Audi A4 Avant spied in Europe

The estate version of the next-generation Audi A4 saloon has been spotted undergoing trials in Europe. While the new A4 will go on sale later this year, the new A4 Avant will be unveiled no sooner than the first half of next year as a 2017 model.

Aesthetically, the A4 Avant will draw inspiration from the Prologue Allroad concept. The front is dominated by a wide single grille, flanked by narrow headlamps. Like the saloon, the A4 Avant will be based on Volkswagen Group’s versatile MLB Evo platform. This platform uses aluminium high-strength steel to improve the chassis’ stiffness, while keeping the overall weight low. While the entry-level variants will be front-wheel-drive, the Quattro all-wheel-drive system will be offered in the high-end variants. We can expect the powertrain options to be carried over from the A4 saloon.

Globally, the A4 Avant competes with other premium estates like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate. Going by Audi’s aggressive expansion in India, it won’t be erroneous to assume that Audi might launch the A4 Avant in India, sometime in the distant future. As of now, the only Avant from Audi’s range which is sold here (the RS6 Avant) retails at Rs 1.35 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).