The fourth generation of the mid-range Audi A4 is known as the B8 (Type 8K). The A4 (8K) Limousine had its official show debut at the 2007 International Auto Show. [3] He received a notchback sedan first in December 2007. The station wagon model (Avant) was formally unveiled on the Internet at the end of February 2008 and made public in March at the Geneva Motor Show [4]. The Audi A5build and all upcoming products in the Volkswagen Group with longitudinal engines will be based on the new platform idea known as the “modular longitudinal construction kit,” which is the foundation for the B8.
The A5 Cabrio took over this place in early 2009, therefore an open A4 was no longer available.
The A4 series underwent a makeover in November 2011 that includes both a technological and an aesthetic update. [5]
Five production facilities produced the B8 series. Only the sedan was constructed in Neckarsulm, with the Avant, S/RS, and Allroad variants being assembled at the Audi plant in Ingolstadt. CKD kits for the A4 sedan from Neckarsulm were assembled and delivered on the grounds of a Koda plant in Aurangabad, India. For the Chinese market, FAW-Volkswagen in Changchun, China, developed the long version of the A4L sedan. [6] Garuda Mataram Motor sold pre-assembled kits of the A4 sedan as of 2011 in Jakarta (Indonesia). [7]
In This Article...
B5 (1996-2001)
Due to a negative brand reputation and an outdated product selection, the first-generation Audi A4 was created. Although A4 production started in 1994, the car wouldn’t reach the United States until the 1996 model year. The A4 signified a complete redesign of the brand’s compact luxury sedan from the previous Audi 80. The first-generation Audi A4, which was built on the Volkswagen B5 chassis, came standard with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, with a 2.8-liter V-6 and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system available as upgrades. Standard transmissions included a five-speed manual and a Tiptronic manual-shiftable automatic based on Porsche technology. A minor visual update arrived in 1999, along with a new 2.8-liter V-6 engine with 30 valves and more power than the 1.8T basic engine. The 30-valve, 2.8-liter V-6 twin-turbocharged S4 performance model with a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive was available in the United States. It produced 250 horsepower. A wagon, known as the Avant, was additionally offered in addition to the sedan body style. This first-generation A4 was successfully sold in the United States through the 2001 model year, effectively helping to rebuild the Audi brand in the region.
B6 (2002-2004)
On the new lighter, stronger, and bigger B6 platform, the second-generation Audi A4 made its debut in the United States for the 2002 model year. On most models, a manual transmission remained the default setting, while the preceding Tiptronic automatic was swapped out for a CVT transmission. There were sedan, wagon, and two-door cabriolet body types in addition to front- or Quattro all-wheel drive. The 1.8-liter turbo-four remained the base engine, but the 2.8-liter V-6 was swapped out for a 3.0-liter engine with 220 horsepower. From 2003 on, a new 4.2-liter V-8 engine with 339 horsepower was added to the S4 performance sedan.
B7 (2005-2008)
Despite the fact that the B7 designation was given to the third generation, this model is more of a thorough update than a completely new one. Finally, the 1.8-liter turbo-four was replaced with a brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower, direct fuel injection, and a four-valve head in place of the prior five-valve head. The original five-speed manual transmission was replaced by a six-speed standard across the board, and the 3.0-liter V-6 was swapped out for a 3.2-liter model that also featured direct injection for the first time. While the CVT persisted in 2.0-liter vehicles, those choosing a self-shifting transmission with the new V-6 engine were given the option of a new conventional six-speed Tiptronic automatic. For the first time in this series, comforts like Bluetooth compatibility and a full-color navigation system were available, although the S5 kept on with its 4.2-liter V-8 and Quattro all-wheel drive.
