B9 Audi A4 facelift revealed – minor cosmetic changes

The B9 Audi A4 has been given a facelift, three years after making its debut. Unlike the F30 BMW 3 Series and W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which received comprehensive technological and powertrain updates over the years, Ingolstadt’s nip-and-tuck revisions are minimal and appear to be solely cosmetic in nature.

On the outside, you’ll find new front bumpers with faux aluminium inserts in the air intakes, while the S line variants get a sportier design with wedge-shaped air inlets and U-shaped inserts. The “singleframe” grille has also been redesigned, with three-dimensional slats on the S line.

At the rear of the car, the S line variant ditches the previous round twin exhaust pipes for trapezoidal outlets integrated into the rear bumper. For the first time, there’s an S line competition package that throws in a front bumper blade and side skirt inserts finished in selenite grey, a four-ring decal on the rear doors and a more aggressive RS rear spoiler on the Avant wagon. Redesigned wheels range from 16 to 19 inches.

On the inside, S line competition models receive RS carbon fibre trim, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and black part-leather seats, while S sport seats can be optioned in colours such as magma red. Other features offered as standard in the pack are Audi Sport 19-inch alloys, red brake callipers, sport suspension and LED headlights.

No other changes were mentioned, so expect the A4 to soldier on with the same engines as before – 1.4 and 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engines and a 2.0 litre turbodiesel, paired to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system should also continue to be offered as an option.