Audi launches facelifted A4 in India at Rs 42.34 lakh

Audi has launched the A4 in India at Rs 42.34 lakh for the entry-level Premium Plus variant, while the higher-end Technology variant will retail for Rs 46.67 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Right off the bat, we start off with the biggest change, that of the powertrain. On offer is a 2-litre petrol unit making 188bhp and 320Nm, mated to a DCT gearbox, with a claimed 7.3-second 0-100kmph time.

It’s the same engine found under the hood of other Volkswagen Group cars like the Skoda Superb and Tiguan Allspace. However, since the A4 is underpinned on the MLBEvo platform, the engine is mounted longitudinally and not transversely like on those MQB-underpinned cars. It also gets a mild-hybrid system based on a 12V architecture — a belt alternator starter generator that recovers energy during deceleration, stores it in the battery and powers the electricals when the engine switches off courtesy the start-stop function.

Moving now to the exteriors, the A4 now looks more mature, and yet fresh. The grille is broader and flatter giving it a more imposing front end, and the bodywork is typical Audi — tightly pinched metal work along the bonnet and the flanks. Moving to the side, the doors are now more pronounced, with a crease separating them from the shoulder line and adding some heft to the proportions. The redesigned alloy wheels, too, look fab and seem to suit both the car and don’t have too low a profile, facilitating a smoother ride on our roads. Finally, the rear has the Audi-staple LED taillights, though with more angular rear bumper profile and exhaust outlets.

Finally, the interiors too get a thorough refresh, with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit now standard, along with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system on a floating screen which stays in your line of sight. The rotary controls from the previous models have now been replaced by the touchscreen, and also on offer are both USB-A as well as USB-C ports.

The Audi A4 goes up against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, and though the base Premium Plus variant is at par with the entry level 3 Series variant and somewhat undercut by that of the C-Class, the higher-end Technology variant is about Rs 50,000 below the corresponding C-Class variant and almost Rs 2.5 lakh below that of the 3 series.