Looks like the A4 is due a major facelift next year.. thoughts?

[Syed Shah]

Hey guys,

Following the recent introduction of the new A8, A7 and now the A6, I think the A4 is due a major facelift (according to the news down in Germany anyways).. what are you guys thoughts?

I'm pretty excited because it falls around the same time my lease ends (predicted for end of 2019) and some of the pictures (especially the ones from auto bild below) show that they will be introducing the new fancy HD matrix leds in the A4 upon it's facelift..

let's not forget the interior also gets a drastic reshape to look more like the new A7 etc...

 

[Johnny_cass]

That dash they wouldn't bother would they its horrid.

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[Syed Shah]

That dash they wouldn't bother would they its horrid.

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That's the A7s interior so it will be something along the lines of that

 

[Roberto71]

I really don't like these touchscreens. They're dangerous and the fingerprints would drive me mad. And no doubt Audi will extend the fetish with fake exhausts to the new cars.

I was watching a review of the A7 and took a screenshot of before the car was turned on. Look at those prints...

 

[Syed Shah]

I really don't like these touchscreens. They're dangerous and the fingerprints would drive me mad. And no doubt Audi will extend the fetish with fake exhausts to the new cars.

I was watching a review of the A7 and took a screenshot of before the car was turned on. Look at those prints...

View attachment 151488

I totally agree with you on that one. That stuff is a horror story.. especially when you have touchy passengers who are always touching up the screens!! Annoying b******s!!

Swivel wheel is a lot more better to use and doesn't require as much attention to one of these touch screen systems that neither I'm a fan of.. not good for OCD either

 

[cuke2u]

Already discussed here http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/facelift-b9.349188/#post-3127625

 

[kiter]

I'm not sure it will be as extensive as this if it is a mid life facelift, previous generations have seen exterior changes but very little to the interior - maybe some extra kit and tech. More likely major changes like this will come with a brand new version in a few years time. Not a fan off this, maybe looks good, but when it goes wrong it is going t0 be a major hassle and expense.

 

[kmanmx]

Ehhhh. It looks okay inside, but I honestly prefer the current B9. The exterior is fine and the lights are cool, but if that is the interior I think I might look elsewhere.

I am a huge technology person. I love touchscreen smartphones, iPads, the latest cameras and stuff. But I just do not think a 100% touchscreen interface is good for a car. When you're driving at a decent lick especially, and you're trying to concentrate on the road, I find touchscreens a nightmare to use. No tactile feedback to know if you're on the correct control so you have to look at the screen. Your finger is bouncing all over the place through our undulating roads in the UK. I just don't like it. I don't mind partial touch screen controls for some things. I think the new Range Rover Velar is quite good with it's touch screen and integrated dials, perhaps a good middle ground.

 

[BigAardvaark]

They won't change the interior much at all. Maybe some new seat options and some different functions and features but it will look largely identical.

 

[blackb9er]

Ehhhh. It looks okay inside, but I honestly prefer the current B9. The exterior is fine and the lights are cool, but if that is the interior I think I might look elsewhere.

I am a huge technology person. I love touchscreen smartphones, iPads, the latest cameras and stuff. But I just do not think a 100% touchscreen interface is good for a car. When you're driving at a decent lick especially, and you're trying to concentrate on the road, I find touchscreens a nightmare to use. No tactile feedback to know if you're on the correct control so you have to look at the screen. Your finger is bouncing all over the place through our undulating roads in the UK. I just don't like it. I don't mind partial touch screen controls for some things. I think the new Range Rover Velar is quite good with it's touch screen and integrated dials, perhaps a good middle ground.

I totally agree, the swivel wheel works fine, absolutey no need to change it. Especially in an A4. Seems like they're doing it to cut costs as im assuming having the same interior technology throughout the range works out cheaper for them. Audi are the kings of ergonomics though so ill reserve judgement until l drive one. My main concern is the S Tronic hopefully it'll get replaced with a ZF.

 

[DohNut]

Cant say I'm a fan of the new dual screen interiors but it seems to be the way manufactures are going.

 

[Syed Shah]

Cant say I'm a fan of the new dual screen interiors but it seems to be the way manufactures are going.

I did like it in the Velar but then it didn't take long to find how much time you find yourself looking at the screens instead of the road.. so yeah would ptefer the swivel wheel regardless of how slick they look

 

[Syed Shah]

I totally agree, the swivel wheel works fine, absolutey no need to change it. Especially in an A4. Seems like they're doing it to cut costs as im assuming having the same interior technology throughout the range works out cheaper for them. Audi are the kings of ergonomics though so ill reserve judgement until l drive one. My main concern is the S Tronic hopefully it'll get replaced with a ZF.

Amen to the Zf change

 

[Syed Shah]

I'm not sure it will be as extensive as this if it is a mid life facelift, previous generations have seen exterior changes but very little to the interior - maybe some extra kit and tech. More likely major changes like this will come with a brand new version in a few years time. Not a fan off this, maybe looks good, but when it goes wrong it is going t0 be a major hassle and expense.

