Audi‘s latest-generation A4 model is getting ready for a mid-cycle refresh, one that should include an updated interior, new tech, new lights and ever-so-slightly different front and rear fascias.
This A4 Avant prototype was spotted recently in Germany and as you can see, it’s trying to hide its front bumper design. Its rear bumper is a little different too thanks to that new diffuser, while the exhaust pipes feature a more rectangular design, as opposed to round.
The taillights, just like the headlights, are the same as on the current model. This should change at a later date during testing. Overall though, it seems like Audi won’t be doing anything drastic to the A4’s aesthetic.
Are we getting multiple touchscreen displays like in the A6?
Highly unlikely. It’s a facelift, not a complete redesign. Audi would have to change the entire layout of the dashboard in order to fit another screen in there somewhere. Besides, if you look at the last image in the gallery below, you’ll see that the floating infotainment display is still there, on top of the dash.
We do however expect to see new materials, new color combinations and definitely a few new technologies on-board, of the active safety and connectivity kind. Although, hoping for something as advanced as the A6’s Parking Pilot function is wishful thinking when it comes to the A4 – perhaps on the next gen model though.
Similar yet cleaner power units
We haven’t heard any rumors regarding the facelifted A4’s engine range, but it’s safe to assume that at least some of them, will be more efficient, with lower CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter TDI and TFSI units will still dominate the range, mated to either a 7-speed s-tronic or an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox, depending on which version you opt for.
It’s entirely possible that Audi will hurry up and unveil the A4 facelift this year as a 2019 model, although once launched, it will have to face a brand new generation of the BMW 3-Series, which will definitely put it at a disadvantage technology-wise.