The Audi A4 is a long-lasting line of compact executive, or D segment class cars produced by the German company since 1994, carrying on in the spirit of Audi 80. The Audi 80 started production in 1966, with the second generation labeled B1, while the first generation of A4 carries the B5 label. The current, fifth-generation A4 has been in production since 2016. The A4 was generally built on the front-engine, front-wheel or four-wheel drive layout, and B platform shared with upper range cars of the VW group.
The First Generation - B5 (1994-2001)
The first of the A4 line premiered in October of 1994, with sales starting at the beginning of 1995. It utilized the VW Group B5 platform shared with the Skoda Superb and VW Passat. While it shared many of the features with its relatives, Audi set the standard as the most luxurious of the group, best represented by interior design and comfort. Body style options include a 4-door sedan and a 5-door estate variant, named Avant.
It was available with a wide range of petrol engines, from 1.6L inline-four to 2.8L V6, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, and a 1.9L inline-four turbo-diesel option. These engines paired with a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox to carry power to the front wheels as standard, but the Audi's Quattro 4WD system was available as well.
While the B5 was upgraded constantly and tweaked through production, a proper facelift came for the 1998 model year. Exterior changes include rear lights and headlights redesign, door handles, as well as other minor improvements. The 2.8L 30-valve petrol engine replaced the 12-valve variant, 2.5L V6 Diesel with Turbocharged Direct Injection or TDI came as standard on the Quattro variant. Audi S4 was introduced as a performance-oriented model, a name previously associated with the Audi 100 line.
Beginning of 1999 saw A4 receive another facelift, with cosmetic changes to the front and rear bumpers and headlights, centre console, and door handles. RS4 Avant was a step up from the S-line, offering higher performance available in the Avant body.
The Second Generation - B6 (2001-2006)
Debuting in October of 2000, the new A4 was developed under Peter Schreyer, inspired by the 2nd generation Audi A6, with similar front, and rear on the Avant. Many of the engines receive upgrades, increasing power while reducing emissions. The lineup consisted of petrol engines ranging from 1.6L to 3.0L (and 4.2L 40v in S4), and three power variants each of 1.9L TDI and 2.5L TDI diesel engines.
Four-speed or five-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission was equipped, with power going to the front, or all wheels. CVT or continuously variable transmission named Multitronic replaced the dated automatic transmission.
A convertible version replaces the discontinued Audi 80 based convertible, featuring an electro-hydraulic roof, with lowering speed of under 30 seconds, as well as body-colored sills and lower bumpers, later incorporated on the sedan.
The Third Generation - B7 (2004-2009)
While the new generation A4 receives the B7 label, it is based on the same platform as its predecessor and basically a revised version of the B6, with changes to suspension, steering, chassis electronics, GPS systems, and engines. The exterior design now follows the third generation of Audi A6, while the interior remains basically the same as its predecessors.
It came in Standard, S Line, S Line special edition, S4, SE, and DTM trim levels.
Engines received revisions and new models, as well as the Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) on the 2.0L I4 and 3.2L V6 petrol models with higher power outputs. The diesel variants came in 2.0L TDI with combined Pumpe Düse 16v design, a 2.5L TDI V6, and 2.7L V6 TDI engine paired with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, or 7-speed CVT Multitronic transmission. The optional Torsen T-2 quattro system was available instead of the standard four-wheel drive.
For the first time, Audi RS4 was introduced in the sedan and convertible variant, with a 4.2L V8 FSI, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. It was based on the powertrain of B6 S4 but used the latest Torsen T-3 quattro. Audi A4 DTM Edition was inspired by the Audi’s 2004 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters car, with a 2.0T FSI engine producing 162kW (217hp) and 300Nm of torque, available in front-wheel or Quattro drive. Both models were developed by Quattro GmbH, Audi’s high-performance division.
The Fourth Generation - B8 (2008-2016)
With the sedan reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, and Avant at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, the B8 was based on the improved platform shared with the Audi A5 coupé. Wheelbase was lengthened, with a slight overall increase in length, resulting in improved handling and better weight distribution. Kerb weight was reduced by 10%, trunk space increased to 480 litres in the sedan, while the Avant has a maximum capacity of 1430 litres with folded seats. The new A4 Allroad Quattro came with a Quattro drive, roof rails, modified grille, stainless steel underbody guards, and wider tracks.