From what the news is down in the German auto scene it will be extensive as they weren't happy with the B9s sales.. so they wanna give it an extensive facelift to try sort that issue out..

 

[Daggerit]

My main concern is the S Tronic hopefully it'll get replaced with a ZF.

You say that but a lot of people with the ZF box in their B9's aren't very happy with it's laggy response compared to the DSG. I'm not too bothered by it but I will admit that BMW execute it better than Audi from my limited experience. I assume that most of it will be down to the Audi software for the box which means that they could make it better through updates I think...

 

[blackb9er]

I think BMW have got got it right, keeping the swivel wheel but adding touch screen functionality

I also prefer thier version of the digital dash aswell, keeping analouge look with those bezels but adding the digital features. And theyve finally got rid of that horrible all orange glow.

 

[Daggerit]

I think BMW have got got it right, keeping the swivel wheel but adding touch screen functionality

I also prefer thier version of the digital dash aswell, keeping analouge look with those bezels but adding the digital features. And theyve finally got rid of that horrible all orange glow.

I'd agree that having the option with the wheel or touch screen is the perfect compromise.

I don't like the bezels though, they limit options for multiple layouts and I think they just look a bit odd stuck on the screen like that. Back to agreeing with you about the orange glow, I thought that was horrible!

 

[blackb9er]

I'd agree that having the option with the wheel or touch screen is the perfect compromise.

I don't like the bezels though, they limit options for multiple layouts and I think they just look a bit odd stuck on the screen like that. Back to agreeing with you about the orange glow, I thought that was horrible!

Yea I've never been fond of it. BMW said they had it because orange doesn't interfere with your night vision the way higher frequency colours like white & blue do but that's never quite made sense to me as headlights are white which screws up your night vision either way.

 

[kmanmx]

The reason they're all going touch screens is because it's a magical technology for car manufacturers:

1) Consumers think it is high end, premium and expensive to have a big screen
2) Screens are actually really cheap, and really simple to implement.

Go to Alibaba.com. It's a huge wholesaler of Chinese manufacturer goods. If you order in large quantities of 10,000+ units like Audi would be doing, a 10 inch 1024 x 600 display (which they would market as 'high resolution') costs $20. Twenty dollars for a large, relatively high resolution 10" touchscreen display. So when you pay hundreds of £'s for the 8.3" upgraded screen, Audi make a huge amount of profit on that. So this dual screen setup in the new Audi A7 and A4 probably costs them $15 to $30 in display hardware. That is a heck of a lot cheaper, and simpler, than wiring in 20 buttons and rotary dials and all that malarkey.

Win win. Average consumer thinks they're getting a modern high end infotainment system, meanwhile Audi pay peanuts for it.

 

[Roberto71]

Imagine your kids in the car with ice cream running down their hands at those touch screens?!!!

 

[DohNut]

Imagine your kids in the car with ice cream running down their hands at those touch screens?!!!

Anyone who lets kids with ice creams in their car is asking for trouble, touch screens or no touch screens.

Actually thinking about it, touch screens would be easier to clean.

 

[Syed Shah]

What are you guys opinions on the renders of the exterior? That Avant rear looks gorgeous imo. Really elegant. If they have the HD matrix's then I think that is one option I'm 200% fork out on

 

[Car_Allowance]

What are you guys opinions on the renders of the exterior? That Avant rear looks gorgeous imo. Really elegant. If they have the HD matrix's then I think that is one option I'm 200% fork out on

I think the avant back looks a lot like a old VW Passat estate. The front of the A4 is very A5 looking.

https://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/m/2/volkswagen-passat-estate-exterior-blue-back.jpg

 

[cuke2u]

Blimey even before the car has officially been shown everyone has a opinion before they've tried it. However I don't really care how it turns out, I am interested because I am a car buff but as I don't buy the same car twice my next one will be either be a different manufacturer or model..

 

[Simonb1975]

I would expect the interior layout to be similar as it is now. The double screen layout is currently A6 and above and I'm not sure it will make it further down the food chain. There'll always be a few different layouts in a range to stop everything becoming too samey (Is that even a word)

 

[Syed Shah]

Blimey even before the car has officially been shown everyone has a opinion before they've tried it. However I don't really care how it turns out, I am interested because I am a car buff but as I don't buy the same car twice my next one will be either be a different manufacturer or model..

I mean I did ask for people's thoughts on them.. maybe that's why everyone's got an opinion of it? Lol

 

[Syed Shah]

I think the avant back looks a lot like a old VW Passat estate. The front of the A4 is very A5 looking.

https://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/m/2/volkswagen-passat-estate-exterior-blue-back.jpg

Not a bad shout.. now that I have seen that Passat I can't unsee the Passat on this haha

 

[Syed Shah]

I would expect the interior layout to be similar as it is now. The double screen layout is currently A6 and above and I'm not sure it will make it further down the food chain. There'll always be a few different layouts in a range to stop everything becoming too samey (Is that even a word)

I wouldn't mind either though if we did get a new interior I would want it to be more wrapped around.. like I personally find that the current interior doesn't wrap around the driver.. if you get what I mean..

