Updated design, new platform and revised powertrains.
Audi has unveiled one of its most highly anticipated products - the all new Audi A4 (B9) - to the world today, ahead of its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It will take over the outgoing 7-year old Audi A4 (B8), and features a new design and various technologies that will help the new A4 take the fight to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.
Below is a pictorial comparison between the 2016 Audi A4 (B9) vs 2013 Audi A4 (B8), covering key aspects and changes seen.
Exterior
The 2016 Audi A4 comes with an evolutionary styling that would be well-familiar to any Audi enthusiast, as seen in the large 6-point Audi Singleframe grille flanked by lower air intakes. The new "inverted L" headlamps look more dynamic and come with optional Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals.
At the side, it gets new wing mirrors with integrated turn indicators and new alloy wheel designs. A new pair of A3-inspired LED taillights, moulded rear spoiler a newly designed dual exhaust system round up the changes at the back.
The Audi A4 boasts of a best-in-class drag coefficienct of 0.23 Cd, which was made possible by tuning certain areas to channel air in the smoothest way possible. This is a significant improvement over the outgoing models's drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd.
The dimensions of the new A4 also measure a bit longer than the previous model, so that there is a clearer distinction between the A4 and A3 sedan ranges. Measuring at 4.73 meters in length and 2.82 meters in wheelbase, it is around 0.03 meters longer.
Interior
Unlike the exterior however, the interior represents a much bigger jump over the outgoing model, with respect to cabin trim, build quality and equipment. In line with the interior design of latest Audis like the new Q7 and TT, the 2016 Audi A4 comes with a flowing dashboard design trimmed with wood.
The HVAC vents are arranged neatly across the dashboard, and are accentuated by a single silver line. The center console gets a set of HVAC controls with a displays in center and temperature knobs. Audi is also offering an optional LED lighting package, which includes ambient lighting with a choice of 30 different colors
The central tunnel features the stubby gear selector, Audi MMI dial controller and the start/stop button. It also comes with a more-angular 3-spoke steering wheel design with buttons mounted neatly across the spokes.
Audi claims to have increased the interior space of the A4 to class-leading levels. Over the outgoing model, the interior length has grown by 17 millimeters, rear legroom is 23 millimeters larger. The shoulder width and head clearance for front occupants have increased by 11- and 24 mm.
Taking the center stage is the large 8.3 inch free-standing Audi MMI infotainment display navigated through the touchpad in the rotary controller. The A4 also features Audi's optional Virtual Cockpit that displays the vehicle information in high-resolution graphics, as well as maps in full screen. It also comes with an optional Head-Up Display that projects relevant information onto the windscreen, so that the driver need not take his/her eyes off the road.
Powertrain and Chassis
One of the headline figures of the 2016 Audi A4 is its 120 kg weight loss over the previous model, which was made possible by “an intelligent material mix and lightweight construction”.
Powering the new Audi A4 is a range of new generation four-cylinder TFSI engines, four-cylinder TDI diesels, and range-topping six-cylinder TDI diesel engines with a maximum power output of 272 hp. The most frugal model of the new A4 (2.0 TDI ultra) has CO2 emissions of only 95 g/km. Overall fuel consumption has also improved by 21 percent.
Other than the standard 6-speed manual, Audi ditches the Multitronic CVT gearbox in favor of an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox or a 7-speed S-Tronic automatic units. As usual, entry level models will feature a front-wheel-drive system, while higher variants come equipped with Audi's Quattro AWD system.
