AUDI A4 Avant Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In 2019, Audi introduced a second facelift for the fifth generation of its premium medium-segment contender, the A4. It was an unusual move for the German automaker, which previously used to refresh its models only once during their models' lifetimes.

For the 2020 model year, Audi offered the A4 as a sedan, a crossover (A4 Allroad), and a station wagon that the carmaker traditionally named Avant. Along with the updated version, the automaker also improved the infotainment system, drivetrain, and the overall vehicle's design.

From the outside, the 2020 A4 Avant featured a front fascia fitted with standard LED headlights that incorporated six distinct blocks with LEDs for the daytime running lights system. Another signature design element for the entire brand was the singleframe design of the grille, which, for this refreshed version of the A4, was wider and flatter and sported a honeycomb mesh design. In addition, Audi used the same pattern applied to the side scoops for the S-Line versions of the A4 Avant. As a result, the entire vehicle looked wider from the front, even though it kept the non-facelifted model's dimensions. In addition, the lower bumper featured a much sportier design, with enlarged side scoops that cooled the front brakes. From its profile, the station wagon's shape remained unchanged, but the automaker added more options for the alloy wheels. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate was available with a power-lifting feature. Lower, under the bumper, the automaker installed a diffuser flanked by wide, rectangular, fake exhausts.

Inside, the most significant upgrade was the touchscreen for the new MMI (Audi's infotainment system), which sat on top of the dashboard and tilted toward the driver. Its high-resolution TFT display provided acoustic feedback and had an increased resolution compared to the screen offered on the previous versions of the A4 (factory code-name 8W). Moreover, thanks to the new system, the automaker could delete the controls from the center console. Customers could order the car with a choice of three instrument clusters: a part-analog/part digital panel, the Audi virtual cockpit, and a head-up display. In the back, the split-folding bench seat offered enough room for three adults and could expand the trunk from 495 liters (17.5 cu-ft) to 1495 liters (52.8 cu-ft).

But the most significant change happened under the car's skin, where Audi implemented the mild-hybrid technology on selected engine versions. As a result, those versions boasted lower emission levels. Depending on the engine and options, customers could get a seven-speed S-Tronic (dual-clutch) gearbox, an eight-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual with either front or all-wheel drive (quattro). Outside Europe, for selected markets, Audi also offered the A4 with the S-flavored version named S4, powered by a turbocharged gasoline V6 engine that produced 354 PS (349 HP).

Audi refreshed the fifth generation of the A4 series in 2014, and, along with the sedan, it made some changes to the station-wagon as well.

It was the ninth generation for the 80/A4 series and the fifth for the A4 nameplate. And, as usual for the German premium carmaker, it used the Avant term for its station-wagon. In September 2014, the European Union switched to the Euro6b pollution norms, and Audi had to upgrade its vehicles. But it didn't do it quietly. It refreshed the entire lineup.

From the outside, the 2014 A4 Avant featured a revised front fascia with a wider singleframe grille, and 3D slats look. Depending on the trim level, the car was available with LED headlights fitted as standard. For the S-Line versions, Audi added a set of 19" light-alloy-wheels.

Inside, the A4 Avant featured the Virtual Cockpit TFT display inside the instrument cluster, which could show various information, including a navigation system map. Depending on the trim option, the carmaker replaced the standard, cloth-covered bucket seats with sport bucket-seats and leather upholstery.

Under the hood, Audi introduced the A4 Avant with a choice of three gasoline and four turbo-diesel engine choices, ranged between 150 hp and 272 hp. As usual, the A4 Avant was available with a front- or all-wheel-drive system.

The ninth generation of the mid-size class Audi A4 was launched in 2015 and it was the star of the Audi brand at the Frankfurt Motor Show in November of the same year.

The station wagon variant of the A4 B9 was based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform, which was also used for the Audi Q5 SUV and the Q7. The vehicle's design was the same as the four-door version up to the B-pillar. From there on, it was a different vehicle. The longer roof started to descend after the rear seats and ended up with a small roof edge spoiler for smoother airflow.

Audi engineers worked hard to achieve a smaller aerodynamic resistance for the vehicle and, in the end, they succeeded. The A4 Avant has a drag coefficient just a little bit higher than the sedan version: 0.26 vs. 0.23. This results in better fuel consumption and a lower wind noise in the cabin compared to its predecessors.

The trunk was large, but with its 495 l/1495 l (17.5/52.7 cu-ft) interior volume with rear seats up/folded was just between its main rivals, the C-Class T-Modell and the 3 Series Touring, the latter being the biggest among these three.

Due to the higher roof above the rear seats compared to the sedan version, the passengers in the back had more headroom. But still, due to the central transmission tunnel that was high, only two adults could sit comfortably there.

When Audi launched the "Avant" name in the late '70s, they were talking about a mix between a hatchback and a station wagon. But over time, it became their name for the regular station wagon shapes.

In 2012, the German car manufacturer Audi launched the eight generation of its best-seller range, the A4. It was sold in more than 10 million units in 38 years, and still counting. This is why the Audi charged the station-wagon segment with the A4 Avant.

