- Audi of America has confirmed the arrival next June of the revised S4 and A4 Allroad in U.S. showrooms, along with a face-lifted A4 sedan and wagon.
- The updated A4 and S4 are being unveiled this week in Germany.
- Audi is offering a wide variety of supercharged direct-injected gasoline and diesel engines in the European A4.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — The revised Audi S4 and new A4 Allroad Quattro will arrive in the U.S. next June, Audi of America confirmed to Inside Line, most likely as 2013 models.
The updated S4 sedan and wagon and A4 Allroad wagon were unveiled, along with the face-lifted A4 sedan and A4 Avant wagon, today in Germany.
In response to a query Wednesday from Inside Line, an Audi spokesperson said the A4 Allroad would be added to the U.S. lineup next June, joining the revised S4 and A4.
The German models get few visual changes — mostly modest revisions to bumpers, grilles and lamps — with some mild updates in trim and equipment inside the cabins. Exterior dimensions have barely changed. Audi says it is offering new wheels, new steering wheels, upgraded upholstery and a revised MMI nav system with four buttons instead of eight. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 19 inches. The newest piece of hardware is an electromechanical power steering unit.
In typical German fashion, the big news is under the hood, where Audi offers European A4 owners the choice of six TDI diesel and four FSI gasoline engines, all of them featuring supercharged direct injection with standard stop-start systems, and many with increased power and torque.
The most efficient power plant is the A4 2.0 TDI, which makes 136 horsepower and returns an average 56 mpg.
The most powerful engine, a 3.0 TFSI V6, is reserved for the S4, delivering 329 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque, with average fuel economy of 29 mpg. Acceleration from zero to 60 is accomplished in a brisk 5.0 seconds or less, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
The latest edition of the S4 in Europe gets revised headlamps, bumpers, air intakes and exterior colors, with modest interior updates. The car features Audi's S sport suspension and unique 18-inch wheels.
The A4 Allroad in Europe comes with an array of gasoline and diesel engines, as well as the choice of a standard six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission.
Inside Line says: Don't even bother trying to spot the visual changes.
Add A Comment »
nchousehunter says:
06:10 PM, 11/03/2011
By far, the best looking A4 EVER!
alex38 says:
04:59 AM, 11/01/2011
I think the cars look good overall, tho it's a bit of a shame they got rid of the LED setup in the front headlights from the current model... Still looks pretty slick, but i prefer the look of the current LEDs personally..
truecarfan says:
03:42 PM, 10/28/2011
bestjinjo - you made the same point I did... the legendary BMW steering and handling only exists on the RWD versions (but the 5 and 7 have gotten too heavy to benefit). The Xi versions are not as sharp or balanced.
I will say though that in 3 years there has been zero reliability issues... BUT it is very annoying to have to add oil as the system tells you. Only complaint I have... A good friend has an ML Mercedes SUV and they have the same issue... except their Benz is 8 cylinders and they have to add 2 quarts instead of 1 like the 4cyl. Audi...
bestjinjo says:
12:04 PM, 10/28/2011
morey000: "The article failed to mention if the new 2.0T engine will still burn through as much oil as the previous years'."
Mobil 1 5-Quarts is usually $27 or so at Walmart. Also, it about the same at Costco as they often have coupons (in fact right now it's on sale until Nov 6th). That should last you about 12 months. Oh no, $30 to top off oil on your $35-40k luxury sedan? Big deal.
panamera4,
I don't like the current 3 series design. It's from 2006 and it looks aged. I wouldn't call it "simplistic". It's rather outdated. I am glad the new 3 series did a complete revamp of the interior. You are probably in the far minority to think that the quality materials and design in the current 2006-2011 3 series are better than the A4 or C class. The C-class has nicely appointed chrome + wood trim and the gauges look far more luxurious. The gaps in the interior are tighter too. Sure the center console is hard plastic, but overall it's a decent interior. The A4 is even better imo. Look feel free to disagree but Audi is the benchmark for interior in this class.
Also, I am not sure where you got the idea that a 3 series has "world renounced steering" feel. Maybe the older models. I drove a 2006 M3. It had great steering feel. The more recent 2010 328xi, not so much. I did like the way that the steering felt much much tighter, but I couldn't "feel" what's happening on the road from the front tires. So it isn't as good as you make it out to be.
Also, I didn't deny that a 335 was a fun car to drive or even a 328 with a stick. Now try a 328xi with an automatic. Yawn. Not all 3 series are fun to drive. I am sure the new 3 series is better than the current A4, but remember that Audi and Benz will release brand new models within 2-3 years.
equ says:
10:46 AM, 10/28/2011
I'm at 2 years and 23k miles on my '10 a4 2.0T 6MT. I change oil every 5000 miles. I added half a quart during break-in. Have not used oil since. Get great mpg's and power. One of the best cars I have owned.
morey000 says:
09:31 AM, 10/28/2011
The article failed to mention if the new 2.0T engine will still burn through as much oil as the previous years'.
truecarfan says:
05:42 AM, 10/28/2011
vwestchester - I know the exact storm you're talking about... I actually live in the area (may get snow this weekend) - lol. Well just by your description I can tell you are a good driver. Most ppl aren't though... lol. My personal experiences have been different. But one thing - I'm not as daring as you. I would never drive any vehicle on summer tires in that type of weather... I wouldn't care what system it had or if there were 8 wheels - lol. I'm assuming you had no choice though.
truecarfan says:
05:38 AM, 10/28/2011
chente - newsflash - Audi makes many more cars than the A/Q3. Another newsflash - the Bentley Continental uses the platform from the VW Phaeton. Come again. No need to feel sorry for me.
truecarfan says:
05:36 AM, 10/28/2011
panamera 4 - yes you did imply that the 3 does everything best in class. I agree that a RWD 328 is more sporty than anything else in the class... but to live with everyday many ppl prefer other vehicles for many reasons.
I'll give an example - the tech package in the Acura TSX is better than the Germans in many ways. The Nav in this A4 features Google earth. I can't stand Lexus - but there interiors are also nicer than the BMW. Go check all the cars in the class... you expect me to write a book here on all the features?? Everything is "class competitive"... that is different than "best in class".
PS - are you really going to argue about "badge marketing"?? the S4 has the same suspension setup as an A4 is only slighty modified - just as the 335 is modified from the 328 for the increase in power. The A4 3.2??? Since when is a normally aspirated 6 a competitor for a turbo almost of the same displacement. The S4's engine is supercharged and the same displacement as the turbo 6 in the 335. I guess you don't understand the marketing. Audi's M competitor is the RS... Meaning the S4 competes with the 335. In the same way the S6 will be competing with the 550 (4l vs. 4.4 both turbos) and the RS competes with the M5. TTS competes with 6 cylinder Mercedes and BMW's... C'mon man you should know that by now.
sixwheeler says:
04:15 PM, 10/27/2011
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I'd see the day that someone as ugly as Ann Hathaway would become the new Marilyn Monroe. Perfect time for me to consider becoming gay. The fact that I drive a Miata means I'm already halfway there.