A4/S4/RS4 [Official] Audi A4 (B9)

[SKY]

Btw, it´s me or the screen is fixed?

 

[KiwiRob]

Will there be a Air suspension option on this car like on Merc C class? Also will the central screen retract into the dash or for cost cutting measures is it (as a massive step back in terms of perceived quality for audi) fixed to the dash?

I don't know if it needs to be able to retract, the screen on our A6 is always out, as is the screen on the A1, I've never retracted it, I wouldn't be surprised if most other owners are the same.

 

[KiwiRob]

Actually, I like the new Passat better.

Until you sit in a Passat, the interior quailty is well down on an Audi, I don't think the plastics are anywhere near good enough for it's new higher price.

 

[Zafiro]

Adaptive suspension (not magnetic) is available.

 

[Hofmeister]

The engineering seems to be first class, so much weight reduction without the use of exotic materials, I hope BMW learns from this for the next 3 Series! Audi claims 1320kg for the 1.4 TFSI "empty and without driver". The 318i, with the 1.5 L triple weighs 1400KG to DIN standard(i.e sans 75 kg for driver and luggage). I think the interior is a bit ugly, it's less attractive than the A3 sedan's, but then again the fit and finish is almost certainly class-leading. A very thorough, exacting job, I love it

 

[Busty]

Also will the central screen retract into the dash or for cost cutting measures is it (as a massive step back in terms of perceived quality for audi) fixed to the dash?

The screen is fixed as it will be in most new cars. Even though many people think this is due to cost cutting this is not the case. Fixed screens perform better because they are much easier to ventilate. Also, they allow for better updating during the life cycle. Furthermore, dashs can be designed slimmer and with a cleaner architecture. For instance, it is almost impossible to combine top-notch HUDs with a retractable center screen.

 

[lukeswiss]

^Also, the only time the screen would be retracted is when you're not sitting in the car anyway, doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[JHF]

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[DjordjeC63]

Reminds me on:

 

[C4L]

Funny ... but in those comparison pics vs C-class the new A4 looks surprisingly feminine. C-class looks much more macho car compared to A4. Weird.

It's got to be that light blue vs. deep blue and the crummy base A4 wheels. I have never liked Audi's base wheels. The pics of the yellow S-Line floating around here look noticeably better, but it's yellow...

 

[C4L]

I like this summation from Autocar;
"Calmly confident"
"The new A4 is a visual treat that shouts – or perhaps whispers - quality."

When has Audi ever been flashy or trendy or showy? The fact that they are not is why people like them. You get impeccable quality, performance, luxury, and tech in a car that doesn't run around it's business telling people those things...

 

[C4L]

Didn't notice that. The bezel design is pretty much the same also.

At least there is less of the bezel I suppose...

 

[C4L]

I like the interior, except for the mile wide vent. Exterior on the other hand is underwhelming.

They say that vent is from the C2 Audi Audi 100 actually.

 

[C4L]

The screen is fixed as it will be in most new cars. Even though many people think this is due to cost cutting this is not the case. Fixed screens perform better because they are much easier to ventilate. Also, they allow for better updating during the life cycle. Furthermore, dashs can be designed slimmer and with a cleaner architecture. For instance, it is almost impossible to combine top-notch HUDs with a retractable center screen.

Even professionals say it is for cost cutting. From Car & Driver for example;

"It's a cost-saving move compared with the electrically powered screen in the A3 and the A6, but the execution is so precise and contemporary that no one’s going to miss the whiz-bang of watching the screen rise on startup."

If it didn't vent properly when retracted, they wouldn't have it retract.

How would it allow for better updating? Any updates being done would be software, not hardware.

Not sure what the thinness of the dash would have to do with it either when the screens are mere millimeters thick. In fact, in all cars where a fixed screen is used the dash is thicker to devoid them of looking like a tacked on afterthought with the screen. It goes UP behind the screen, not merely flat like a retractable unit at the top.

And how would it impact the HUD? Audi A8? Top notch HUD AND retractable screen of course. I don't see how those two things relate?

 

[Nik47]

2016 Audi A4 (B9) vs 2013 Audi A4 (B8) – Old vs New

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.

source : 2016 Audi A4 (B9) vs 2013 Audi A4 (B8) - Old vs New

 

[Frankie G]

Top notch interior as expected. I just the wish the outside had a little more imagination

 

[Centurion]

Top notch interior as expected. I just the wish the outside had a little more imagination

I too think the interior is great. It's innovative, unique and very progressive.

On a POSITIVE note, an electric tailgate is standard on the Avant model which I think is very nice touch. Audi is clearly doing it as a hat-tip to many young families who will buy an A4. Neither the 3er or C-Class comes with the feature as standard.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

And how would it impact the HUD? Audi A8? Top notch HUD AND retractable screen of course. I don't see how those two things relate?

The way HUD is integrated in the dashboard of the A8 isn't quite so well solved. The technique is more or less mounted on the dash, like it's some sort of an after thought. it's not neatly build into the dash.

 

[empower77]

Why is everyone beating up on the Audi design team? How is the F30 so drastically different than the E90 it replaces. In fact they have gone backwards on some design elements; no LEDs on the brake light cluster, no LED signal indicators. IMHO, I still like the look of the LCI E90 more than the F30 exterior wise.

As for the C-class, the thing looks like a melted piece of plastic. It looks so feminine, that even the C63 with all its bulbous arches does not make it aggressive enough like the C204 it replaces

I for one LOVE how this A4 turned out... it is probably the best looking not only in its segment but also the best looking A4 to date. They took out all the weak design elements out of the B8 and made this a very masculine looking car. The way it drives however is probably a different matter....

 

[Giannis]

I am neither impressed nor depressed by Audi's latest effort. Truth to be told, when I first saw the official images late yesterday night, I thought it was the B8. It took me a few minutes to realise it and create this thread.

That said, it's not a step backwards, it's just a little better.

My detailed opinion and observations will follow later.

Out of curiosity, @EnI why did you rate the first post of this thread as old?