It had the same "singleframe" large grille, with a 3D design on it. In the middle, the four silver rings were standing proud. The headlights were available with HID and LED daytime running lights were available. From the side, the sporty look of the vehicle was enhanced by the oblique tailgate. This is what Audi did to the station-wagon shape when it mixed it with the hatchback: an oblique rear end. On top of the tailgate, there was a roof-spoiler. But, very important, the trunk space was big: it offered 490 liters (17.3 cu-ft) and, with the rear seats folded it could go up to 1430 liters (50.5 cu-ft).

Inside, the driver had the same features for its driving position, with a lot of seating adjustments and a nice instrument cluster as in the sedan version. The real difference was for the back seats. Since the roof was straight, the rear passenger's headroom was bigger.

For the drivetrain, the A4 Avant offered various diesel and gasoline engine, and a performant model as well: the S4 Avant. The station-wagon was available either with a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (Quattro) system.

Audi did a bold move at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show when it launched the fourth generation of the A4. The world economic crisis already started and most of the car-makers started to feel its effects.

While most of the details were already known, the station-wagon version of the A4, named Avant, was released in the next year, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It started on a brand new platform, shared with the sportier A5. Due to the new MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) the Audi A4 B8 featured a better weight distribution when compared with its predecessor, the B7.

In the front, the singleframe grille was already installed from the Audi A4 B7, but it was visually enhanced on the B8 with a bolder look. The new headlights featured the LED technology for the daytime running light system with a pearl-like line inside the headlamp. The long roof and the raked D-pillars made the station-wagon look dynamic.

Inside, due to a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the A4 Avant B8 offered more legroom for the rear passengers. And, thanks to its longer roof, more headroom as well. The dashboard was smooth and curved, with the infotainment unit on the center stack. It was controlled via a rotary knob on the center console.

The Audi made a name of itself due to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. It was installed as an option for the A4 Avant on most of the engine range as an option, or standard for the sportier, S4, version. Most of the models were mated to a manual gearbox, but an automatic was available as an option. More diesel engines were offered, improving the fuel-efficiency.

In the late '70s, Audi chose to name its wagon vehicles as Avant. Their bodyworks featured a raked rear-end instead of a vertical one as most of the other station-wagons on the market.

The 2004 A4 was the third generation of the premium compact vehicle from Audi. It was more of an evolution rather than a new model. Its predecessor was built for only six years and the B7 was on the assembly line only until 2008. But the changes over the B6 were important, starting with the steering, powerplants, and transmissions.

On the outside, there were some similarities in design, even though they were signed by different designers. The new, singleframe, grille design was adopted from other Audi models. The headlights received a new design and the bumper was more aggressive due to its side air-intakes.

Inside, the A4 Avant was the same as the sedan up to the B-pillar. The trunk could have been extended by folding the rear bench seatback. Even though it was not completely flat. There was a higher quality material used for the 2004 Avant than on its predecessor.

For the engines, the A4 was available with the same units as the rest of its sedan sibling. It started with a 1.6-liter, 101 hp, and went up to the 4.2-liter V8. It was available with front or all-wheel-drive systems, with manual or automatic gearboxes.

The second generation of the Audi A4 was revealed in October 2000 while the station-wagon version came-up in 2001. In the traditional Audi's naming, that version was called Avant.

The Audi march toward the premium station-wagon market was continued with the second generation of the A4 Avant. It started with the same body up to the B-pillar and then it changed everything. The straight roof went up above the trunk space and went downward in a slope angle. Like any Avant version before, the Audi doesn't like vertical tailgates.

For the interior, the Audi Avant featured started with a basic audio system but an optional, more complex, system that was offered. That had a navigation unit and even a telephone attached to it. It also has Bluetooth connectivity. For the rear seat, the extended roof was a blessing, giving more headroom for the back-seat passengers. The trunk was not the biggest

in its class but still was good enough for most of the time.

For the technical department, Audi threw everything into battle against its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. At the time of launch, the base engine was a 1.8-liter unit but a 1.6-liter was added later. The offer went up to the mighty 4.2-liter V8 engine on the Audi RS4 Avant. For the diesel units, it started with a 1.9-liter TDI (direct-injected turbodiesel) and went up to a 2.5 TDI unit.

The first generation of the A4 Avant was introduced in late 1995 and the sales started at the beginning of 1996. It was the station wagon version of the already known A4.

Audi was already established as a premium brand in the mid-'90s when the A4 was launched. It already had a history of station wagon bodyworks for most of its range. In those years, it didn't have a wide range of vehicles. The A4 Avant was well received since it offered a decent alternative for the Volvo 850, BMW 3 Series Touring, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-Modell. On top of that, it offered an all-wheel-drive system. In 1999 it went through a mild facelift.

Up to the A-pillars, there was no difference between the sedan and the station wagon. After that, the roof received a pair of roof-rails and a longer roof. The B-pillars were the same, but the C-pillars were slimmer. As any Avant model, the tailgate was raked, closer to the shape of a hatchback rather than a vertical one.

Inside, the front seats and the dashboard were carried-over from the sedan, but the rear seats were different. Due to a longer roof, it offered more headroom. The rear seat seatback was folding to increase the trunk space. With the seats up, it offered less room than the BMW 3 Series, but still offered enough.

Under the hood, Audi A4 Avant was offered with gasoline or diesel engines, in four or six-cylinder configuration. The top of the range model was the RS4. It was offered with a front or all-wheel-drive traction system.