#NAIAS: At Only $37,300 Is The 2017 A4 Going To Be The Best Kept Secret In The Segment?

#NAIAS: At Only $37,300 Is The 2017 A4 Going To Be The Best Kept Secret In The Segment?
From the redeveloped engine to the available Audi virtual cockpit, technological innovations found throughout the 2017 Audi A4 provided inspiration for the precise and striking design details of the all-new sedan. The exterior has been redesigned to feature sportier proportions including a horizontal, contoured Singleframe® grille, powerful wheel arches and a crisp wrap-around shoulder line which flows seamlessly from the hood to the rear of the vehicle. The interior has a greater feeling of spaciousness and lightness due to a three-dimensional decorative inlay that spans from the door panels across the dashboard. Featuring a completely redeveloped powertrain, the 2.0 TFSI® engine can generate 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A significant weight savings was achieved through the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction. The A4 also features a suite of advanced infotainment functions including the available Audi virtual cockpit and a newly designed infotainment system with standard Audi smartphone integration, which supports Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto. An available 19 speaker, 755 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System virtually creates a sense of sound dimensionality offering a revolutionary, life-like musical experience. With exceptional attention to detail, dynamic handling, sharpened design and the latest technologies, the ninth generation A4 sets a new standard in the luxury sedan segment.

Powertrain and Performance

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

HORSEPOWER

TORQUE

A4 2.0 TFSI® FWD

2.0 TFSI

Seven-speed FWD S tronic®

252 hp @ 5,600-6,000 rpm

273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm

A4 2.0 TFSI quattro®

2.0 TFSI

Seven-speed quattro S tronic®

252 hp @ 5,600-6,000 rpm

273 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm

Chassis and Suspension
The powertrain and chassis of the all-new A4 have been completely redeveloped, allowing for a sportier driving experience and more comfortable ride for long distances. The newly developed S tronic® dual clutch transmission melds efficiency with dynamic shifting characteristics to help optimize fuel consumption. New front five-link suspension allows for greater steering precision and excellent handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers. Handling and comfort enhancements have also improved through the reduced unsprung weight of lightweight aluminum control-arm components and revised elastokinematic attributes.

Chassis and suspension features include
 

  • New generation of the seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission for both the front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive vehicles
  • Available quattro all-wheel drive with self-locking center differential and wheel-selective torque control (torque vectoring
  • Standard Audi drive select including four modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual which allows the driver to change gear shift points, steering, damper control and adaptive cruise control adjustments
  • Available sport suspension lowers ride height by approximately 23 mm
  • Available adaptive damping suspension (-10 mm ride height) enables various suspension and damping combinations which are adjustable via Audi drive select
     

Design and Body
The all-new A4 represents the latest refinements in Audi design, from the crisp, wrap-around lines emphasizing the vehicle’s length to the powerful wheel arches that accentuate the vehicle’s performance appeal. The front of the A4 boasts the signature Singleframe® grille which adds depth and sporty character and a newly designed clam-shell hood which flows seamlessly into the shoulder line, giving the A4 a dynamic stance. The available Audi LED headlights with progressive undercut design provide a focused look and give the A4 an unmistakable appearance. With the introduction of LED technology on the Audi R8 and A8, which was then brought to the mass market on the A4, LED headlights are an Audi signature and have become an industry standard.

Design and body highlights include:

  • Singleframe® grille with Aluminum-optic surround
  • Standard Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, or optional LED headlights
  • Standard power-adjustable and heated exterior side mirrors
  • Standard 17” 5-parallel spoke design wheels with all-season tires, optional 18” 5-spoke dynamic design wheels with all-season tires or optional 19” Audi
  • Sport 10-V spoke design wheels with summer tires
  • Available special First Edition package includes front sport seats with seat ventilation, aluminum Trimarin inlays, three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom sport steering wheel and 18” Audi Sport® 5-arm pylon design Black/Silver-finish wheels with all-season tires
     

Interior
The refined interior of the A4, reminiscent of the award-winning interior in Audi’s flagship sedan, the A8, includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver-focused technologies. The acoustic windshield was designed to help keep cabin-noise to an exceptionally low level and standard ambient LED interior lighting creates a positive sense of space and highlights the high-quality materials throughout the interior. In addition, the all-new A4 features improved interior space with increased shoulder and head clearance for the driver and front-seat passenger as well as increased rear legroom.

