2017 Audi A4 Makes Public Debut With Fantastic 'New' Design

The new 2017 Audi A4 was unveiled in June, but the German automaker’s popular sedan made its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

Every single body panel of the fifth-generation A4 is new, yet it still looks distinctly like an A4. The new look is headlined by the sharp new design language, headlights and grille that are making their way across the Audi lineup. The design is more of an evolution than a revolution over its predecessor, which is fine because it’s important that this sedan isn’t polarizing — it sells too much for Audi to take a big risk.

This A4 is larger, but it actually weighs up to 264 pounds less than the one that came before it, depending on trim and engine, and is more aerodynamic, which should make a huge difference in how this car feels on the road and how fuel efficient it is.

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Of course, the new A4 gets Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system, the new digital gauge cluster, a completely new interior, and a bunch more technology. More importantly though, the new A4 will arrive with a diesel engine for the first time ever in the U.S. sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with 190 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Audi S4 Bows with Turbo V6 Power

The diesel model will have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with front-wheel drive models coming later, and those models will also adopt the DCT, so they won’t use the CVT any more. Those not wanting diesel can get the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines will initially launch with quattro all-wheel drive only. Audi claims the new A4 is a whopping 21 percent more efficient.

The S4 was also unveiled here sporting a turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine good for 354 hp and 369 lb‑ft of torque. It goes from zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, and the electronic limiter kicks in at 155 mph. Power goes to all four wheels via an eight speed transmission.

The new A4 will arrive in the U.S. as a 2017 model. Expect pricing to be announced closer to its launch. Also expect a high performance RS4 in the future. Stay tuned, as AutoGuide.com will be driving the new A4 for the first time next week.

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