B8 (2009-2016)
Audi’s flagship sedan, the A4, once again grew in size with a new Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform shared with the A5 model for the 2009 model year in the U.S. (one year later than the European market). The new A4 was noticeably bigger than the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class it competed against, measuring five inches longer, two inches wider, and with a wheelbase that was six inches longer. A new 3.2-liter V-6 engine with 265 horsepower was the only option at launch, and sedan, wagon, and convertible models were still on the order list. An revised 2.0-liter turbo-four with new “valvelift” technology would soon come after it, boosting output to 211 horsepower and, more importantly, torque to 258 lb-ft. The optional Audi Driving Select, which offers several drive and suspension settings, and the Audi MMI display interface were at this point settling into their groove as in-car luxuries and infotainment systems. A new eight-speed automatic transmission was added to the Quattro variants in 2011, replacing the six-speed manual and CVT in front-drive cars. A mid-cycle revamp in 2013 included more aggressive exterior styling in line with A5 revisions and debuted electric power steering assistance. By that time, the 4.2-liter V-8 in the S4 had been replaced with a 3.0-liter V-6 that was supercharged and produced 333 horsepower. A seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission was an optional addition.
B9 (2017-present)
The new Audi A4 B9 model was the company’s major announcement for the year. With innovative aluminum brake and suspension components, a five-link front and rear design, and other features, Audi stated that 90% of the new A4 is actually brand-new. The B9 A4 was introduced in the US with two new engines: a 188-horsepower TDI turbodiesel four and a new 248-horsepower TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder. While the car is slightly larger than its predecessor, the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission is now standard, and the use of lightweight materials has reduced weight by roughly 100 pounds. Although updated with the new “Virtual Cockpit” architecture, MMI infotainment is still available. Do you want a wagon version? The Audi A4 Allroad, which has an increased body height and Quattro all-wheel drive, was introduced for the 2018 model year; the conventional Avant and cabriolet are no longer offered for the American market. The new S4 debuted in 2018 as well, replacing the old supercharged component with a 3.0-liter V-6 that is turbocharged and produces 349 horsepower. Unfortunately, the S4 no longer has a manual transmission option and instead comes standard with an eight-speed automatic. The A4 lineup received a facelift for the 2020 model year, but the fundamental powertrains remained the same.
Audi A4 Highlights
While the S4 has never been a weakling in any of its versions over the years, just one A4-related model has attracted enthusiasts’ attention: the RS4. The A4’s sportiest variations, known by the initials RSfor Renn Sportwere these vehicles; sadly, many of themlike the original B5 RS4 Avantwere never offered for sale in the United States. In both sedan and cabriolet body types, the RS4 made its debut in America as a B7 in 2006 and was equipped with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission and an altered version of Audi’s 4.2-liter V-8 engine producing 414 horsepower with an 8,000 rpm redline. Sadly, it was scrapped shortly after, and despite the fact that Audi presently sells the RS4 Avant in other countries, there are no plans to bring the vehicle to the power-hungry American market.
Audi A4 Buying Tips
When purchasing a used Audi A4, there are often a ton of things that might go wrong because they are high-end vehicles with lots of technology and luxury features. For this reason, we advise purchasing any used A4 from a dealership’s certified pre-owned program with a warranty unless you are mechanically adept or have a sizable budget for repairs. If a B5 S4 or B7 RS4 was very well-kept, we might make an exception, but again, make sure your repairs fund is well-stocked. There aren’t many fixes that will get you out the door of your neighborhood service center for less than $400.
What does the B in Audi A4 stand for?
The Audi A4 is a line of small executive automobiles manufactured by the German automaker Audi, a division of the Volkswagen Group, since 1994.
The Volkswagen Group B platform serves as the foundation for the five models of the A4. The Audi 80 was followed by the first-generation A4. The A4 is treated as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage according to the automaker’s internal numbering, which assigns the initial A4 to the B5-series, which is then followed by the B6, B7, B8, and B9. The Volkswagen Group MLB platform, which is used by a number of vehicles and brands across the Volkswagen Group, is the foundation for the A4’s B8 and B9 versions.
What distinguishes the Audi B8 from the B8 5?
2009 saw the introduction of the Audi B8 A4, which was produced until 2012 before being replaced by the B8.5 A4.
Let’s first examine the distinction between the B8 A4 and S4. Here, you can observe the minor difference between the lower grille on the S4 and the A4, with the latter having ‘fins’ that extend onto the bumper.
Look at the B8.5, A4, and S4 now. The bottom fog light grills have undergone a much more subtle alteration. The ‘bend’ in the strip that runs horizontally over the fog light grill is different since it is not straight. And in the bottom image, we can see the B8.5 Audi’s alternate grille option, which is totally mesh rather than having horizontal slats.