 

[Simonb1975]

Yeah i know. The BMW's have a more driver focused set up. Funnily enough i was looking at the new VW Toureg video, the centre screen there is angled more to the driver.

Anyhow if they are to 'improve' the interior. Please get rid of that daft gap in front of the armrest. Personally I'm not to keen on the continuous air vent either.

 

[Syed Shah]

Yeah i know. The BMW's have a more driver focused set up. Funnily enough i was looking at the new VW Toureg video, the centre screen there is angled more to the driver.

Anyhow if they are to 'improve' the interior. Please get rid of that daft gap in front of the armrest. Personally I'm not to keen on the continuous air vent either.

Yes that's it. To be honest the new Touareg looks mega. I really like it haha.

As for the A4, the improvements it needs in my opinion is the infotainment system. I mean it's nice but it's much behind iDrive if you ask me

 

[Simonb1975]

Thinks I'd take the Touareg over the Q7 (Not the SQ7 mind )

 

[Syed Shah]

Thinks I'd take the Touareg over the Q7 (Not the SQ7 mind )

A very good shout tbh .I would love to see what the engine line up will look like on the new Touareg. Apparently a V8 will be introduced unless I heard wrong?

 

[Simonb1975]

yes, a hybrid maybe to follow, also a V6 petrol but that maybe somewhat pointless in that car

 

[A4B9]

The interior won't change, just look at what every other facelift has done. They will probably add a touchscreen like BMW alongside the swivel wheel and the new graphics for the virtual cockpit but nothing more. Outside they'll add a slightly redesigned front grille and new lights

 

[Syed Shah]

The interior won't change, just look at what every other facelift has done. They will probably add a touchscreen like BMW alongside the swivel wheel and the new graphics for the virtual cockpit but nothing more. Outside they'll add a slightly redesigned front grille and new lights

As long as it looks like the renders, I'd be chuffed. Though I do hope they also update the interior as well but hey hope maybe a bit too much change for just a facelift?

 

[Syed Shah]

yes, a hybrid maybe to follow, also a V6 petrol but that maybe somewhat pointless in that car

V6 will be the best seller for that car tbh

 

[Roberto71]

Sorry, those touchscreens again....Ugh! And this is a demo on YouTube of the new A6 by an Audi Rep!

 

[Jcbmally]

Not a fan of touch screens but it will happen to all cars. Wonder if Audi will sell screen protectors,,,,,,,,, probably be £99 to buy though.

 

[NevMan]

Anyone who lets kids with ice creams in their car is asking for trouble, touch screens or no touch screens.

Actually thinking about it, touch screens would be easier to clean.

Hear hear to the ice cream ban in cars. My kids are lucky if I allow them a packet of crisps!


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[Nham68]

The reason they're all going touch screens is because it's a magical technology for car manufacturers:

1) Consumers think it is high end, premium and expensive to have a big screen
2) Screens are actually really cheap, and really simple to implement.

Go to Alibaba.com. It's a huge wholesaler of Chinese manufacturer goods. If you order in large quantities of 10,000+ units like Audi would be doing, a 10 inch 1024 x 600 display (which they would market as 'high resolution') costs $20. Twenty dollars for a large, relatively high resolution 10" touchscreen display. So when you pay hundreds of £'s for the 8.3" upgraded screen, Audi make a huge amount of profit on that. So this dual screen setup in the new Audi A7 and A4 probably costs them $15 to $30 in display hardware. That is a heck of a lot cheaper, and simpler, than wiring in 20 buttons and rotary dials and all that malarkey.

Win win. Average consumer thinks they're getting a modern high end infotainment system, meanwhile Audi pay peanuts for it.

That’s not really a fair comparison. Auto makers, , especially for cluster applications (and many infotainment platforms as often one in the same) will use auto qualified components .. AEC-Q100 grade 2 Typically. Sometimes they also have to build in safety (ISO26262)... That has a significant price and quality (low ppm failure rate) premium. Infotainment is now sometimes run from the same unit as the cluster .. component Costs can be 2-3x what you pay for a low cost consumer version. The other factor in the unit cost is longevity. Your average pc motherboard for example, isn’t built to last. Whereas a car unit has long life inbuilt into the design in something that’s moving and shaking about all the time .. Company I work for supplies semiconductors into the cluster and infotainment manufactures .. modern clusters / IVI aren’t simple, are incredibly powerful, with safety standards, with longevity, with quality. And the volume isn’t anywhere near as high as consumer stuff like on alibaba. Sure Audi makes some additional coin, but not as huge as you would think ...
screens come with additional complexity ...not simple. The backlighting, viewing angles , contrast ratios, wide dynamic lighting scenarios etc.. all much more complex compared to an old fashioned screen... implementation requirements are very different compared to a desktop pc screen....