2016 Audi A4 revealed

Do not adjust your glasses. This is a new-from-the-ground-up Audi A4 - and it looks remarkably similar to the previous two generations sold over the past decade.

Audi retains its trademark conservative design as it attempts yet again to overtake the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series in the luxury sedan sales race.

Under the skin and behind the slightly reshaped headlights (look carefully and you see a sharp hook on the lower edge) is a structure that promises to slash 120kg (up to 8 per cent) from the weight of some models.

The A4 is due on sale in Europe late this year and in Australian showrooms by the middle of 2016. Meanwhile, anyone in the market for the current Audi A4 should aim for a bargain as Audi begins to discount the run-out model.

Audi has loaded the new model with plenty of tech

As is the case with most new arrivals, the new Audi A4 is longer and wider than its predecessor, and has a bigger boot, which Audi claims is the biggest in its class (505L).

Audi has loaded the new model with plenty of tech, including LED headlights, automatic emergency braking, radar cruise control with stop-and-go, and the acclaimed "virtual cockpit" dashboard display first seen in the TT sports car.

The entire instrument panel is one large display screen and allows the driver to tailor the view from a large map (with speed displayed small) to a more basic layout with speed and other information given more prominence.

Audi is yet to confirm the engine options for Australia — expect the usual choice of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel options.

The A4 will be one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class

As is the case with previous A4 rollouts, performance variants are due at least 12 months later.

Audi claims the A4 will be one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class, with a drag coefficient of 0.23, only slightly less slippery through the air than the world-leading Mercedes-Benz CLA (0.22).

A three-cylinder model has been ruled out for now. Given strict European emissions targets, a plug-in hybrid A4 is expected eventually in the line-up.

Audi has sold more than 49,000 A4s in Australia since 1995.

Audi Australia boldly aims to overtake Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the luxury class by 2020.