What It Is: The next arrow in Audi’s quiver, which the German automaker will draw and aim at the entry-luxury horde. Seen here in camouflaged prototype form, the 2016 A4 sedan is being developed to go up against the rejuvenated Mercedes-Benz C-class, the stalwart BMW 3-series, and fresh competitors from Cadillac and Lexus.
Why It Matters: Today’s luxury brands are judged nearly as closely on the quality of their more-ubiquitous entry-level wares as on their long-wheelbase range-toppers. As such, the A4 is a critical model for Audi, even though the Q5 crossover barely edges it out in U.S. sales. To build more drama, today’s A4 not only sees external sales pressure, but it also faces an internal threat with the introduction of the smaller A3 sedan. The two are priced closely for now but the 2016 A4 will grow more expensive, and it will need to live up to that higher MSRP as well as outclass Benz’s luxe new C-class.
Platform: The 2016 A4 will migrate onto the Volkswagen Group’s second-generation MLB modular architecture. An evolution of the current A4’s MLB bones, MLB II will feature a more extensive implementation of lightweight materials, enough so that the car is expected to shed at least 200 pounds. Translated from German, MLB stands for modular-longitudinal architecture and orients the engines lengthwise in the body like a rear-drive car, even though non-Quattro all-wheel-drive versions are front-drive.
Visually, the A4 is expected to skew a bit edgier than its somewhat amorphous contemporary look. This is backed up by the covered-up test mule pictured here, which despite sporting a roofline nearly identical to the current A4’s, features a host of pointy edges and matches up nicely with our rendering of the car. The front fascia, for example, sports a pair of outer air intakes that wouldn’t look out of place on the latest TT sports car. The headlights, in particular, are squinty and more elongated than the current units, as are the taillights. Even the side mirrors are more angular and chiseled than before. Inside, the A4 will be one of a handful of new Audis to gain the same awesomely large TFT digital gauge cluster and latest-gen MMI infotainment controller that debuted in the 2016 TT; unlike in the TT, the A4’s fancy cluster will be augmented by a center-stack display.
Powertrain: A turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder will once again be the volume engine, and the S4 should continue to pack a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. As we reported in February, the next-gen RS4—which remains far from confirmed for this market—will drop its V-8 in favor of a V-6 strapped with a pair of turbos. Look for a four-cylinder diesel option on our shores this time around, as well as a plug-in hybrid e-tron model.
Other parts of the world can expect 1.4- and 1.8-liter gas-fired fours, as well as additional diesel powerplants. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A base front-drive model may be available, but most A4s will be quipped with Quattro all-wheel drive.
Competition: Acura TLX, BMW 3-series, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-class.
Estimated Arrival and Price: After a mild delay, the 2016 Audi A4 will appear later this year before going on sale in the U.S. in early 2015. As is quickly becoming the gold standard for base prices in this segment, the starting line for the pricing structure will be at least $35,000.