Engine options include 1.8 TFSI, 2.0L TFSI and 3.2L FSI petrol engines in several variants, while diesel came in 2.0L TDI, 2.7L TDI, and 3.0L TDI, with many options of the 2.0L engine. These engines teamed up with a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed Tiptronic, 8-speed automatic, 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch, or 8-speed Multitronic CVT transmission.
The B8 was available in Standard, Black Edition, Black Edition Plus, Dynamik, Executive S Line, Executive SE, S Line, S Line Special Edition, SE, SE Technik, Technik trim levels.
- Standard equipment includes: 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, alarm, alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers, airbags, electric mirrors, folding rear seats, front electric windows, front fog lights, heated mirrors, Isofix child seat anchor points, PAS, rear electric windows, remote locking, service indicator, steering wheel rake and reach adjustment, traction control, CD, climate control, cloth seat trim, height-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Black edition adds audio remote, CD, cruise control, headlight washers, lumbar support, parking sensors, partial leather seat trim, space saver spare wheel, sports seats.
- Dynamik trim level adds audio remote, CD, cruise control, DVD, headlight washers, height-adjustable driver's seat, leather seat trim, metallic paint, parking sensors, Sat Nav, space-saver spare wheel, sports seats.
- S line adds audio remote, lumbar support, partial leather seat trim, space-saver spare wheel, sports seats.
- Executive S Line adds audio remote, CD multi changer, cruise control, lumbar support, partial leather seat trim, space-saver spare wheel, sports seats
Euro NCAP tested the A4, rating the Overall safety with 5 stars, Adult occupant safety of 93%, Child occupant safety 84%, and Pedestrian safety 39%. The IIHS rated the Moderate overlap frontal-offset as 'Good' (highest score), Small overlap frontal-offset as 'Good', Side-impact as 'Good', Roof strength as 'Good'.
Facelift version for the 2011 model year includes exterior changes to headlamps and taillights, front bumper, and exhausts. On the interior, Bluetooth connectivity was added along with upgraded ignition key, chrome accents, larger steering column stalk, simplified control panel, and new sound system.
The Fifth Generation - B9 (2016-present)
The current generation A4 was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, as the fifth generation A4, and ninth generation in the lineage of the Audi 80. The dimensions have slightly increased: 2820mm wheelbase, 4726mm length, 1842mm width, and 1427mm height while shedding off roughly 120kg in weight.
The IIHS tested the B9 and awarded it the highest scores in every safety segment, crash prevention and assist systems, Child seat anchor use, while only the Headlights received a mediocre score, varying by the trim. The Euro NCAP awarded it a 5-star rating in overall safety, with high percentage scores in all aspects. The NHTSA also rated it 5 stars for overall safety, but 4 stars in the front driver and passenger safety.
The new A4 is available in the following trim levels: SE, S Line, Black Edition, Sport, S4, Technik, S4 Black Edition.
- Basic equipment includes ABS, alarm, alloy wheels, 3x3 point rear seat belts, cruise control, a full set of airbags, electric mirrors, folding rear seats, heated mirrors, Isofix child seat anchor points, parking sensors, PAS, traction control.
- S Line trim level adds audio remote, height-adjustable driver's seat, Sat Nav.
- SE trim level adds audio remote, body-coloured bumpers, cloth seat trim, front electric windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear electric windows, remote locking, service indicator.
- Black Edition adds audio remote, heated seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, lumbar support, partial leather seat trim, Sat Nav, sports seats.
- S4 trim level adds audio remote, heated seats, leather seat trim, lumbar support, Sat Nav, sports seats.
- Technik trim level adds cloth seat trim, heated seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat, lumbar support, Sat Nav.
Powertrain options available in Australia include three engines with excellent power output and acceleration, mated with 7-speed automatic transmission.
- 1.4L TFSI petrol engine producing 110kW (148hp) and 250Nm of torque at 1500-3500rpm, a top speed of 210km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L TFSI petrol engine producing 185kW (249hp) and 370Nm of torque at 1600-4500rpm, a top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L TDI diesel engine producing 140kW (187hp) and 400Nm of torque at 1750-3000rpm, a top speed of 240km/h and 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
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Author: Luka Kusic