The front end of the B8.5 models has been entirely overhauled, adding new headlights, grille, fog lights, a new bumper, hood, and fenders.
Please be aware that without a complete front-end switch, the parts of the B8 and B8.5 front ends are not interchangeable.
The B8.5 also has electromechanical steering in addition to a redesigned, lighter center differential with crown gears. The B8 features hydraulic steering, however.
Last but not least, the B8.5 gets a small modification of a number of interior components, including the climatronic and plastic dash surround.
The B8 Audi A4 is dependable.
The B8 replaced the B7 in model year 2008 A4s, and it remained in production until model year 2016. The B8 A4 was available in three body styles: sedan, avant/wagon, and allroad quattro (4-wheel drive). An additional A4L variant was also available for the Chinese market. The B8 underwent a facelift in 2012 that involved redesigning a number of its outward and interior aspects.
The 2.0L TFSI and 1.8L TFSI for the non-diesel models, and the 2.0L TDI for the diesel ones, were the main engines utilized in the A4 B8.
The Audi A4 B8 is an exceptionally dependable car all around. However, these cars frequently have both engine-related and non-engine-related issues.
What is an A4 B9 Audi?
Audi’s A4 B9 (model 8W) falls under the category of entry-level luxury/compact executive vehicles. represents the market sector “D (large automobiles)”. Since 2015, the vehicle is available in 4-door sedan and station wagon body configurations. 2018 and 2019 saw a significant “face lift” during a model run.
Which Audi A4 is the best to purchase?
The Audi A4 is a line of car models produced by Audi, which is today a division of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 series, which has five iterations and is built on Volkswagen’s “Group B” architecture, is only a continuation of the vehicle formerly known as the Audi 80. The B5 series, originally known as the A4, later went by the names B6, B7, B8, and B9. The Volkswagen Group, along with some Porsche vehicles, constructed the B8 and B9 variants on the “MLB Platform”.
The first A4 was produced in 1994 and had a front-engine layout with a transaxle positioned at the rear. There were some that were only front-wheel-drive, but there were also some that had the Audi-exclusive Quattro all-wheel-drive technology. Initially offered as a sedan or station wagon, the second and third editions added a convertible model (B6 and B7). The fourth generation, or B8, was actually more of an A5 series variant than an A4 one. The vehicles were then classified as Executive Sedans once more, just like they were in the original generation.
So there you have it, a little history for all of you Audi aficionados. Maybe you currently drive an A4 or you’re thinking about getting one. Whatever your circumstance, we believed the following could be useful. The top ten A4 models ever released are shown below. They are listed from least to greatest in descending order. Although there are undoubtedly other variations and model years, these are regarded as the top ten. So settle in, take notes if necessary, and get ready to learn. The Top Ten Audi A4 Models Ever:
All Audi A4s have turbo, right?
All A4 models (except from the S4) are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, which sends power to Audi’s Quattro AWD system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This engine now has 13 more horsepower and a 12 volt mild hybrid electrical system for 2021.
What variations of the Audi A4 are there?
AUDI A4
- Audi A4 30 TDI 6MT diesel engines (122 HP) A4 30 TDI 7AT by Audi (136 HP) A4 35 TDI S tronic 7AT by AUDI (163 HP) A4 40 TDI quattro Stronic 7AT by AUDI (190 HP) A4 45 TDI quattro tiptronic 8AT by Audi (231 HP) A4 50 TDI V6 quattro 8AT by Audi (286 HP)
- petrol engines:
- mild hybrid powertrains
The Audi A4 B8 and B9 what?
The new Audi A4 has lost weight, and the significant alterations have taken place beneath the surface. The B9 generation is about 120 kg lighter and more aerodynamic than its B8 predecessor because to its lightweight design. In turn, this promotes fuel consumption. The latest model is bigger both inside and out and feels more upscale despite the crash diet. Despite the fact that the B9 is 25 mm longer and 16 mm broader than the B8, those differences matter.
The A4 is incredibly smooth to drive because to extensive work on NVH suppression and suspension refinement. The Audi’s dynamic reactions have been improved as a result of the addition of an electronic front differential and minor modifications to the steering setup. An adaptable suspension might be an advantageous option, depending on the model you choose.