2016 Audi A4 to tackle rivals with high-end luxury and tech

Audi has developed its own tablet for rear passengers.

The unit, which uses the Android operating system, will be available as an option on the new A4 sedan from February.

The German maker says it developed the tablet because off-the-shelf options weren't suitable for in-car use. Weighing roughly twice as much as an Apple iPad, it has a screen that is both glare-resistant and shatter-proof.

Mounted on the back of the driver and front passenger seats, the tablets cost $3800 a pair and can be removed and charged via a micro USB port.

The tablets are the headline act in a techno-assault by Audi on rival Mercedes-Benz, which has dominated the mid-size luxury market since the launch of the C-Class last year.

In an attempt to turn the tables, Audi has packed the A4 with technology that won't be available on more expensive cars in its range — and only recently debuted on its top-of-the-range A8 limousine.

The A4 will have a headlight option that uses satellite navigation to anticipate corners and adjust the beam accordingly, as well as shining high-beam on pedestrians and cyclists at the side of the road while shielding other cars.

Eight "fingers" of light adjust to the road conditions to give maximum illumination without distracting other drivers.

Cutting edge technology is finding its way down from top-of-the-range limousines

Safety technology includes a rear collision alert that can sense whether a car behind is closing too fast, flash warning lights at the driver and prepare the cabin for impact. It can also slam on the brakes if the car is turning into oncoming traffic and warn occupants if they are about to open a door into a cyclist.

At up to 65km/h, the A4's "traffic jam assistant" will accelerate, brake and steer for the driver. Automated emergency braking can bring the car to a halt if it senses a potential collision with a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicle.

The technology extends to the A4's communication and infotainment. There will be built-in wi-fi, wireless smartphone charging, Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity.

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Satnav is standard but an option can show Google Earth and Street View images, as well as display turn instructions on a head-up display.

Prices start from $55,500 for the 1.4-litre petrol auto, which replaces the 1.8-litre petrol auto. The 2.0-litre petrol is $60,900, while the diesel and petrol all-wheel-drive models are $66,900.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle says cutting edge technology is finding its way down from top-of-the-range limousines much more quickly than in the past.

It is also becoming more affordable, in turn fuelling growth.

"I think that's a reflection of the (competitive) market place and a reflection of advanced technologies," he says. "We're able to more efficiently and quickly filter down this technology ... It's moving much quicker than we all expected."

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