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2017 Audi A4 Gets a Facelift with Q7 Grille Infusion

The Q7 was the first all-new Audi model of this generation. Although it was harshly criticized for the way it looked, we think everybody agrees that it's found the Goldilocks setting for family-friendly SUV designs with a premium twist.
2017 Audi A4 Gets a Facelift With Q7 Grille Infusion 3 photos
Photo: RM Design
2017 Audi A4 Gets a Facelift With Q7 Grille Infusion2017 Audi A4 Gets a Facelift With Q7 Grille Infusion
Even though the new head of the company's design division said Audis would stop looking the same, the Q3 quickly receives a mid-life update that gives it the same grille design, connected at the top to the headlights. This shield-like fashion statement has so far not been used on any other vehicle, but we suspect the 2017 will also have it.

Everybody expected the A4 to have the same face as its SUV distant cousin. But it doesn't. Instead, it has a classic single frame grille with small bezels. So, have you ever wondered what it would look like with a Q7 infusion? So have I. That's why I was excited to see this cool rendering made by Remco M.

Usually, he creates stuff that comes close to the production model. However, the A4 mid-life facelift won't happen for another three or four years. Not even Marc Lichte knows what it will look like.

But I doubt people will mind an A4 with this front end. It's certainly more distinctive and makes perfect sense. The 3D grille resembles the one the French DS brand now uses. The bumpers have also been subtly enhanced by adding sharper lines, something we've seen on the Prologue concept.

Around the rear, the designer chose to update the taillights. His vision includes OLED technology to be used, something Audi, BMW and Mercedes should introduce within a few years. Organic LEDs use less energy, don't blind other drivers, and can be switched on and off faster.

For now, Audi is busy preparing the Q5 and A5 models. After that, they will have to make a new A1 and jointly develop the A6/A7/A8 using autonomous tech. They have more important things to develop than a grille.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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.
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