The family has gone through design changes, and characteristically, the changes are very subtle. The engine hood has a more pronounced curvature. The upper corner of the single frame grille are tapered, and not unlike the new BMW 3 Series, the cross ribs and Audi rings have a highlighted three dimensional form. The grille is painted gray in most models. The six cylinder models and the models with the S line exterior package though get high gloss black. The A4 allroad quattro is has its grille’s horizontal bars chromed.
The bumpers have been redesigned with angular air inlets, revised grilles and flat front fog lights. The quattro model is again distinguished by the round fog lamps.
The headlights have also changed, with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. Xenon plus headlights are available from Audi on request. The LED daytime running lights form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. The adaptive light with dynamic and static cornering lights are available on request.
The tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights, and in combination with xenon plus have homogeneous strips of LEDs. The bumper with its diffuser insert has been redesigned, with two tailpipes as part of the exhaust system.
15 paint finishes, including four new tones are available. The Sedan and the Avant offer the S line exterior package, while the Avant also includes a roof spoiler.
Interior
After the industry standards for jaw dropping interiors were set by the Audi A8, and then the new A6, we have come to expect nothing but the best from Audi. The interior of the A4 models has been refined. Audi offers a wide selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel also featuring a flattened lower rim. The steering arm and the ignition key have been modified. The interior also has its touches of high-gloss materials and elegant chrome trim.
The MMI Navigation Plus system now has been simplified with only four buttons taking the place of eight, in the previous version. Audi mentions that improvements have been made in the operation of the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel. The seat heating and air conditioning are now directly operated with the respective buttons.
With the kind of obsession that only the Germans can live with, Audi has re-coordinated all interior colors, except black. The upholstery range has also been revised, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. The new, single-part cluster trim has been adapted in color to the interior, while the inlays are available in Aluminum Trigon, walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural and the premium Beaufort oak plywood inlay.
The interior of the S line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. 18-inch wheels or the optional 19-inch wheels and an S line sport suspension that lowers the body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in) complete the package. Audi Exclusive Line offers further individualized options.
Engines
Audi says the consumption levels have dropped by 11 percent on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines. In the Sedan and the Avant each, Audi offers any of six TDI and four gasoline engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations. All engines are supercharged direct-injection systems and the start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard in all variants.
The details of the engine variants are listed below.
Petrol
- New 1.8 TFSI engine producing 125 kW/170 hp and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) and a claimed fuel efficiency of 17.8 kpl (42.0 US mpg )
- Previous Gen 1.8 TFSI engine producing 88 kW/120 hp
- 2.0 TFSI engine producing 155 kW/211 hp
- V6 3.0 TFSI ( in the A4 producing 200 kW/272 hp and in the S4 245 kW/333 hp )
The new 1.8 TFSI engine features many innovations: in the control of its valves and their lift, in the novel thermal management system, in the fuel injection system, in the turbocharger and in the integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. The engine weighs 3.5 kilograms (7.72 lb) less and its internal friction has sharply decreased.
Diesel
- 2.0 TDI with 100 kW/136 hp with a fuel efficiency of 23.9 kpl ( 56.0 US mpg)
- New 2.0 TDI with 120 kW/163 hp with 22.7 kpl
- Three variants of the 4 cylinder engine producing 88 kW (120 hp), 105 kW/143 hp and 130 kW/177 hp
- 3.0 TDI generating 150 kW/204 hp with FE of 20.40 kpl
- 3.0 TDI generates 180 kW/245 hp
- 3.0 TDI quattro clean diesel also generating 180 kW/245 hp
The TDI engines are the cream of the lot with enough torque to pull chariots of gold and efficiency that will save you enough to buy a chariot of gold. A new centrifugal pendulum-type absorber (in the 2.0 TDI with 100 kW, 120 kW or 130 kW with quattro drive) in the dual-mass flywheel makes engine running even more refined and quieter at low revs, for even earlier upshifting and savings of up to 0.2 liters per 100 km.