Audi has pulled the wraps off the 2016 A4 and A4 Avant, and lo and behold, it’s much of what we expected after looking at spy shots of the car and hearing various rumors. That’s not a bad thing, however, as Audi has trimmed the fat off their luxury compact and given it modern new looks, a range of new technologies and seven different engine options.
Responding to similar moves from the competition, Audi has decided to grow grow the A4 both width and lengthwise while also reducing its weight by as much as 264 pounds over the old car depending on the engine. Apart from the difference in size, the A4 appears rather similar to the outgoing B8 model, save for the new trapezoidal singleframe grille and narrow lighting elements. Of significance is the car’s drag coefficient, which at 0.23 for the sedan is best-in-class.
Inside the A4 is dominated by horizontal lines, which Audi says “emphasize the width of the interior.” The automaker promises “uncompromisingly high” levels of craftsmanship and a new grouping of colors and materials to give customers “even more freedom during configuration,” than before. The most up-to-date version of Audi’s MMI infotainment system is present, which features MMI touch and a large 8.3-inch monitor in its top-end form. Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ system seen in the TT sportscar and new R8 is also available as an option.
Engine options for U.S. spec cars have yet to be announced, however the A4 and A4 Avant will be launched with a choice of seven different engines in Germany. This includes three TFSI engines and four TDI engines with outputs ranging from 150 horsepower to 272 horsepower, 25 percent more than the outgoing car’s engine range. Updated versions of the S tronic dual-clutch and six-speed manual transmissions are on offer and for the first time the dual-clutch will be offered on FWD models.
A slew driver assistance and safety systems will be offered including a ‘predictive efficiency assistant’ to help save fuel, active lane assist, parking assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, camera-based traffic-sign recognition and more. Audi’s Matrix LED laser headlights with dynamic turn indicators are also optional.
Click here for the full press release from Audi on the 2016 A4. Pricing and delivery timelines for the all-new luxury compact car have yet to be announced.
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