The latest iteration of the new Audi A4, Audi has made the successful midsize model even sportier.
Its exterior is shaped by the brand’s new design language, while the large MMI touch display offers the kind of experience similar to smartphone. For Singapore, all variants now come with mild hybrid systems (MHEV) – delivering efficiency and comfort benefits.
Sporty exterior design
The midsize model looks dynamic and sophisticated thanks to the sportier design highlights. The Singleframe grille with its sculpted cross bars is now broader and flatter; horizontal lines emphasize the width at the front and rear, making it appear sporty and wide. The side view is defined by the distinctive muscles above the fenders and the lower set shoulder line in between.
The low roof line begins to fall away again at an early stage. With the Avant, which is fitted with roof rails as standard, the roof line tapers off into the flat D-pillars. The roof edge spoiler rests on triangular aero bezels at the side. With the Sedan, the broadened rear side window makes the cabin seem longer and the pillar more slender. The exterior mirrors are seated on the door rails like in a sports car.
At the rear, which also has a markedly three-dimensional design, a continuous chrome strip connects the lights. This emphasizes the impression of width. Two trapezoidal tailpipe trims that are embedded in the diffuser insert form the end of the exhaust system.
The interior design
The interior of the Audi A4 models feels large and generous and combines lightness and high tech features. On the wide, asymmetrical center console, a storage compartment occupies the position of the previous MMI control terminal, with the rotary control for the volume.
The interior design is focused on horizontal lines as well as the wide band of air vents and the large decorative surface on the instrument panel. At its center is the standard MMI touch display, the heart of the new operating system centered within the space. With a depth of only 13 millimeters, the display is extremely slender. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design and is equipped with multifunction buttons as well as shift paddles. Everything you need is within reach and easily accessible.
The new headlights design
LED headlights are standard in the Audi A4, featuring LED technology with additionally upgraded daytime running lights, a daytime running light signature, additional functions such as freeway and intelligent cornering lights and dynamic indicators in the rear lights. In the upper part of the headlights, one long and five short light lines make up the contour of the daytime running lights.
The rear lights of the Audi A4 are also equipped with LEDs as standard. With the first option, the customer receives the LED rear lights with a specific signature based on the motif of the daytime running lights, and dynamic indicators.
New MMI system connectivity
With its new MMI system, the highly connected Audi A4 offers a user experience similar to a smartphone. An MMI touch display with acoustic feedback takes over the functions of the previous rotary/pushbutton control on the center tunnel console. The display is used for controlling the infotainment and some comfort functions as well as for text input by means of handwriting recognition or a virtual keyboard.
The natural-language voice control, another function of the new system, understands many of the phrases used in everyday speech. This makes the car an intelligent travel companion. The Audi connect services emergency call and service come as standard along with features like online traffic and weather updates. The free myAudi app connects the customer’s smartphone seamlessly to the car enabling the driver to check on the status of the vehicle remotely.
With the MMI navigation plus, which is standard for Singapore, the voice control uses knowledge from the cloud in addition to the data stored on-board. The user can freely formulate a large number of commands or questions. The system asks questions, if necessary, allows corrections and additions and offers selection options. The user can switch between different menu areas within a dialog. For example, the user can call a contact from the phone book and then use the associated address as a navigation destination.
Infotainment and Audi connect
The navigation system in the Audi A4 is now even more versatile and user-friendly. The map uses a new texture and includes detailed 3D models of many large cities. When planning the route, the self-learning navigation system makes suggestions to the driver based on routes driven previously, incorporating experience regarding time of day and traffic density. The route is calculated online on servers in the backend, using real-time data for the overall traffic situation. If the data connection is lost while on the move, the navigation system switches to on-board route guidance, which runs along in the background.
The MMI plus also comes with the Audi connect services. This package also features the convenient remote services – these allow control certain functions to be controlled via the myAudi app using a smartphone. The customer can use the app to access the brand’s digital ecosystem and services such as myAudi navigation, which switches seamlessly from the smartphone to the car. The app also supports music streaming and transfers the smartphone calendar to the MMI.
