The 2017 Audi A4 Debuts With a New Look and a More-Potent Engine

2017 Audi A4 (Credit: © Audi)

The Audi A4 was one of the remaining vehicles in the German automaker’s lineup that still ran with the old design language. Well, this all comes to an end now, as Audi has previewed the redesigned A4 ahead of its 2016 Detroit Auto Show debut. Along with this new look comes a slew of other upgraded bits, including its cabin and powertrain.

The body, of course, takes on the same design language as the rest of the recently redesigned Audis. It is an evolution of the last body style that gives the sedan a sharper and more modern look. Fortunately, like the last design language, this look should be almost ageless. Standard exterior features include xenon plus headlights with LED running lights, Audi’s Singleframe grille with an aluminum surround, heated mirrors, and 17-inch five-spoke wheels.

2017 Audi A4 (Credit: © Audi)

Inside the cabin, the A4 takes on many styling cues from the flagship A8, making it look and feel more premium than its price tag implies. Audi worked especially hard at reducing cabin noise by way of an acoustic windshield. The standard features inside the A4 include a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting, three-zone auto climate control, leather seating, a 10-speaker audio system, a 7-inch center-mounted MMI screen, and a power sunroof. Buyers can up the luxury via an optional 19-speaker sound system, the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and more.

The under-the-metal bits have undergone some serious changes for 2016 as well. For the new model year, the only engine available in the A4 is the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder. For 2016, Audi tweaked it to deliver a class-leading 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque – boosts of 32 horses and 15 pound-feet of torque. As standard, power goes to the front wheels, but quattro all-wheel drive is available. This engine pairs with a standard new-generation S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

2017 Audi A4 (Credit: © Audi)

This powertrain delivers a 6.1-second sprint to 60 mph with front-wheel drive and a top speed of 130 mph. Front-wheel-drive fuel economy rings in at 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Handling is the duty of a revised five-link suspension up front and an optimized steering rack. Other changes include the reduction of unsprung weigh by adding in aluminum control arm components. Drivers can select from four driving modes – comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual – which adjust the shift pattern and suspension stiffness as needed. An available sport suspension adds to the capabilities of the A4 by lowering it 23 mm (0.91 inches).

The 2016 A4 will hit showrooms in the spring of 2016 at a starting price of $37,300 for the Premium trim with front-wheel drive. The other front-wheel-drive prices come in at $41,100 for the Premium Plus and $45,900 for the Prestige. Quattro all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to all three trims.