Interior features include:

  • Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel
  • Standard ambient LED lighting
  • Standard three-zone automatic climate control with wing-design wrap-around dashboard and diffuser air vent helps recreate natural airflow
     
  • 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar support for driver
     
  • Standard power sunroof with tilt and sliding functionality
  • Split-folding rear seatback with 40/20/40 configuration including center armrest and cup holders
     

Technology
The Audi A4 offers benchmark infotainment features such as the available Audi virtual cockpit and for the first time, a full-color head-up display, both bring relevant driving information directly front and center for the driver.

Technology features include:

  • Available Audi virtual cockpit features a large, 12.3-inch display that delivers vibrant color at 60 frames per second with NVIDIA® quad core processing power. The virtual cockpit helps make viewing and navigating via the large Google Map images supported with 4G LTE (where available) easier on the drivers’ eyes. It also allows for a better view of the road ahead through full map display and a placement directly in front of the driver. A high mount 7-inch center MMI® display is standard or an available 8.3-inch with MMI Navigation Plus package.
  • Available full-color head-up display, projecting relevant driving information directly in the driver’s field of vision
  • The available Bang & Olufsen® 3D Advanced Sound System option creates a completely new in-car audio experience, specifics include:
    • 19 speakers, 755 watts
    • 16-channel Class D amplifier
    • Anodized aluminum speaker grille insert with “Dynamic Line” design
  • In addition to the traditional MMI® scroll wheel capabilities, the optional MMI all-in-touch (MMI® navigation plus package) features a completely redesigned menu structure and an all-new MMI search, which operates similar to an Internet search engine making text input simpler and quicker.
     

Audi connect
Audi connect packages together all applications that connect the A4 with the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure. New and improved functions include online traffic info, weather updates, fuel prices, Apple Siri® Eyes Free integration, internet radio streaming as well as picture navigation, read-aloud personalized news headlines and Twitter® alerts, among other features.

Supported by 4G LTE (where available), newly available in-car Audi connect infotainment, security and service features include:
 

  • Vehicle services such as vehicle status report, online roadside assistance and service interval notification
     
  • Automatic Crash Notification (SOS)
     
  • Manual Emergency Call (SOS)
  • Stolen Vehicle Locator
     

The Audi connect mobile application has also been updated to support new remote services designed for the US market which including Curfew, Speed, and Valet Alerts, remote lock and unlock capability and online car finder.

Driver Assistance:
The all-new A4 incorporates many driver assistance features that are designed to help drivers navigating the road and traffic while making their driving experience more enjoyable.

Driver assistance features:
 

  • In the case of an impending collision, Audi pre sense® basic can intervene to prepare the vehicle for impact. This process includes beginning to close the side windows and panoramic sunroof, pretensioning the front safety belts, and preparing the brake system for a quicker response during an unexpected or emergency maneuver.
  • Standard Audi pre sense city detects cornering and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and can initiate full braking when a potential collision is detected.
  • Available traffic sign recognition including vehicle speed warning detects speed limits and displays the information in the Audi virtual cockpit or driver information system. Additionally, the system evaluates various driving conditions, no passing zones and school and construction zones.
  • Audi pre sense rear (available on Premium Plus models and standard with Prestige trim) helps monitor the traffic following the vehicle and takes similar actions to Audi pre sense basic.
  • Vehicle exit assist (as part of Audi pre sense rear) can help prevent accidents with a side assist warning light, which blinks and notifies the driver when vehicles or cyclists are approaching from behind as the vehicle doors are opened.
  • Rear cross traffic alert (as part of Audi pre sense rear) supports the driver when reversing out of a perpendicular parking space. Indicator arrows in the MMI® display can inform the driver of approaching vehicles, and in critical situations, a warning tone and brake jolt can be applied, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle.
  • In the event that a sharp maneuver is needed to avoid a collision, collision avoidance assist supports the driver when turning into the adjacent lane.
  • Turn assist (as part of the Driver Assistance package) can detect the approach of oncoming traffic, when making a left-hand turn at an intersection (when the vehicle is stopped or under 7 mph and turn signal is activated).
  • Optional Adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist automatically maintains distance from the vehicle in front, including braking and accelerating to help maintain a set distance. Between 0-37 mph, traffic jam assist combines acceleration, braking and steering guidance, which can take the stress out of driving in congested traffic.
     

