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The next Audi A4 is on the agenda for 2023. In this exclusive outlook on the new edition of the Ingolstadt middle class we summarize the first information!
The change to the Audi A4 planned for autumn 2023 is a challenge for Audi strategists, because due to the long lead times, a fundamental decision is now pending, almost on the first working day of the new boss Markus Duesmann. The key word is modular and must be explained. While for the VW brand, for example, a staggering 92 percent of all models are now based on the much-quoted Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) - the "cross" refers to the installation position of the engine relative to the direction of travel - and VW maximizes purchasing advantages through the massive use of identical parts and components, Audi takes a different path. In the group, the Bavarians are responsible for the "MLB", ie the longitudinal engine kit. These Audi are based on it: A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8. In addition the Porsche models Macan and Cayenne, the Bentley Bentayga as well as the Lamborghini Urus and the VW Touareg. The vast majority and thus the lion's share of all VW Group models use drives, axles and components from the MQB. At Audi, these are the smaller cars: A1 (MQB A0), A3, TT, Q2 and Q3. The list makes it clear that the longitudinal modular system is very important for Audi, but its cross counterpart with a volume share of 72 percent supports almost the entire group. So should the next A4 be an MLB creature again, keeping up the numbers of this technology designed for high-performance, large-displacement vehicles? Or should the Audi A4 (2023) be switched to the lighter, cheaper MQB with all its positive economies of scale, which is also more economically advantageous due to the transverse installation of the machine? In Ingolstadt, we know very well that VW CEO Herbert Diess has an eye on project returns and sees the longitudinal kit as a whole.
FIRST INFORMATION ABOUT AUDI A4 (2023)
The MLB defenders put forward five main arguments: If the Audi A4 (2023), the A5 and the technically related Q5 fell out of the kit, the critical total volume could be undercut. Without MLB, other group models would also be at risk. Powerful machines need a larger installation space, for which the length is used. The so-called prestige measure, i.e. the distance between the front axle and the front door suspension, is larger and essential for an independent design. Another argument: Audi is a premium brand that has to deal with opponents like BMW and Mercedes and should differ from more down-to-earth brands like Seat, Skoda or VW. But also the doubters - crosswise brings more - are equipped and pose probing questions: Should one hold on to a comparatively expensive, sometimes also heavy technology for a bit of optics? Won't the number of MLB-based vehicles decrease anyway when the new electric cars are there? Are supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders not enough to generate high output, especially when combined with additional electric motors? And finally: are the MQB derivatives Skoda Superb or VW Passat comparable in size to the A4, are they bad cars? The answer: There are many indications that Audi will extend the running time of the current longitudinal engine base until there is clarity about the success or failure of the new electric cars. For this purpose, middle and upper class models such as Audi A4 (2023) and A6 will move closer together technically and mainly defined by their size. The greater standardization includes, for example, the mix of aluminum and steel components in body construction, which has so far been different, the basic structure in the invisible area of the dashboards and the electronics.
MORE HYBRID TECHNOLOGY FOR THE AUDI A4 (2023)
It is a matter of fact that in the upcoming Audi A4 (2023) the 3.0-liter six-cylinder, up to 450 hp typical for the RS models, will be used in future - and they need space. And because CEO Diess is pushing the topic of hybridization with all his might, there will be no A4 in the future without a mild, full or plug-in hybrid. In the case of mild hybrids, a small modulus of elasticity has a supporting effect, for example when starting, recuperating, sailing and as a thrust supplier. Full hybrids can drive both the combustion and the electric motor. Plug-in hybrids can do that too. However, they have a larger energy storage device that can be connected to the power grid and charged via a plug (plug-in = plug in) and enables higher e-ranges. The maneuver is not easy, however. The exhaust regulations, which are tightening differently worldwide, require foreseeable larger standard ranges for pure plug-in hybrids (PHEV = Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) in pure e-operation. The batteries and power electronics required for this need space. The current mid-size SUV Q5 TFSI e (prices from 53,850 euros) proves that even the shorter MLB models can be partially electrified in this way. Audi combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor. While no TFSI e is planned for the current A4, the successor will be prepared for it. The 2.0 liter turbodiesels cleaned by the twindosing process are considered absolutely future-proof.
AUDI A4 (2023) WITHOUT NATURAL GAS DRIVE
The A4 40 g-tron (CNG = Compressed Natural Gas) (2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, 170 hp, prices from 43,200 euros) will not make it into the next Audi A4 (2023). Although the natural gas drive is generally one of the cleanest by far, the demand is comparatively low. Electronics is one of the profound innovations of the A4. The car is becoming an increasingly mobile office. New smartphone-based applications will always be on offer. These include Bluetooth and WLAN-based services that enable contactless payment at the petrol station, for example. The key word is environment communication. After refueling, the Audi A4 (2023) accounts for the petrol pump quietly and secretly, and the driver drives his way. By the way, with quattro drive in the future too.
