2016 Audi A4 spied testing

The outgoing Audi A4 (B8) is getting a little long in the tooth and will be replaced by a new model (B9), expected to be launched this year. Meanwhile our spies got us pictures of the car testing in Europe. 

A close look at the spy picture reveals that the size of the car is pretty similar to the outgoing model. However, the roofline seems to be more coupe-like and an educated guess is that the rear track is wider. 

The 2016 A4 will be underpinned by Audi’s second MLB (modular longitudinal) platform, which will eventually form the base for most of its models. The A4 is bound to benefit from this platform with the first casualty being weight, and it might shed at least 100 kg over the outgoing model. 

The new chassis has been designed keeping in mind alternative drivetrains. While a plug-in hybrid variant will be available there are chances that an all-electric version might come up according to rumours. 

There is no news on inclusion of new engines and we expect it to get the same range of petrol and diesel engines. There will be a choice of six-speed, and eight-speed transmission and also a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. 

Audi might introduce the A4 within six months from the date of its global launch. Audi has been struggling to sell the A4 in India and would expect the new model to give them some numbers. It will compete with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and the upcoming Jaguar XE in India.