New 2023 Audi A4 Avant spotted testing

• Mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids to be available
• Set to share same platform as current model
• Styling previewed in our exclusive render

The next-generation Audi A4 Avant estate has been spotted testing. The next A4 is due in 2023 but it won’t be offered as a fully electric car from launch, as was expected. Audi’s compact executive model is beginning to look dated and the update will bring it up to speed with the newer Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

As you can see from these new spy shots, the new A4 will look much sleeker than the outgoing model. Through the heavy camouflage, you can make out slimmer headlights and a larger version of Audi’s distinct hexagonal grille. A4 saloon models will incorporate the same changes. On the inside, the A4 will have very few physical buttons, similar to what is seen in the new Audi A3.

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Despite a styling overhaul, the new car will sit on the same platform as the previous model, as well as some other Volkswagen Group cars. While the new A4’s basic silhouette is almost identical to the old car, the suspension will receive some tweaks in the form of active anti-roll bars to improve handling.

Despite Audi’s commitment to becoming an all-electric manufacturer by 2030, the new A4 will come with a choice of more powerful yet smaller petrol and diesel engines with mild-hybrid assistance. A plug-in hybrid model will also be available, using the 14.4kWh battery already found in the plug-in Audi Q5 to achieve around 60 miles of zero-emissions driving.

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The option exists to introduce a fully electric A4 towards the end of the new model’s estimated 10-year life. When asked by our sister publication Auto Express about the possibility, Audi’s head of technical development, Oliver Hoffman said: “We are really happy to have a strong partnership within the [Volkswagen] Group... We have the power to develop and produce dedicated platforms for most technologies.

“We’ve looked at a platform where we can have both powertrains but it’s a compromise. So I’m really happy that we are able and we have the power to do both.”

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