You can almost sense the buzz in offices across the land as Audi gets closer to launching the next-gen A4.
Codenamed B9 and based on Audi’s MLB ‘Evo’ architecture, the new 2015 Audi A4 is lighter and stiffer with better component packaging – essential for the continuing march towards improved efficiency.
Click here to read an Audi A4 review.
Audi A4: introducing new e-quattro
As a major launch for the Volkswagen group behemoth, the new 2015 A4 naturally ushers in plenty of new technology. And the new A4 e-quattro plug-in hybrid is the most intriguing model.
This combines a 245bhp 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol driving the front wheels, with a 121bhp electric motor driving the rears – thus delivering four-wheel drive, big battery electric vehicle range and high performance.
Yep, the Quattro is about to go electric.
Other engines planned for the 2015 Audi A4
The base engines expected in next year’s new A4 are a 190bhp 2.0-litre petrol and a 180bhp 2.0-litre TDI, while the hot S4 gets 340bhp, the very hot RS4 450bhp.
Visual changes bring few surprises, save the slinkier lights that LED and Matrix laser technology make possible. This’ll be a regular Audi saloon, we anticipate.
Premium manufacturers simply don’t take too many risks on their big-selling compact execs; witness the evolutionary 3-series and C-class from rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, while the 2015 Jaguar XE is playing it safe, too.
When can I buy the new Audi A4?
Production starts late in May 2015, so you could have an A4 saloon parked on your drive soon afterwards, with the Avant estate following later in winter 2015.