With the Audi A4, it is not only the software that is diverse and attractive but also the range of hardware. The Audi music interface with USB and Bluetooth connection is part of the standard MMI radio. The Audi smartphone interface brings Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and thus the familiar smartphone environment into the vehicle. This feature is standard for Singapore.
Powerful Engine and Efficient Driving
Audi is offering the new A4 and A4 Avant with turbocharged engines in two output ratings in Singapore. Two engine variants – both 2.0 TFSI are available initially. Both feature a mild hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts to deliver even better real-world efficiency than before. In everyday operation, the MHEV system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers according to individual Audi measurements.
The two-liter gasoline engine exhibits many examples of technical finesse. In the versions with power outputs of 110 kW (150 metric hp) and 140 kW (190 metric hp), these include an additional intake manifold injection, which complements the FSI direct injection in part load operation and reduces particulate emissions. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) adjusts exhaust valve lift over two stages to optimize gas exchange. A compact rotary valve module for thermal management and the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head both make a contribution to efficiency. A gasoline particulate filter ensures a further significant reduction in emissions.
The TFSI variants that produce 110 kW (150 metric hp) and 140 kW (190 metric hp) utilize an additional technology that makes them particularly efficient. The B-cycle combustion process with a shortened compression stroke and a long power stroke has been specially designed for part load operation, by far the most common operating mode.
With a moderate style of driving, it allows drivers to experience the efficiency of a small displacement engine; while driving in a sporty style, on the other hand, they benefit from the dynamism and performance of a large engine.
The suspension
The balance of the suspension at the intersection point between sportiness and comfort is a great strength of the Audi A4. All engine variants combine great talents – from dynamic handling to a comfortable ride that already comes close to the level of higher vehicle class.
For engine variants with power outputs from 110 kW (150 metric hp), Audi provides dynamic steering as an option. This uses a superposition gear to vary its ratio by up to 100 percent, depending on the car’s speed and the mode selected in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Audi drive select allows the driver to determine which of up to five profiles – comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual – these systems should operate, via the MMI system. If necessary, it increases stability and driving safety further with lightning-fast automatic steering inputs.
The optional regulated CDC dampers (CDC = Continuous Damping Control) are managed via the electronic chassis platform. Designed as a central chassis control unit, it records a wealth of information about the setup of the car. Using this information about the driving situation, it can control the dampers with high precision and achieve a wide spectrum between dynamic handling and high ride comfort.
Tailor-made Power Transmission
S tronic, front-wheel and quattro drive – Audi has tailormade power transmission technology ready for every A4 engine variant.
The S tronic transmission is state-of-the-art. Their lower gears feature short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. The S tronic transmission is integrated into the engine’s thermal management. Drivers can choose between the modes D, S and E, or shift gears manually using the selector lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. Their commands are transmitted to the transmission electrically – by wire.
The seven-speed S tronic impresses with its high level of efficiency. Its two multiplate clutches are arranged axially one behind the other, which reduces drag torque. A centrifugal force pendulum on the two-mass flywheel enables very low operating speeds. The dual-clutch transmission is designed for efficiency-enhancing operation with the MHEV system – for coasting, freewheeling and extended start-stop function. The quattro drivetrain operates in conjunction with wheel-selective torque control, a software feature of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). During sporty driving, it perfects the handling by very gently braking the wheels on the inside of the curve, thus making the vehicle turn into the curve. The system also complements engine variants with front-wheel drive, although then it only acts on the front wheels.
Many of the wheels for the Audi A4 and A4 Avant are new to the range. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard for Singapore. Audi and Audi Sport offer a choice of wheels up to 19 inches in size.
The Audi A4 models are now available at Audi Centre Singapore with a starting recommended retail price of $182,540 inclusive of COE and VES.
• Newly showcased at the inaugural “Audi Live” virtual car launch, the updated Audi A4 is now available at Audi Centre Singapore, priced from $182,540 inclusive of COE and VES
LUXURY ASIA, PREMIUM TRAVEL, LIFESTYLE, TECH, WINE & DINE MAGAZINE 