The A4 symbolizes the foundation of the Audi brand. After four years of production, Audi has made its successful mid-range model even more sporty and attractive. The look reflects the company’s new design language, and in terms of ergonomic concept, the large and all-new MMI touch display offers customers the experience they know from their smartphones. A large number of engines already have a mild hybrid (MHEV) system — thanks to this electrification technology, they get both efficiency and comfort. This also applies to the Audi S4 TDI, which for the first time has a V6 TDI engine under the hood, a 48-volt electrical system and an electric supercharger that responds to sportiness with even more spontaneous acceleration. It’s a combination of strength
Sporty Appearance: Appearance
The mid-range model with sporty design accents now looks even sportier and more premium. The Singleframe front grille is wider and flatter, while horizontal lines front and rear emphasize the car’s width. The lateral view of the body is dominated by strongly pronounced muscles above the wings and the lowered shoulder line located between them. Above the wheels, there are characteristic outlines that carry classic quattro genes.
In the updated Audi A4 (manual B6), the top-end headlights feature Matrix LED technology with fully electronic high beams. The concept of the furniture lines is also new: for the exterior, they are now called Basis, advanced and S line, while the S-models and the A4 allroad quattro are distinguished by their own appearance. Buyers can choose from 12 exterior colors, including a new shade of Terra Grey.
The comfortable interior of the Audi A4 is once again dominated by horizontal lines. The centerpiece here is the instrument panel, as well as the new MMI touchscreen, slightly turned towards the driver, which is the key element of the new ergonomic concept. The new design choices and the S line interior packages can be freely combined with the exterior packages and offer a wide range of colors and materials. At night, the contour/ambient lighting package adds an extra touch of style to the interior.
The Future Starts Today: Connectivity Technologies
Thanks to the new MMI system, the highly connected Audi A4 offers an experience similar to a modern smartphone. The MMI touchscreen display with acoustic feedback replaces the previously used turn-and-push buttons on the center console. The high-resolution TFT screen has a diagonal of 10.1 inches. Its graphics are as clean as possible and reduced to the bare necessities, and the menu structure aims to orient the user as quickly as possible. The MMI search is based on free text and finds search results very quickly. Another interesting new feature of the system is the possibility of voice command with free phrases used in everyday speech.
The navigation system of the Audi A4 has become even more versatile and easy to use. The portfolio of Audi connect and Audi connect plus includes many online services, including Car-to-X services, which are part of the artificial intelligence of the Audi fleet. Along with online services for detailed information such as road signs along the route, on-street parking, and traffic light information, are now also available. Through its connection to the traffic light control servers in certain cities, the vehicle receives information about the traffic light setting and can adjust the speed so that it can pass intersections with the green light on if possible. The combined instrument panel displays a personal recommendation for the current speed or the remaining time until the next green phase — in case the driver is already waiting at a red light. Thus, the system maintains a predictable driving style and optimizes traffic. This function is part of the Audi connect package and will be available in a growing number of selected European cities in the future.
Audi connect services for emergency calls and service are standard, while the free myAudi app connects the owner’s smartphone to the car. With the optional Audi connect key, the driver can unlock and lock the car and start the engine completely from their smartphone. Another interesting feature is the personalization option, which allows you to store settings for up to 14 myAudi users.
Among the many innovations with which the updated Audi A4 enters the market is a large set of so-called. features on request. With their help, the car owner can freely configure the functions of his infotainment system even after buying a car.
In Germany, this option applies to the MMI plus, Digitalradio DAB+ and Audi interface systems for smartphones. For this, different expiration dates of the option are provided.
If the customer wants to get acquainted with this type of equipment for the first time, it is possible to reserve a monthly trial period. Already at this stage, there is a possibility that the period can be extended for another month, a year or more. If the customer decides not to order the option for a longer period, after one month the period is automatically terminated without a longer activation of the option.
Behind the new MMI system is the so-called Master Module. The third generation of the MIB 3 modular infotainment system is extremely powerful. It works with a new standalone communication box that integrates all connectivity options including telephony, Audi connectivity features and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Hardware options include an Audi phone booth and a Bang & Olufsen Premium audio system with 3D sound for the front seats.
A total of three options are available for the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel: two semi-analogue driver information systems and – in combination with the MMI plus system – the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit plus. The driver can control the 12.3-inch Full-HD graphics display from the multifunction steering wheel, which has three main views. The head-up display projects important driving data directly into the driver’s field of vision.
A4 models also offer a wide range of driver assistance systems. The options in this area are grouped into Tour, City, and Park packages. One of the most important systems in the Tour package is the adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and automatic distance control. Combined with Predictive Efficiency Assistant, the A4 delivers a predictable and efficient driving style with segment-specific acceleration and deceleration. This takes into account various Car-to-X data as well as information from the navigation system and traffic signs.
Electrification everywhere: drive
To enter the European market, Audi will offer a range of six turbocharged engines for the A4 model family. Their power range extends from 110 kW (150 hp) to 255 kW (347 hp) from the Audi A4 35 TFSI to the Audi S4 TDI. A little later, the range will be supplemented by two more turbo engines: 30 TDI with 100 kW (136 hp) and 35 TDI with 120 kW (163 hp). All engines – whether the four-cylinder diesel, V6 TDI or the four-cylinder TFSI series – comply with Euro 6 DG emission standards.
