I saw a 2017 A4 in the showroom yesterday

**A4 Joe** · 03-23-2016 04:44 PM

Santa Monica Audi had a 2017 A4 in the showroom. Owning a 2014 S4 I am amazed how plain a B8.5 A4 looks compared to a B8.5 S4. So seeing the 2017 I was somewhat underwhelmed. It did not look as sporty as the B8.5. My sales person thought the 2017 S4 would be in the US early next year. I did not take a picture.

**Jv218** · 03-23-2016 04:46 PM

I saw one as well over here in Boston they had quiet a few of them. I agree that is it underwhelming styling wise

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**esimp2k** · 03-23-2016 04:47 PM

I saw a 2017 a4 at the dealer as well and was quite impressed. My two cents. Had some sort of blacked out package and was an sline. I was too caught up with the orange s3 next to it however.

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**SDV325** · 03-23-2016 06:52 PM

The auto show was in town last week and the 2017 A4 was there as well. I was surprised on how i did like the changes compared to my B8, however the ipad looking screen on the dash is really awkward. i Really liked the 2016 S6 interior with the popup screen.

**adamkb26** · 03-23-2016 07:21 PM

My dealership has a bunch of them and I really like it. Impressed both inside and out. The S4 is gonna rock!

**PitchS4** · 03-23-2016 07:39 PM

I didn't have much love for the B8 initially but here I am. I trust it will grow on me.

**dizzlesizzle** · 03-23-2016 08:00 PM

Yeah seen a few myself...i like the dash speedo area...all digital visual display. pretty nice.

**Ze_Nardo6** · 03-23-2016 08:00 PM

The A4 can be very plain or look sporty depending on how you option it out. If you get the sport package (lowers the car 23mm), 19" upgraded wheels and black optics package, the car looks damn good. That's what I ordered for my wife last month.

**MrFunk** · 03-23-2016 08:11 PM

Until it's properly lowered with proper wheels A4's and S4's are underwhelming - that goes for any bodystyle...

**Dr GP** · 03-23-2016 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by adamkb26

My dealership has a bunch of them and I really like it. Impressed both inside and out. The S4 is gonna rock!

IMHO, it will not rock with a Tiptronic trans. I am totally underwhelmed.

**Dr GP** · 03-23-2016 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by AudiS4B8

The A4 can be very plain or look sporty depending on how you option it out. If you get the sport package (lowers the car 23mm), 19" upgraded wheels and black optics package, the car looks damn good. That's what I ordered for my wife last month.

So it is good enough for your wife. Actually, it does have the DSG trans unlike the S4. The real question is would YOU be happy driving one instead of an S4.

**zachzdmme** · 03-23-2016 08:46 PM

The screen is mounted on the dash because of safety regulations. Backup cams will be standard on all vehicles by 2018 and if the screen retracted into he dash you would have to wait on it to pop up. In order to minimize delay the screen is mounted.

Also the B9 S4s will be here spring 2017.

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**CrownSeven** · 03-23-2016 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by zachzdmme

The screen is mounted on the dash because of safety regulations. Backup cams will be standard on all vehicles by 2018 and if the screen retracted into he dash you would have to wait on it to pop up. In order to minimize delay the screen is mounted.

Also the B9 S4s will be here spring 2017.

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Wut? Oh then I guess they'll have to put a stop sale on the 2017 Q7 since its display RETRACTS into the dash. Speaking of the Q7 - time to trade in the wife's Q5 for one I think.

Saw the new a4 at the auto show here. Did not like. Rear end is boring. The interior looks too sparse with the big long row of vents in the middle. And I despise the velcro'd on Ipad - I mean display. Not sure how the B9 S4 will look any better when it finally makes an appearance.

Funny, Merc started this trend with velcro'd on displays - when I looked at their model line for 2017 - plenty of the cars had the display integrated into the dash again.

**Ze_Nardo6** · 03-24-2016 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by Dr GP

So it is good enough for your wife. Actually, it does have the DSG trans unlike the S4. The real question is would YOU be happy driving one instead of an S4.

Well, of course not. What kind of question is that? Lol Not a single person on here would be happy in that case. The point I'm making is that you can make the A4 aesthetically appealing much more so than in it's basic form if you build it with proper options.

