2016 Audi A4 Avant (B9) Photos, Videos and Details Revealed

This competitor for the 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-model can be up to 120 kilograms (264 lbs) lighter when compared to its predecessor. Despite this, the overall proportions have increased, resulting in a more spacious cabin.

The magic of this 4.73-meter wagon happens at the back. It now has gesture controls, so the trunk can be opened by placing your foot under the bumper. The 505-liter storage space is revealed, and while that's only 15 liters more than before, handy features make it adaptable. Like the A6, rails on both sides can help you partition your items while the cover is electrically operated.

When folded, the 40:20:40-split rear bench reveals 1,510 liters of storage, comparable to a Skoda Octavia Combi.

Stepping inside, the A4 Avant features 23 mm additional rear legroom and new features. It borrows the 12.3-inch fully digital dashboard from the Audi TT and Q7 before it. Its functions are doubled by those of the 8.3-inch tablet-like display perched on top of the dash.

Optionally, you can install a set of 10.1-inch tablets and also order an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The A4 could very well be the most modern and connected car in this segment, certainly above what the Jaguar XE offers.

Engine options start with a basic 1.4-liter turbo taking over the job of the old 1.8 and go up to the 3-liter single-turbo TDI with 272 PS. By the end of 2016, Audi will also offer the A4 Avant g-tron, powered by compressed natural gas.

This will pack a 2.0 TFSI engine developing 170 PS (125 kW) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), which can consume less than 4 kg of fuel per 100 kilometers.

Here is the complete range of engines available at launch:

• 1.4 TFSI with 150 PS (110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
• 2.0 TFSI with 190 PS (140 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
• 2.0 TFSI with 252 PS (185 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft)
• 2.0 TDI with 150 PS (110 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
• 2.0 TDI with 190 PS (140 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
• 3.0 TDI with 218 PS (160 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
• 3.0 TDI with 272 PS (200 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft)

The really interesting bits…

The new A4 Avant gives us the impression of being a baby A6. For the top-spec 3-liter with 272 PS, you will be able to order a sports rear differential, which was not available before. The 2016 A4 can also have suspension with variable shock absorbers installed. In this case, the car body is 10 millimeters (0.4 in) lower than with a normal suspension in the comfort setting and 23 millimeters (0.9 in) lower in the sports setting.

Another thing we like is that the CVT automatics are all gone, replaced by a twin-clutch 7-speed or the 8-speed auto made by ZF on top-spec V6 models.