/100 km.

So both can be economical. However, most of us have to save for a long time to be able to afford one of the luxury suits. Volvo charges 69,280 euros for the near-perfect Ultimate with 19-inch tires associated with the rating. In contrast, despite the comfortable chassis and sports seats, the Advanced almost looks like a bargain at the test car’s price of 55,260 euros. Well, the whole truth is hidden in the price list: Anyone who equips the A4 Avant with comparable equipment will pay the same amount. But that has always been the case with premium brands.

And now we get into the comparison test – and first of all, the A4. Its last major renovation was about five years ago. And you can see that in a positive way from a technocrat: everything you touch here is carefully put together. In 2015, Audi was one of the first to digitize their cockpit and showed that it is not necessary to give up transparency to achieve this. Unfortunately, the last time the A4 was facelifted, the rotary push button controller was lost in favor of an attached touchscreen. Voice recognition can’t match Google’s, but it reliably handles basic functions like entering navigation areas.

Audi’s support portfolio is not as deep, but the track and spacers work equally well than in Volvo. While the Swede’s Pilot Assist previously tended to be overconfident, the system now also works reliably and manages distance to other road users more generously. Speaking of which: Volvo’s LEDs have always turned night into day. It’s ridiculous that they usually focus on oncoming traffic. Today, however, the automatic high beam system hides oncoming traffic as reliably as Audi’s matrix headlights.

Yes, you can’t stop hearing it either. Thanks to the good noise insulation, you don’t notice that the diesel engine is working behind the four rings. The 204 hp diesel has also become cleaner and cleaner over the years thanks to AdBlue and less hybrid assistance. However, the TDI also lost some of its youthful character: it hesitates, especially when starting – a situation that is annoying in everyday life at traffic lights. In the test, the A4 ran to 100 kilometers per hour in 7.1 seconds, which was faster than the V60 (8.3 seconds). During medium acceleration, it is always important to close the small turbo lag. However, this usually overshadows the DKG, which changes quickly but is not always correct.

In bad weather, the all-wheel drive is definitely a blessing. But it is not permanent, but basically drives the front wheels, so that sometimes it loses grip because of the 400 Newton torques that are available early.

But all this is balanced on a long trip when the pavement twists or bends. Because the optional comfort suspension (1,030 euros) including damping control swallows them all. Only transverse joints cannot always be removed. At the same time, Audi’s steering is becoming more and more precise. It could be more communicative though. But the Audi A4 remains true to its line.

Old Swede, what’s new?

Yes, the Volvo V60 is also an old friend that you immediately feel at home. Indeed, the Swedes easily understand stylish materials: with a leather package and aluminum pieces, the Cross Country seems to be of higher quality than the Audi, but the details do not seem to be consistent in all areas. The improvements are mainly due to the state of the times: Volvo integrated an inductive charging station in the center console, which, however, makes it difficult to charge a smartphone wirelessly due to its standard dimensions and charging capacity. Android infotainment is only compatible with Apple mobile phones.

Yes, infotainment has long been one of the biggest criticisms of Volvos SPA platform. Google is considered a savior, but unlike the Polestar electric brand, Volvo connects Americans more deeply: auto-advancement and always-updated Maps navigation drive a colleague or two crazy. The tiles in the sub-menu are just the size of a fingertip, as are the heated steering wheel touch points, which also melt polar caps. But you’re not listening to me at all, you’re listening to the sounds of the Bowers & Wilkins system, which turns a Swedish station wagon into not only a concert hall, but also a jazz club.

Volvo V60 CC B4 also lost something during the last facelift: you can immediately at least strengthen its character a little with a roller twist. Today, however, you will find ways to drive for free, because the submenu only hides roadside assistance.

With the increased speed we get faster: the 197 hp turbo diesel sounds harder, although it doesn’t force itself audibly. On the other hand, the compact hybrid starts more smoothly thanks to 420 Nm of torque, but is slowed down by its comfortable automatic transmission as you get going. It stops at 180 km / h soon, while the Audi drives up to 236 km / h.

CC: called to higher things

Speaking of distance: A full 21 centimeters of ground clearance means the Cross Country stands higher in the wind. This enables small daily off-road adventures, but increases driving resistance and thus fuel consumption, especially on highways. On average, the V60 consumes 8.0 l/100 km, almost a liter more than the Audi A4 Avant. The extra weight of around 200 kg also contributes to this. And you also feel it’s time to break. With the cooling system, from 100 km / h it stops only after 36.4 meters with Eco tires, which is two meters later than the Audi.

Yes, the chassis and tires are also the reason why the Swede cannot keep up in terms of driving dynamics and, for example, avoids a moose at 127 km / h, ten kilometers per hour slower than the Audi. The Volvo V60, with its underpowered steering, doesn’t see winding roads as an invitation to driving pleasure, but to guide them safely to the next lane. ESP can’t even be turned off. Self-shifting is only required via a glass stub, which means the automatic transmission can’t be handled effectively on downshifts and, as with the Audi, the driver is controlled when downshifting.

However, the biggest disadvantage of Cross Country is the suspension comfort. To compensate for the higher suspension, the engineers made the CC more powerful. He reacts more enthusiastically, especially to brief suggestions, and communicates almost every discrepancy. But at least you can safely store the sound of the old chassis in the memory box in the back.

Well, both station wagons are not suspected of being used as pack mules: about 500 liters each is enough for a family of four for a holiday trip. However, rear legroom is manageable. The passenger seat can also be adjusted from the driver’s side, but we miss Volvo’s standard folding child seats in the back. To do this, all close the third zone of climate and heated seats. And if no one is sitting in the back, the headrests on the Volvo fold down at the touch of a button for a better overview.

At the back, an adjustable bag holder keeps things organized and covers the load floor area. Hobbyists won’t be happy with the maximum volume of 1,431 liters (Audi: 1,495 l) however. However, they appreciate the low loading edges and flat surfaces when the backs of the rear seats are folded down. However, in Volvo they lack the remote opening of Audi, including a large option of loading in the middle, as well as an electric roller blind for luggage.

Yes, the Volvo V60 can pack a punch – that’s not exactly new. And yet there are more than a thousand good reasons to buy it.