**doug97gxe** · 03-24-2016 07:39 AM

the B8.5 non-sline A4 doesn't look sporty either

**doug97gxe** · 03-24-2016 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by AudiS4B8

Well, of course not. What kind of question is that? Lol Not a single person on here would be happy in that case. The point I'm making is that you can make the A4 aesthetically appealing much more so than in it's basic form if you build it with proper options.

i wouldn't count it out yet.. its starts at 252 hp .. stage 1 could be same as a stock S4 .. Stage 2 could be 400 hp .. well if you can get passed the badging that most people can't seem to get pass

**jygesq** · 03-24-2016 07:52 AM

go to the audusa.com download the my audi app. go to 2017 model year. Despite all it other styling faults (tacked on display Ala BWW) The transmission shifter is now electronic! Hope it does not have the same problems as the new Jeeps with electronic shifter.

**chaos2984** · 03-24-2016 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by jygesq

go to the audusa.com download the my audi app. go to 2017 model year. Despite all it other styling faults (tacked on display Ala BWW) The transmission shifter is now electronic! Hope it does not have the same problems as the new Jeeps with electronic shifter.

I don't see this being a problem. A lot of cars are going to buttons and or a knob now. I don't have a problem with it. They just take out the mechanical link and go to a servo motor. Saves cost and possible increased reliability with no cable rusting stuck.

Originally Posted by zachzdmme

The screen is mounted on the dash because of safety regulations. Backup cams will be standard on all vehicles by 2018 and if the screen retracted into he dash you would have to wait on it to pop up. In order to minimize delay the screen is mounted.

Also the B9 S4s will be here spring 2017.

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Wait on it to pop out LOL. You would have to wait longer for the MMI to boot up. Mine take about a full minute to finish booting up to play music off the SD slots.

My local dealer has one and I want to go check it out and see how it is. I think the S4 interior will be completely lacking any sort of sportiness or knowing your in an S4. But ill hold judgement until it actually shows up here.

**Ze_Nardo6** · 03-24-2016 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by doug97gxe

i wouldn't count it out yet.. its starts at 252 hp .. stage 1 could be same as a stock S4 .. Stage 2 could be 400 hp .. well if you can get passed the badging that most people can't seem to get pass

Definitely not counting it out! I bought the car for my wife so I can play with it when warranty starts to fade!

**emnahum** · 03-24-2016 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by AudiS4B8

The A4 can be very plain or look sporty depending on how you option it out. If you get the sport package (lowers the car 23mm), 19" upgraded wheels and black optics package, the car looks damn good. That's what I ordered for my wife last month.

Black optic package still not supported on the configurator. Very curious how it looks.

**dzasta** · 03-24-2016 11:55 AM

20 posts deep, numerous showroom visits, not a single picture...

**VeNoMS4** · 03-24-2016 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by dzasta

20 posts deep, numerous showroom visits, not a single picture...

haha! i like it. and yes i agree. pics please. or i guess google search works

I also think the audi should come out of the sleeper status just a little bit. The visual cues to differentiate an A4 from and S4 can only be done, either by looking at the badge (if you still have them) or by a trained eye.

I especially think the hood is just too plain and does not look the least bit "performancy".. i hate the carbon fiber look so thats not an option either. The new M cars remains classy yet aggressive at the same time. I think Audi needs to add a little bit more flair to the S cars..be somewhat close the RS model's aggressiveness.

**mpower3o2** · 03-24-2016 12:54 PM

Salesman sent me this yesterday.

The wheels are nasty but I was told it's part of the First Edition Package

Probably will be upgrading to the S4 depending on what the US gets spec wise.

**SteveYem** · 03-24-2016 01:04 PM

I think it looks pretty decent, but the headlight shape is going to have to grow on me. Reminds me of a cartoon lightning bolt. I like the center and lower grilles, though.

**Ray Khan** · 03-24-2016 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by CrownSeven

Speaking of the Q7 - time to trade in the wife's Q5 for one I think.

Picking our Q7 up Saturday...can't wait.

