Description and history of car models Audi A4

The Audi A4 is a line of compact executive cars produced since late 1994 by the German automaker Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. This car is the successor Audi 80, the production of which ended in 1996.

The A4 has undergone five generations of modifications and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The automaker's internal numbering considers the A4 a continuation of the Audi 80 line—the initial A4 is designated the B5 series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and B9. The B8 and B9 series are built on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, shared by many other Audi models.

The A4 body is produced as a sedan and station wagon. The second (B6) and third (B7) generations of the A4 had a convertible body, but then, starting with the fourth generation (B8), it became a separate model called the Audi A5. There is a sports version of the A4 called the Audi S4.

The development of the car began back in 1988, and the first design sketches were created at the end of that year. By 1991, the exterior design had been chosen and frozen until production in 1994. Interior design was completed in 1992, and experimental production began in the first half of 1994. Development was completed in the third quarter of 1994.

The car's closest competitors are BMW 3 Series, Volkswagen Passat, Kia Optima, Infiniti G, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Opel Insignia, Peugeot 408, Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Mercedes C-Class, Nissan Teana, Renault Laguna, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy and Skoda Superb.

Audi B5 (1994–2001)

The first generation of Audi A4 (Typ 8D) debuted in October 1994, production began in November 1994, and European sales began in January 1995. Sales in North America began later in September 1995. The car is built on the Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45) platform, which is based on Volkswagen Passat fifth generation. Two body types were produced: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon (Avant).

During its seven-year production run, minor changes were constantly made to the car. A significant overhaul took place in 1997. Some engines were updated and a six-speed manual transmission was added. Another facelift followed in 1999. The changes were mostly cosmetic, but affected almost all exterior elements.

The choice of engines is very large. Petrol 4-cylinder engines with a volume of 1.6 to 1.8 liters and a power of 101 to 180 hp, 6-cylinder V-shaped engines with a volume of 2.4 to 2.8 liters and a power of 150 to 381 hp. Diesel 4-cylinder engines with a volume of 1.9 liters and a power of 75 to 115 hp, 6-cylinder V-shaped 2.5-liter engine with a power of 150 hp.

There is also a wide choice of transmissions: 5- or 6-speed manual, 4- or 5-speed automatic. Audi also announced a new automatic transmission, "Tiptronic." The transmission is a conventional automatic with a torque converter, allowing for fully automatic operation or manual gear selection.

Audi B6 (2000–2006)

Next Audi A4 (Typ 8E) debuted on October 10, 2000. The basis was now the Volkswagen Group B6 (PL46) platform. The car's new styling was developed under the direction of German automotive designer Peter Schreyer between 1996 and 1998, inspired by the design for the second generation Audi A6 (C5), introduced in 1997.



The body was available in three versions: a 4-door sedan, a 5-door station wagon, and a 2-door convertible. The Avant (estate) was unveiled in June 2001 and arrived in European showrooms in September 2001.

A choice of engines to suit even the most discerning taste. Petrol - 4-cylinder with a volume of 1.6 to 2.0 liters and a power of 101 to 187 hp, 6-cylinder V-shaped with a volume of 2.4 liters (168 hp) and 3.0 liters (217 hp). Diesel - 1.9 liters (l4, 99-128 hp) and 2.5 liters (V6, 153-178).

There are four transmission options: a 5- or 6-speed manual or a 5- or 6-speed automatic. Audi introduced a continuously variable transmission developed by LuK called "Multitronic", which replaced the outdated conventional automatic transmission on front-wheel drive models. However, there have been complaints from consumers around the world that the box is prone to electronic failures and also has mechanical problems.

Audi B7 (2004–2008)

Audi introduced the new generation of the A4 in late 2004, internally designated B7 (Typ 8E/8H). The car is built on the Volkswagen Group B7 (PL46) platform. Despite the new designation, the B7 is a heavily modernized and updated version of the B6, with revised steering settings, suspension geometry, updated combustion engines, and an improved electronic stability program (ESP). The front grille has been redesigned to a high trapezoidal shape, similar to that of the third-generation Audi A6 (C6), but the dashboard and interior remain virtually unchanged.


The body also came in three variants: a 4-door sedan, a 5-door station wagon, and a 2-door convertible.

A number of engines have received many additions. In 2005, Fuel Direct Injection (FSI) was introduced for the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 V6 FSI petrol engines, along with other improvements, increasing output to 197 PS and 252 PS, respectively. These engines use a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration.

The choice of engines is still large. Petrol - 4-cylinder with a volume of 1.6 to 2.0 liters and a power of 102 to 220 hp, 6-cylinder V-shaped with a volume of 3.2 liters and a power of 252 hp. Diesel - 4-cylinder with a volume of 1.9 to 2.0 liters and a power of 115 to 170 hp, 6-cylinder V-shaped with a volume of 2.5 to 3.0 liters and a power of 163 to 233 hp.

There are four transmissions to choose from: a 5- or 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic "Tiptronic", and a continuously variable transmission "Multitronic" (CVT) with a choice of seven speeds.

Audi B8 (2009–2015)

Audi unveiled the first official photos of the A4 B8 series in August 2007 and unveiled the car to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. The car is built on the Volkswagen Group B8 modular longitudinal platform (MLB/MLP), a platform also used for the Audi A5 coupe. Convertibles became known as the Audi A5, with only two body styles remaining: a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon.

The MLP platform allows for a shorter front overhang, resulting in a longer wheelbase without increasing overall length. This effectively redistributes the center of gravity slightly rearward, improving handling and vehicle weight balance between the front and rear axles. The new platform also allowed for increased interior and luggage space, while the vehicle's curb weight was reduced by 10%.

All petrol engines now feature direct fuel injection (FSI) – 4-cylinder 1.8 and 2.0 litre engines with outputs ranging from 118 to 222 hp, and 6-cylinder V-engines with outputs of 3.0 litres (268 hp) and 3.2 litres (261 hp). All diesel engines are turbocharged with direct injection – 4-cylinder 2.0 litre engines with outputs ranging from 116 to 168 hp, and 6-cylinder V-engines with outputs of 2.7 and 3.0 litres with outputs of 187 and 237 hp.

There are now five different transmission options available: a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed Tiptronic, an 8-speed automatic, a 7-speed DSG S tronic, and an 8-speed CVT "Multitronic".

Audi B9 (2015–2025)

In June 2015, the next-generation Audi A4, the B9 (Type 8W), was released—the fifth model to bear the A4 name and the ninth generation of the Audi 80/A4 series overall. The official launch took place at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015. The car is built on the Volkswagen Group B9 platform (MLB/MLP). The B9 is slightly larger than the previous generation, but weighs 120 kilograms less. There are also two body styles to choose from: a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon.

From launch, seven engines are available, three petrol and four diesel. Petrol 4-cylinder 1.4 and 2.0 liter engines with power from 148 to 249 hp. Diesel 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engines with power from 120 to 187 hp, 6-cylinder 3.0 liter engines with power from 215 and 268 hp.

There are three transmission options to choose from: a 6-speed manual or a 7- and 9-speed DSG "S tronic".

In 2019, a minor restyling was carried out, mainly affecting the exterior. In 2020, the model underwent a major update, even changing its name to the Audi B9.5. The exterior was brought into line with the standards of the A6, A7, and A8 models and underwent significant changes. The interior remained virtually unchanged, with only touch screens added to the multimedia system.

2025 was the last year of production for this model, but the baton of this class was taken up by the Audi A5, which had been produced since 2007.

Audi А4 2015, station wagon, back view

Salon Audi А4 2015

Audi А4 2021, restyling