2016 Audi A4 Avant spied testing

Production-bodied prototype of the upcoming 2016 Audi A4 Avant spotted.

These new spy shots give our best look yet at the upcoming fourth-generation Audi A4, with this camouflaged Avant bodystyle spied testing recently in Germany.

The new A4 sedan is expected to debut later this year at the Frankfurt motor show, with the wagon-bodied Avant variant tipped to appear a short time after.

It’s clear the proportions of the new Avant are very similar to the current 2015 B8 version with a sleek but ultimately practicality-driven profile.

The new 2016 A4 Avant is expected to adopt a sharper front fascia than the outgoing model inspired by the various Audi Prologue concept cars.

Like the recently revealed Audi Q7 SUV, the new A4 will feature a squarer grille with integrated headlights.

The new generation A4 will carry an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design.

At the rear we can expect slim LED taillights and a long sloping tailgate that gives the Avant a Shooting Brake style rather than a conventional wagon shape. 

The 2016 A4 will use the same platform as the new Q7 SUV, which has been designed for a variety of petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains.

Initially it’s expected the 2016 A4 will be available with a range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines with front or all-wheel drive.

Eventually a range of six-cylinder engines will also be available along with an efficiency focused hybrid model. 

The new MLB platform is believed to be lighter than the one it replaces, which should equate to better fuel efficiency and handling compared to the outgoing A4.

Transmission options in the new A4 will include a six-speed manual or an automatic of the seven-speed dual clutch or eight-speed torque-converter varieties.

Australia’s love affair with automatics means we’ll likely only get the auto version when the new A4 goes on sale next year.