**circle** · 03-24-2016 02:05 PM

Hates
- main h8 the never ending A/C unit or look in the front
- the reflectors on the quarter panel (looks like a safety car)
- the rear reflectors in the bumper (looks like a safety car)

Likes
- new MMI looks great - would love to just not use the screen and get any info I need from the digital dash/speedo (better yet the TTS looks with no pop up unit #1
- lighter, faster

S4 (from what I've seen)
- like the stitching (was blue in Frankfurt)

**RudyH** · 03-24-2016 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by zachzdmme

The screen is mounted on the dash because of safety regulations. Backup cams will be standard on all vehicles by 2018 and if the screen retracted into he dash you would have to wait on it to pop up. In order to minimize delay the screen is mounted.

If by safety, you mean the accountants found it to be safe on Audi's pocket books, that is the only 'safety' reason it would be there.

Besides the A4, is there a NEW Audi without a retracting display? lol

**Arn560** · 03-24-2016 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Ray Khan

Picking our Q7 up Saturday...can't wait.

According to Car & Driver, a Q7 outruns a Range Rover Sport to 60 mph, so you're already ahead of the game. Now all you have to do is keep your foot down! Enjoy the new whip.

**jzinckgra** · 03-24-2016 06:38 PM

$53,500 msrp for heavily optioned A4? That's nuts. Wonder how much flex dealers will have. I'll keep looking for cert s4.

**zachzdmme** · 03-24-2016 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by CrownSeven

Wut? Oh then I guess they'll have to put a stop sale on the 2017 Q7 since its display RETRACTS into the dash. Speaking of the Q7 - time to trade in the wife's Q5 for one I think.

Saw the new a4 at the auto show here. Did not like. Rear end is boring. The interior looks too sparse with the big long row of vents in the middle. And I despise the velcro'd on Ipad - I mean display. Not sure how the B9 S4 will look any better when it finally makes an appearance.

Funny, Merc started this trend with velcro'd on displays - when I looked at their model line for 2017 - plenty of the cars had the display integrated into the dash again.

The screen is mounted to minimize delay. If you retract the Q7 screen and put the vehicle in reverse the screen is going to come up again. Like the current A6/7/8.

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**zachzdmme** · 03-24-2016 07:34 PM

Audi sent me to Houston back in January before they were available for sale and explained why the screen was mounted among other things obviously.

But what do I know...

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**zachzdmme** · 03-24-2016 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by jzinckgra

$53,500 msrp for heavily optioned A4? That's nuts. Wonder how much flex dealers will have. I'll keep looking for cert s4.

WELL worth the money. Have you looked at the options list? Tons of technology.

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**zachzdmme** · 03-24-2016 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by RudyH

If by safety, you mean the accountants found it to be safe on Audi's pocket books, that is the only 'safety' reason it would be there.

Besides the A4, is there a NEW Audi without a retracting display? lol

I've seen the new A6/7/8. The screen will be built into the dash so those won't retract as well.

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**jygesq** · 03-24-2016 09:27 PM

Built into the dash is ok, just like we have now. Retracting screen on persent A6 S6 is distracting and unnecessary .

**bizzy** · 03-24-2016 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by zachzdmme

Audi sent me to Houston back in January before they were available for sale and explained why the screen was mounted among other things obviously.

But what do I know...

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New cup holder location is better, but the knob location seems out of place in front of the shifter. Was it a pain to use the knob?

**zachzdmme** · 03-25-2016 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by bizzy

New cup holder location is better, but the knob location seems out of place in front of the shifter. Was it a pain to use the knob?

Not at all. It's actually really convenient because you can rest your hand on the shifter while using the knob.

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**jzinckgra** · 03-25-2016 07:30 AM

Yeah, but c'mon, it's still a 4 banger. I've got a 2013 a4 coming off lease and have my heart set on a CPO 2014/15 S4 that I could easily get much cheaper then the A4 and get the added power. I'm willing to give the new A4 a test drive, but I told myself I'd never get another throttle lag turbo and I imagine the new A4 will have it. Nothing against Apple, but does that tablet have an android-like screen that doesn't shout "hey look, I'm an apple tablet".

**AudiS4SD** · 03-25-2016 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by zachzdmme

Audi sent me to Houston back in January before they were available for sale and explained why the screen was mounted among other things obviously. [/IMG]

Why did they mount the screen like that? Still looks pretty tacky. Wasn't it something for safety or something? I don't understand the previous posting.