Having experienced the sedan version of the all-new Audi A4 earlier, we were eager to explore the more versatile variant – the 2016 Audi A4 Avant. As part of the B9 generation, the A4 Avant carries a significant legacy, and expectations are naturally high. At first glance, the exterior updates appear subtle, suggesting Audi’s preference for evolutionary rather than revolutionary design changes for the new A4 series. A closer inspection reveals a clear lineage to the previous generation, which isn’t necessarily a drawback.
Audi’s reputation is built upon technological innovation, reliability, and engineering excellence, encapsulated in their slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Advancement through Technology). The restrained exterior redesign might indicate a strategic decision to concentrate on enhancing the car’s technical aspects.
Looking closer at the 2016 Audi A4 Avant, the pronounced shoulder line along the vehicle’s side profile contributes to a more streamlined aesthetic compared to the bulkier design of its predecessor. The front and rear lights have been refined, incorporating contemporary LED technology that accentuates the Avant’s sleeker silhouette. Another noteworthy modification is the polished aluminum grille, lending the car a touch more aggression.
Stepping inside the 2016 Audi A4 Avant reveals an interior that is both minimalist and sophisticated, unmistakably Audi in its design language. Premium materials are used throughout the dashboard and cabin, reflecting a commitment to quality. The seats are not only visually appealing but also offer excellent comfort and electric adjustability. The experience is further enhanced by the virtual cockpit, which springs to life along with the engine at the touch of the start button.
The acclaimed virtual cockpit remains a standout feature, presenting essential driving information in a clear and visually appealing manner. The optional ‘driver info system’ provides further customization, allowing drivers to adjust the size of the speedometer and tachometer, and display preferred functions like a 3D navigation map directly within the instrument cluster.
Complementing the Audi virtual cockpit is an 8.3-inch LCD screen integrated into the center of the dashboard. This screen is controlled via the rotary knob on the center console and offers a range of functionalities, especially when equipped with the optional driver info system package. A particularly innovative feature is the touch-sensitive surface on the center console knob, which allows users to handwrite inputs for functions like navigation destinations, enhancing safety by minimizing distraction.
Voice command functionality provides another safe method for interacting with the system. Beyond its advanced infotainment, the 2016 Audi A4 Avant offers seamless connectivity with mobile devices, including optional Apple CarPlay for iPhone users. For audiophiles, the Bang & Olufsen high-fidelity sound system represents a top-tier audio experience. The interior layout is characterized by its clean and functional design, with most infotainment features accessible through the steering wheel controls and the center console knob, minimizing clutter and maximizing usability, aside from a few practical preset buttons on the center console.
The 2016 Audi A4 Avant shares its engine lineup with the A4 sedan, featuring a selection of three TFSI petrol and four TDI diesel engines. Currently, the most powerful options are the 3.0-liter TDI Quattro producing 272 PS and the 2.0-liter TFSI Quattro delivering 252 PS. Audi has successfully achieved both improved fuel efficiency and increased engine output across the range.
Audi continues to impress with the breadth of engine choices available to customers. The 2.0-liter TFSI engine, for instance, impressively extracts 252 horsepower from just four cylinders. A six-speed manual transmission is offered on most petrol and diesel models, excluding the 3.0 TDI. For those preferring automatic transmissions, Audi offers the 7-speed S-tronic and the 8-speed Tiptronic on higher-spec models of the 2016 Audi A4 Avant.
The primary distinction between the A4 Avant and the A4 sedan lies in practicality and rear design. While the standard boot space is only marginally larger in the Avant – offering an additional 25 liters – the difference becomes significant when the rear seats are folded down. With the rear seats fully folded, the 2016 Audi A4 Avant provides a substantial 1,510 liters of cargo capacity, tripling the space available with the seats upright.
Rear passengers in the A4 Avant also benefit from increased legroom, gaining an extra 23 millimeters compared to the previous generation A4 Avant. Ultimately, choosing between the A4 Avant and the A4 sedan hinges on whether the need for extra space outweighs other considerations.
During a test drive of the 2016 Audi A4 Avant in the hilly and winding roads of Southern France, the driving dynamics proved remarkably similar to the A4 sedan, despite minor variations in length and weight. The A4 Avant demonstrates surprising agility, even exhibiting a playful character, which is somewhat unexpected given criticisms of previous A4 generations for lacking driving engagement.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the dynamic steering option, the same system found in the new Audi R8. While an additional expense, dynamic steering significantly elevates the driving experience of the 2016 Audi A4 Avant.
The 3.0 TDI Quattro engine, with its robust 600 Nm of torque, particularly impressed. It’s a welcome powerhouse in an engine lineup largely composed of four-cylinder units. All tested engines, including the four-cylinder options, navigated the steep Provencal hills with ease. The cabin remains quiet, and the engine always feels like it has reserves of power, which is confirmed by the performance figures.
Beyond steering improvements, the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox in the latest A4 Avant generation feels more refined, especially in manual mode where gear changes are rapid and smooth. In standard automatic mode, upshifts can feel marginally slower than ideal, depending on speed and driving mode. However, this is a minor point, as the enhanced S-tronic gearbox performs admirably in manual and sport modes.
Recommended Options for your 2016 Audi A4 Avant
Audi’s advancements in safety and progress towards autonomous driving are noteworthy. High-tech assistance systems, typically found in Audi’s higher-end models, are available as options on the A4, potentially making it the most comprehensively equipped car in its class. Features like active lane assist, front camera and satellite-based assistance, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, all-around sensor technology, and automatic park assist highlight the advanced capabilities of the 2016 Audi A4 Avant. Based on our driving experience, we recommend considering the following options:
Audi Virtual Cockpit: Arguably the most advanced driver instrument display currently available.
Driver Info System: Essential to fully utilize the Audi Virtual Cockpit, this option adds internet connectivity and Google Maps-based navigation, among other features.
Dynamic Steering: A key feature enhancing driving pleasure in the new Audi A4.
Assistance Package Park and City: Encompasses features that significantly improve driving comfort and showcase Audi’s latest autonomous driving technology.
Bang & Olufsen Sound System: A must-have for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality.
For a sportier feel, consider the sport chassis, dynamic damping suspension, and aesthetic enhancements like 19-inch wheels and an S-line interior. Enthusiasts seeking even greater performance should anticipate the arrival of the S4 and RS4 models in the near future.
The 2016 Audi A4 Avant starts at €32,000 in Europe, with a vast array of customization options that impact the final price. The test vehicles we drove approached €70,000, illustrating the extensive personalization available with the new A4 Avant. This broad appeal, from basic configurations to fully loaded models, likely explains the A4’s market success.
The new 2016 Audi A4 Avant represents a significant advancement in driving dynamics. It offers a more engaging driving experience than its predecessor, while maintaining Audi’s high standards in technical innovation and engine performance. The Audi A4’s recent market success is understandable, and the new 2016 Audi A4 Avant is poised to further solidify its position.
