Audi A4 History
Catalog record
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History
Debuting in October 1994 (B5, Typ 8D) and going on sale in Europe in January 1995, the Audi A4 replaced the long-running Audi 80 and immediately established itself as the benchmark in the premium compact executive class — a direct rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. It was built at Ingolstadt, and later also in China and India.
Over five generations (B5 through B9) the A4 grew in size, technology, and prestige. The B6 (2001) introduced a full redesign on a new platform; the B7 (2004) was a heavily revised B6 (sharing the chassis but with new exterior styling); the B8 (2008) brought Audi's MLB platform and a notably larger body; and the B9 (2016) added a lighter structure, virtual cockpit digital instruments, and a range of TFSI, TDI, and TFSI e electrified powertrains.
The A4 nameplate ended production in 2025 as Audi restructured its lineup, with the successor model rebranded the A5. In its 30-year run it became one of the best-selling premium compact cars in history.
Generations
First generation (B5) · B5
The A4 that replaced the 80 — a benchmark compact executive from the start, with quattro optional.
1997 Photo: “File:1997 Audi A4 1.9 TDi Auto.jpg” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (B6) · B6
Full redesign on a new platform; cleaner lines, S-Line trims, and an available RS4 follow-on.
Third generation (B7) · B7
A heavily updated B6 with new exterior styling; included the RS4 with a 420-hp V8.
Fourth generation (B8) · B8
MLB-platform redesign — significantly larger body, MMI infotainment, and the acclaimed 2.0 TFSI four.
Fifth generation (B9) · B9
The final A4 generation — virtual cockpit, electrified TFSI e hybrid options, and the 450-hp RS4.
Body styles
- Sedan
- Wagon (Avant)
- Cabriolet/Convertible
Notable special editions & performance variants
RS4
The high-performance RS version — from a biturbo V6 wagon in 2000 to a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 (450 hp) in the B9 generation.
S4
The sport S version of the A4 (and before it the 100 S4) — various supercharged V6 and biturbo V8 engines across the generations.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
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