Considering how often the next-generation Audi A4 sedan was spotted running about in prototype form, it was only a matter of time before its more sensible sibling, the B9 Audi A4 Avant, gets photographed doing the same. Here it is then, making its spyshot debut prior to hitting the showrooms some time next year.
Despite the heavy camouflage, we can deduce that the new A4 Avant will likely feature the same angular, stylised headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The taillights themselves are expected to mirror the same design employed up front with the edges appearing to cut deep into the tailgate.
Other aesthetic differences are, of course, the elongated cargo bay with a longer rear overhang and the inclusion of roof rails. A closer inspection appears to reveal a slightly wider rear track along with a lower, coupe-like roofline. Also expect to see a more prominent Singleframe front grille, interrupted by a single, horizontal line – where the licence plate holder resides.
Under the skin, the new A4 Avant will, like its sedan counterpart, ride on the MLB Evo (modular longitudinal) platform that currently underpins the new Audi Q7. Thanks to liberal use of ultra high-strength steel, aluminium and composites in its construction, the new A4 is expected to tip the scales at around 100 kg compared to the outgoing Audi A4 lineup.
On the inside, the interior layout is expected to echo the sedan’s arrangement, leaked here in a series of photos. Expect a cleaner arrangement with most of the physical buttons on the centre console deleted as a result of the dash-mounted touchscreen system. Further down, a gear selector similar to the one found on the Q7 gets flanked by a revised console for Audi’s MMI system.
As the MLB Evo platform allows for the application of numerous powerplant options, expect the new B9 Audi A4 Avant to come powered with a myriad of engine choices. A plug-in hybrid version has been mooted for the American market while European customers will likely receive an EV version. On the more conventional side of things, Audi’s range of TDI diesel and TFSI petrol engines will make an appearance.
In true Audi fashion, front-wheel drive is expected to feature as standard on base models with the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system deployed on higher-end models or as cost options for the cheaper variants. It has also been rumoured that the front suspension layout will comprise of five links per corner while the rear suspension is expected to be based on a self-tracking trapezoidal link principle pioneered by Audi.
As mentioned, the Avant variant will most likely debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in the middle of next year. The A4 sedan, on the other hand, has been confirmed for a Frankfurt appearance in September this year.
GALLERY: B9 Audi A4 sedan spyhots
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100kg lighter but the S4 is rumoured to be powered by the same 3.0 engine, which is a great engine by the way, but at 272bhp? This is a gripe.
The 3.0 litre with bi-turbo this time is supposed to (as opposed to the use of supercharger) maintain the 0-100kmh at 5.0 secs and 13.0 at the quarter-mile.
Highly plausible but a dent for top speed.
This gimmick like current Camry la. At first give you chekai engine from year 2002. Until facelift then only change new engine in 2015.
Bu new engine still chekai, how?
The only disappointment was the center dashboard. It has the shadow of BMW 3-series.
Proton is the best nuff said