New MY2020 Facelift...

New S4 exterior and interior, fresh from Germany.
 
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Fake exhaust, diesel engine, ugly front and unchanged interior. Nothing to worry about as a 2019 S4 owner :D
 
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Huh, where on earth do you get that from, the interior will be upgraded, the bodywork has new panels from the roof down and the exhausts aren't fake...
 
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and the exhausts aren't fake...

They most likely will be if it’s a diesel and if you scroll right and you’ll see pics of a fake exhaust and an interior that other than a slimmer MMI screen it’s the same as current rather than the next A6 style.
 
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That's probably only a test mule, no way will Audi be producing a second facelift worse than the first. That would put them well behind the Mercedes and the BMW.
Think about it, would Audi deliberately kill the sales of the A4?
 
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Not sure why a test mule wouldn’t have the new interior in it. That would seem like a pretty significant thing to test. Also why bother manufacturing those exhaust pieces when you could just leave holes in the bumper?

Fake exhaust pipes are common on a variety of cars including some Mercedes AMG models. Also makes particular sense if it’s a Diesel engine as rumoured. No one will know for sure until it’s unveiled but this test mule gives some very telling clues.
 
Maybe they just put the diesel into a current S4 to test the installation. Also the exhausts might be relocated for emission tests.
I guess we'll all see nearer the time of the B10's release but the word is this interior is definitely having a make over. Can't see Audi sticking with the current one at all, makes no sense and would kill the sales if they did...
 
There’s a number of points to consider:

1. This is the B9.5. Not the B10. The recent minor front and rear bumper updates don’t constitute a facelift the way the B8.5 did to the B8. If this really were the B10 then it would get a completely new body the way the new A6/A7/Q3/A1/A8 did.
2. The only company in the German trio that has moved to a complete touch screen setup is Audi. The new 3 series still has the iDrive controller and the C class has a touch pad. So it’s not like Audi’s consumer base is going to suddenly flock to the competition.
3. By completely revamping the interior ala A6 it would send used and existing network stock values through the floor which would **** off existing owners and the dealer network.
4. Only the new A6 and up has dual touchscreens. The new A1 and Q3 do not so it’s logical to assume that Audi can keep the existing interior layout along with a touch sensitive MMI screen and updated software. Which brings it inline with the competiton. When they released the B8.5 the interior was exactly the same as the B8 remember.
5. The other camouflaged exterior tweaks including updated lights match the history of their previous facelifts (look at the B8/B8.5 and other facelifts across the range A6, Q8 etc. None had major interior updates).

I reckon we won’t see the new interior design language till the B10 lands in another three years.
 
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I think it's facts we need, not opinions. The fact is the A4 sales have been dismal compared to its German rivals. The facts are that the interior has fallen well behind it's rivals in terms of technology, something Audi prides itself on.
The fact is also that if Audi only bring out a mild facelift again, which they already did so in 2018, they will lose more sales in Europe to point where the model could be dropped altogether and the emphasis placed towards SUV'S.
I tend to think that when German car enthusiasts, such as Auto Bild, state there will be a all new A4 in 2019-20 then they are not to be ignored...
 
I think it's facts we need, not opinions. The fact is the A4 sales have been dismal compared to its German rivals. The facts are that the interior has fallen well behind it's rivals in terms of technology, something Audi prides itself on.
The fact is also that if Audi only bring out a mild facelift again, which they already did so in 2018, they will lose more sales in Europe to point where the model could be dropped altogether and the emphasis placed towards SUV'S.
I tend to think that when German car enthusiasts, such as Auto Bild, state there will be a all new A4 in 2019-20 then they are not to be ignored...

Subjective though isn’t it. “All new A4” could easily be used to describe a facelift.

In any case we’ll find out soon enough.
 
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That's probably only a test mule, no way will Audi be producing a second facelift worse than the first. That would put them well behind the Mercedes and the BMW.
Think about it, would Audi deliberately kill the sales of the A4?

To be honest mate, I think they have slipped behind Merc and BM. A colleague of mine had been waiting since June last year for S4, cancelled 6-8 weeks ago, ordered a Merc GLC, and took delivery last week!

The cheap scratchy plastics are all too prevalent in the new models such as A1, Q3 etc
 
Apologies for butting in but the facelift in 2018 that’s been referred to, what build week in 2018 did that take effect from ?
Is there anywhere I can get a concise list of what was included in this facelift ? I may be in the market for a used A4 within the next few months and it’s the 18/68 plate that i’m likely looking at.
Thanks
 
To be honest mate, I think they have slipped behind Merc and BM. A colleague of mine had been waiting since June last year for S4, cancelled 6-8 weeks ago, ordered a Merc GLC, and took delivery last week!

The cheap scratchy plastics are all too prevalent in the new models such as A1, Q3 etc
I agree totally, however BMW have brought out a new three series and Mercedes have brought out a major facelift to their c class which is why I am stating Audi need to up their game. The very minor facelift Audi have done to the A4 is truly wanting...
 
Apologies for butting in but the facelift in 2018 that’s been referred to, what build week in 2018 did that take effect from ?
Is there anywhere I can get a concise list of what was included in this facelift ? I may be in the market for a used A4 within the next few months and it’s the 18/68 plate that i’m likely looking at.
Thanks
There were very minor tweaks to the front and rear bumper trims and the exhaust outlets plus the 1.4 petrol engine was dropped for a 150ps 2.0l version. I believe that orders from as early as April last were delayed thus it is difficult to actually place which week number they occurred. I think though all my2019 cars were facelift versions...
 
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I rather think the black plastic on the centre console will not be to everyone's liking either....
 