Three of the engines offered from market launch will be combined with a 12-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system, a technology that helps reduce fuel consumption and improve comfort. Two more engines with this function will appear soon. This ubiquitous electrification helps reduce the fuel consumption of the brand’s fleet. In everyday use, the MHEV system has been measured by Audi to be able to reduce fuel consumption by an average of about 0.3 liters per hundred kilometers.
With a choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic and eight-speed tiptronic automatic, as well as six-motor front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the A4 offers something for every taste and need. With the exception of the base TFSI engine, all other versions of the A4 come standard with an automatic transmission. The 35 TFSI with 110 kW (150 hp) is mated as standard with a manual transmission, while the 40 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and front-wheel drive is expected a bit later.
Sporty and harmonious: the chassis
The balanced chassis with a pronounced sporty stance is in perfect harmony with the character of the Audi A4. Customers can choose between standard performance and sports suspension. In addition, two variants of the adaptive suspension are offered. One of them is a comfortable suspension with adjustable shock absorbers, which is distinguished by a comfortable ride and a 10 mm lower ground clearance. As an alternative, a sport suspension with or without damper adjustment is also available, as well as a 23 mm lower ride height. With its dynamic settings, this variant emphasizes the vehicle’s sporty character while maintaining good driving comfort. The settings of both adjustable suspensions are controlled by the Audi drive select system. The same goes for steering settings, and also optional for dynamic steering, automatic transmission and throttle. With Audi drive select, the driver can choose between five basic operating modes.
Diesel Power: Audi S4 TDI
The two S-models of the A4 series, the Audi S4 TDI and S4 TDI Avant, will be equipped with a powerful V6 diesel engine in their European versions. The 3.0 TDI combines powerful traction, intelligent driving and a long range per charge, with 255 kW (347 hp) and a maximum torque of 700 Nm as its highlights. The S4 TDI Limousine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The combination of power, torque and efficiency makes the Audi S4 TDI unique in its segment.
The electrically driven EAV supercharger provides great low-end traction and near-instantaneous throttle response. Thanks to him, the turbo-lag is practically excluded, and the reaction when gas is supplied is lightning fast in any conditions. The EAV is connected to the new 48-volt main on-board network, which also integrates Mild-Hybrid technology. Diesel has even more efficiency potential than the MHEV system integrated into the 12-volt on-board network in the A4 series models. The S4 TDI is the next phase of this type of technology, as the Mild-Hybrid technology is based on the 48-volt on-board network. Using a powerful DC/DC converter, the 12-volt network is connected to the main 48-volt on-board network. For the first time, the S4 TDI also features a powerful 48-volt belt starter-alternator, which is in fact the heart of the Mild-Hybrid technology and allows 8kW of power to be recuperated when stopped. The energy source for this technique is a 0.5 kWh air-cooled lithium-ion battery, which is mounted under the boot floor. The mild-hybrid system of the S-models has real-world fuel economy potential of around 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
An eight-speed automatic tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are responsible for the power transmission. As an option, a sports differential is available, which takes care of the active distribution of traction between the wheels of the rear axle. Thus, during dynamic driving, more traction is transferred to the outer wheel for turning, which helps to counteract the tendency to understeer in a timely manner. S-Sport suspension is standard. Thanks to the special S tuning, it provides a sporty driving feel. The latter can be further enhanced by the optional S-Sport suspension with adjustable dampers.
For every road and every surface: the Audi A4 allroad quattro
With quattro all-wheel drive technology and a 35 millimeter higher ground clearance, the Audi A4 allroad quattro combines a high level of driving comfort with solid off-road performance. Combined with the optional trim-specific allroad suspension with adjustable shock absorbers, both comfort and ride quality are improved. The model differs from the standard A4 Avant in various details, such as protection in the area of the underbody or fender flares, as well as a 12 mm larger wheel diameter and a wider track — six millimeters in front and eleven millimeters in the rear.
The Audi A4 allroad quattro is available with a choice of three engines — one petrol and two diesel. An automatic transmission is standard, and adjustable dampers are available as an alternative to the stock chassis for an additional cost. Like the standard A4 Avant, luggage space is 495 liters, which increases to 1,495 liters with the rear seats folded down and roof loaded. The tailgate and tailgate are electrically operated as standard. With the additional off-road mode of the Audi drive select system, the driver of the A4 allroad quattro can choose from six basic operating modes.
For those who want to be first: the exclusive Audi A4 edition one
For the market debut of the model, the brand with the four rings on the emblem is offering the A4 in a special edition of one edition. it is offered for Limousine and Avant versions in combination with three drive options, namely: 2.0 TFSI with 180 kW (245 hp), 2.0 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and 3.0 TDI with 170 kW (231 hp). ). The exterior design is based on the exterior of the S line package, complemented by some elements such as the optical package in black. As for the interior, the customer can choose between the interior design selection package or the S line.
Market entry in Europe
In autumn 2019, the Audi A4 as well as the S4 models with TDI drive will enter the market in Germany and other European countries.
In markets outside of Europe, Audi will offer the S4 and S4 Avant with the 3.0 TFSI engine. The petrol turbo unit with direct fuel injection into the cylinders has an output of 260 kW (354 hp) and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, available from 1370 to 4500 rpm. The V6 engine accelerates the S4 TFSI Limousine from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. In the S4 TFSI Avant, classic acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just two hundredths of a second longer.