Pricing Detail
Model year 2017 A4 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
 

MODEL

PREMIUM

PREMIUM PLUS

PRESTIGE

A4 2.0 TFSI®

$37,300

$41,100

$45,900

A4 2.0 TFSI quattro®

$39,400

$43,200

$48,000

*Prices above exclude destination charge ($950), taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

The all-new entry A4 starts at $37,300* compared to $35,900 for the outgoing model. This ninth generation A4 is now equipped with significant powertrain improvements and an expanded list of standard equipment including keyless start/stop, rearview camera, Audi smartphone interface, LED interior lighting, digital 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi pre sense city.

For more information on the 2017 Audi A4, please visit www.audiusa.com.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Available on select models. Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.



cidflekkencidflekken - 1/8/2016 1:26:33 PM
+5 Boost
"Best kept secret" b/c of its completely anonymous styling?

Technologically and with regard to amenities, it may be hard to beat. And I'm sure it'll drive very well. But it will be very difficult for many to get past the styling and how much it has not changed and looks too much like the A3.


carsnyccarsnyc - 1/8/2016 3:28:53 PM
+2 Boost
I actually find it $3 / $4K too expensive already.




Car4life1Car4life1 - 1/8/2016 4:21:03 PM
+4 Boost
and with its dull design it will remain just that...a secret


poot66poot66 - 1/8/2016 5:01:09 PM
+1 Boost
I do to but people don't feel that way when they finance or lease.


TomMTomM - 1/8/2016 3:43:44 PM
+4 Boost
Now that the 3/C/a4 series are no longer the entry level - what is it going to take to sell these cars against the lower priced entries on the same selling floor. This class does not feature amazing styling - the AUDI especially - alreadly looks dated and much like every other Audi. They do not feature rear seat comfort - maybe they have a little more room than an A3 but with a tall driver the rear seats of all of these are pretty much luggage shelves. Yes they MAY offer substantially better performance than the lower cars (Depending of course on the model you choose) - but not at the base prices. Why buy an A4 when you can get an A3 for less - and they look the same.

The fact is - this class of car - because there are lower priced entries - is getting less and less compelling - so YES - the Audi may end up being a secret nobody hears about or buys.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/9/2016 4:25:47 PM
+3 Boost
The only brand that currently runs this real risk is Audi. For reasons I've stated previously, there are no real, tangible reasons to choose the A4 anymore now that a lower-cost, similarly accommodating, and similarly styled option exists.

Mercedes' approach is a bit different. Their "entry level" car is a niche product (coupe-like styling with coupe-like accommodations) that doesn't threaten to encroach on C-Class sales. In addition, Mercedes has taken the C up a level with its current model whereas the new A4, while an improvement on the old, doesn't take its profile up a notch.

BMW's take is a bit different with its (currently)2-door only 2 Series. I agree with your comment that the segment is getting less compelling and BMW has added to that perception with its 320i. Clearly, badge mongers are the only buyers of this car as it is a terrible ride, to be truthful (and the loaner I had for about a week outright died on me with only 11k miles on it). Personally, I'd easily look at a loaded Accord/Fusion/Optima/6 before ever considering getting this car. But they sell like mad. I hope Mercedes never sells a C180 here, or anything below the current C300. Same with Audi.


jeffgalljeffgall - 1/8/2016 7:16:35 PM
+1 Boost
Will there be a manual Quattro option?


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 1/8/2016 7:49:41 PM
+2 Boost
VW/Audi/Porsche = cheaters, so keep your secret, I don't care


MDarringerMDarringer - 1/8/2016 8:25:24 PM
+1 Boost
Factor in that a $5K retail reduction is par for the course with an Audi acquisition, and the price makes sense.


mre30mre30 - 1/8/2016 9:45:43 PM
+3 Boost
It should be rebadged as a VW and sold as a Jetta.


MorePowerMorePower - 1/9/2016 5:14:49 PM
+4 Boost
A4s were a better deal when you could get the 1.8l manual for $23,850 new. It was not a fast car, but it was one of the best looking.


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