You know what? I've been frustrated at the change to Diesel for the S4, and not bowled over by the facelift, but if they chuck huge amounts of cash support into some lease deals I could see myself signing up for a TDI S4. But I'm talking monthlies lower than I'm running at now (£399 for 3+23) and to hurry up about it as my current S4 disappears at the end of the year..!
 
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I am not bowled over enough to make it my next car as the difference are far to subtle and when sitting in it hard to discern. I never usually buy the same car twice anyway. Perhaps when I see it in the flesh I might feel different...
 
https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en...ven-sportier-and-even-more-cutting-edge-11655

The Media release states the new A4 is tauter & sportier. Can not see where it states how or why tauter. Sportier..........
The 48V lithium battery stored under the luggage compartment floor, together with the 12V battery, confirms the floor lifted to decrease the luggage capacity by 60l, as discussed previously.
Not clearly stated the S4 TDi is Europe region only.

Sure I read that next A4 will be in 2023, which will feature electrification.

Trivia - With the Car Magazine link, if one scrolls down to the Morgan story, the link in it will advise Morgan has sold a significant stake to the Italian venture capitalist firm Investindustrial. It currently has a 37.5% stake in Aston Martin, and previously oversaw the turnaround of motorcycle manufacturer Ducati before managing its sell-off to Volkswagen Group after buying up 100% of the company’s shares.
 
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its a step backwards losing the rotary dial in my opinion. I hate touch screens in cars. Its good news for older S4 owners though as the new interior is hardly changed at all (not surprising as the old style interior is still very fresh). also some drivers will refuse to buy a diesel s4 and may look for a second hand petrol s4. I would not want a high performance diesel.
 
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

NewvsOld1
NewvsOld2
 
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Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

View attachment 182527 View attachment 182528

Don’t think it is unpopular at all mate, don’t hear of many rushing out to order this FL
 
audi_a4_205.jpg


Can we talk about that disgusting rev counter??
 
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You aren't forced to have only that display. However there are similarities to the 3 series there...
 
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

View attachment 182527 View attachment 182528

I totally agree. I was thinking the same about the grille looking like a bigger version from ford focus. The front end is beginning to look like some creature rather than a car.
 
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

View attachment 182527 View attachment 182528

I totally agree. I was thinking the same about the grille looking like a bigger version from ford focus. The front end is beginning to look like some creature rather than a car.
 
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

View attachment 182527 View attachment 182528
02 24
 
Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, or a biased one because I have a MY2017, but this facelift... kind of sucks?
  1. The headlights internals look worse than the previous Matrix LED lights. better than the others though.
  2. The external shape of the headlights is far less aggressive and interesting than the previous ones
  3. The fake air inlet above the bumper, and between the headlights completely breaks the clean and "one piece" look Audi has been touting.
  4. The grill is starting to look more akin to a Ford Focus than and Audi
  5. The erasure of the crease that used to run along the doors, and essentially stretch all around the car is gone, making this weird "void" where the doors are.
  6. The chrome trim on the boot lid just doesnt look like a good fit to me.
  7. Interior is pretty much the same, besides the touch screen which would just get finger prints and annoy me.
What happened to the subtle yet powerful presence? Oof.

Some pictures to illustrate my point:

View attachment 182527 View attachment 182528
View attachment 182529
Don’t think it is unpopular at all mate, don’t hear of many rushing out to order this FL
In its defense it'll still sell as many as my model, it's just not radical enough, or has the individual or artistic merit for us current A4 owners. It is just another confirmation that Audi appear to be out of touch with Audiphiles..
 
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View attachment 182529

In its defense it'll still sell as many as my model, it's just not radical enough, or has the individual or artistic merit for us current A4 owners. It is just another confirmation that Audi appear to be out of touch with Audiphiles..

I am sure you are right, but as you say existing A4/S4 owners not so keen, but many others wanting an Audi will do
 
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Are there any pictures of the rear of the Avant from a distance ? Can’t see any at first glance, I’d like to see how much of a mess they’ve made of it.
 
I think you'll find some in the video in post #59?
 
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I've had a MY2019 for a few months after a 10 month wait, I'm glad it took so long to arrive as I got the facelift. If I had got the old model late in 2018 and then they announced this new facelift for MY2020 i'd be annoyed. Overall though i'm not too bothered, by the time MY2020 model is out i'll be almost half way through my lease.

The interior changes are much needed though, the MY2019 model feels quite dated inside, its my biggest frustration with the car. VC is cool, but looks dated compared to the newer VC's, and lack of touch screen is terrible. Its good that the interior isn't getting the same dual touch that the A6 has. I think the MY2020 will be pretty good with these new changes.
 
I think you'll find some in the video in post #59?
Thanks (it’s at 7:52) and, yes, it’s very disappointing. Still considering the move to an A4 from my A3. Looks like it’s a “bargain” MY2019 later in the year that my attentions will be aimed at.
 
I've had a MY2019 for a few months after a 10 month wait, I'm glad it took so long to arrive as I got the facelift. If I had got the old model late in 2018 and then they announced this new facelift for MY2020 i'd be annoyed. Overall though i'm not too bothered, by the time MY2020 model is out i'll be almost half way through my lease.

The interior changes are much needed though, the MY2019 model feels quite dated inside, its my biggest frustration with the car. VC is cool, but looks dated compared to the newer VC's, and lack of touch screen is terrible. Its good that the interior isn't getting the same dual touch that the A6 has. I think the MY2020 will be pretty good with these new changes.
How do you find the engine in the 35 ? Flexible enough ? It’s probably what I will be looking at should I take the plunge