The all-new Audi A4 doesn't look all that different on the outside. However, we can assure you that this is the most advanced model in the 20-year history of Ingolstadt compact executive saloons.
Today, we are going to take a look at the flagship of the range. Whether we are talking about the sedan or the Avant, the most powerful engine you can buy is a 3-liter TDI. This V6 only has one turbocharger, but it delivers 272 PS, the same output you get in the Q7.
Also like in the Q7, quattro all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox are part of the standard equipment list. That's a good combination if you ask us. As a bonus, this flagship A4 can also be equipped with a quattro limited slip rear differential mounted over the rear axle (available in early 2016).
While she doesn't sound all that sweet, the beast lugs its weight like you wouldn't believe. The next video shows an A4 Avant 3.0 TDI. When the driver mashes the accelerator pedal, 100 km/h (62 mph) is reached in 5.4 seconds, Audi says. Of course, that's only under ideal conditions, as this test shows it took 6.2 seconds. You need a warmed-up engine, hot tires and ideal traction conditions to match manufacturer claims. Still, it's not like the V6-powered A4 is slow.
According to Audi, the TDI engine isn't that thirsty either, drinking an average of 5.1 l/100km (46 mpg US). It seems a little hard to believe, considering that the minimum weight of 1,770km (3902 lbs) places this version of the A4 in the same league as mid-size SUVs.
Competition? While it's true that the C-Class isn't available with a 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine, we can't ignore how many other potent models you can buy: C400, C450, C63 and C63s. While Audi's S4 will arrive in 2016, the RS4 won't be ready anytime soon. In the Bavarian camp, we find the 330d with 258 hp. It's more than a match for the Audi A4, and it has a twin-turbo 335d big brother.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News