The next generation 2016 Audi A4 has been unveiled and is here to make the loudest noise in the luxury sedan segment. Competing against the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class, Audi has done all the right things with the new A4 making it longer, 120 kgs lighter and with a whole lot of equipment on offer. It has improved in terms of power and fuel efficiency, while also turning out to be most aerodynamic offering in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.23, the same as the Mercedes S-Class.
Starting with the exteriors, the shape on the fifth generation Audi A4 hasn’t changed and is immediately recognizable as a more evolved model over the existing version. The lines are a lot sharper now as seen on the new generation R8 and Q7 with a large single-piece grille and the very angular headlights with LEDs and LED DRLs. The bonnet also gets a certain bulge at the front, making for an imposing stance. The side profile is extensively long with wide doors while the rear gets razor sharp LED tail lights with dynamic turn indicators. The new generation A4 is also the second model in Audi’s lineup to be based on the modular longitudinal’ MLB Evo platform after the 2015 Q7.
Inside the cabin, the 2016 Audi A4 emerges as extremely fresh, modern and light while also looking a lot more classy. You will find many elements coming from the Prologue concept, especially the steering wheel and new MMI controls. The infotainment controls have moved closer to the centre console in front of the gear selector that doubles up a wrist rest, similar to the flagship A8. Space is overwhelming at the front and rear and the new extended wheelbase does its job well. High on creature comforts, the A4 gets Audi’s new MMI interface loaded with navigation, touch capability, LTE connectivity, and WiFi on a 8.3-inch colour display unit.
The Audi Virtual Cockpit first seen on the 2015 TT is available and uses a 12.3-inch LCD screen. For the music lovers, the Jazz and rock modes can be switched on the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound. There is also an optional Audi tablet that can be used as flexible rear seat entertainment. The German giant has further incorporated the new Audi smartphone interface feature that integrates iOS and Android phones on the MMI.
Under the hood, the 2016 Audi A4 is being launched with 3 TFSI and 4 TDI engines in 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder configuration with increased power output ranging from 150 HP to 272 HP for the diesel and power ranging from 190 HP to 252 HP on the petrol. The motors are now said to 21 percent more fuel efficient with the new 2.0-litre TDI Ultra motor being the most frugal of all returning 27.04 km/l in the US cycle. Transmission options range from a six-gear manual, the seven-gear S tronic (now also available for front-wheel drive) and the eight-stage tiptronic. The automatic transmissions now offer a fuel-saving freewheeling function. Wheel-selective torque control supplements the work of the front-wheel drive and the quattro drive. For the most powerful TDI version, Audi will offer the sport differential on the rear axle as an option in 2016.
Talking about safety, the new A4 gets the fuel saving predictive efficiency assist, Audi active lane assist, Stop & Go adaptive cruise control including traffic-jam assist. The car also gets special feature of traffic-jam assist in its control strategy. Further, the A4 is kitted up with more innovations including parking assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre-sense systems. Camera-based traffic-sign recognition is also available for certain markets.
The 2016 Audi A4 will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month while the automaker will bring it to India only next year. One of Audi’s more popular models, the A4 will be able to give a tough fight to its rivals but will also see a slight escalation in prices. With the C-Class ruling the roost right now, will you opt for the new A4?
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