Not Hating... I Swear.. But...

[Dirty_Bourbon]

So a new toy in my neighborhood just moved in. Black on Black 2017 A4. I have always been a little upset with my purchase of 16' A4 because of the updated A4 to come out. I went in for S3 but couldn't pull the trigger (perhaps would have subdued my animosity at the time.... till yesterday) Got a good look at it and i think the B8.5 has nicer line. and more of an aggressive look then B9. I easily could just be telling my self this but anyone else see /f feel the same want to chyme in here? Thanks.. looking for closure ha!

[S4'ed]

I frankly don't think the B9 looks much different than the B8.5.......most people wouldn't know the difference.

[Bayerle]

Personally a lot of what I like about the new a4s is on the inside. Outside still looks good, I don't think better or worse (especially after some mods) but most the new features I dig came from the driver seat.

[adamazing]

Regardless, I would never buy Year-1 (or in Audi's case, Year 1-2-or 3) of a brand new model. Hang onto your B8.5 until the face-lifted B9.5's launch. They'll have all the bugs worked out by then.
Plus, aftermarket options will be slim-pickin's for the first year or two.



I do Like the B9 a lot though.

[OzeyeruZ]

B9 interior seemed much more roomier than my B8.5, otherwise that was it for me.

Oz

[adamazing]

B9 interior seemed much more roomier than my B8.5, otherwise that was it for me.

Oz

It does, and I was coincidentally thinking about that on my commute home yesterday, lol. I was trying to picture the wider B9 center console in my B8.5, and it made me realize that there isn't enough room, so the B9 must be a bit wider inside.

[The Fat Kid]

Regardless, I would never buy Year-1 (or in Audi's case, Year 1-2-or 3) of a brand new model. Hang onto your B8.5 until the face-lifted B9.5's launch. They'll have all the bugs worked out by then.

^ One reason I bought my B8.5 S4 last year

[plat]

The general exterior look of the B8.5 and B9 A4's are very similar. Audi decided not to upset the winning look. The B9 A4's do have face lifted front and rear ends and some subtle upgrades to the body lines. However, the side profiles don't look much different from the B8's in general.

I, personally, don't like the look of the B9 interior. It reminds me of BMW interiors and I do not like the stuck on tablet on the dash. I still like the more driver-oriented interior and dash design of the B8/8.5 and the built-in MMI screen. I find that the B8/8.5 MMI screen is big enough for me. I find anything larger to be quite distracting. If the stuck on tablet will be the norm for years to come, I prefer the BMW MMI screens which are low profile and sleek.

I have no regrets buying my new '16 S5 even when I knew that the B9 is coming out soon. I have seen early interior/exterior photos and it did not appeal to me. As a poster mentioned above, I would not want to be Audi's guinea pig during the B9's year 1 and 2 of existence. I would rather live with a car that is end of life but has a good reliable history and a head-turner to boot.

[gtg196w]

+1 on the ugly tablet glued on the dash. Also don't like the steering wheel.

You should send your feedback to audi via the website. I swear they actually listen. On the B8 I complained in 2009 that the 2 piece plastic trim around the speedo/tacho, with the cheap looking color finish, looked hideous and they changed it to one piece in the B8.5 (I'm guessing I wasn't the only one who gave that feedback), and offered piano black (also something I suggested. only came on the B8.5 S4, but still).

I've already told them I would have been a 1st year adopter of the B9 A4, if not for the glued-on, thick-bezeled ipad look and steering wheel.

[b6onboost]

OP...your B8.5 S-Line Competition pkg definitely IS way more aggressive looking than a regular B9.

Apples to apple though, the B8.5 and B9 are nearly identical externally. It takes a true Audi-fan or enthusiast to pick out the differences.

BTW...current owners always 'hate' on the new models. Part of it may be rationalizing their purchase, part of it may be true dislike of the new model, etc. It happens. Most of the initial haters end up with that model a few years later, and love it.

[Dirty_Bourbon]

OP...your B8.5 S-Line Competition pkg definitely IS way more aggressive looking than a regular B9.

Apples to apple though, the B8.5 and B9 are nearly identical externally. It takes a true Audi-fan or enthusiast to pick out the differences.

BTW...current owners always 'hate' on the new models. Part of it may be rationalizing their purchase, part of it may be true dislike of the new model, etc. It happens. Most of the initial haters end up with that model a few years later, and love it.

Spoken well my friend... wise words...

[treginginco]

I like the lines of the B9 a lot -- more aggressive looking overall. My big disappointment is with the MMI screen that looks like a cheap aftermarket add-on.......... not in keeping with Audi's history of interior design excellence.

[Dirty_Bourbon]

So a lot if not all of my animosity was pent up due to mock ups leading into 2016, renderings and other images that just dint seem to pan out or make it onto the vehicle.

Looks like a lot of the images were more or less Euro versions of S or RS models including lines and air dams that dont exist on the A4.

Again i only stared at this persons car and walked around for maybe a few short 15 mins or so.. as well as kinda followed them to my area.

That being said i need to see something perhaps with the bells and whistles but it looked more like a base a6 personally... which although i love the a6.. its looks very pedestrian.

***Edit above begins to hate a bit.. with that i will minimize the venting.. no pun intended***

[adamazing]

My only gripes about the B9 are:

Mirrors on the doors make vinyl wrapping a pain int he ass now.
Non-retracting MMI Screen
I prefer the rear end on the B8's. Not really feeling the rear design on the B9's.


Otherwise I like it.

[rdenivo]

I sat in one a few weeks back. Loved the virtual cockpit. But I found a lot of things that bothered me. The steering wheel proportions seemed off, the center seemed too small for the wheel. The gear selector goes R, N, P, D, S which seems completely unintuitive. The MMI dial is too far forward, and too close to the shifter so I had to hold my hand like a claw to use it. And lastly, the cup holders are too far forward. Oh and the MMI was just, there.

[Avantmaniac]

I don't buy new cars regardless the model - I'd enjoy the savings when their price cuts in half in 3 years and do all the modes necessary. For those who can afford new car with $$$$ it's their own to enjoy :)

[mr_milo]

I loved the virtual dash but hate the stuck on iPad. I hear they are coming out with a manual transmission but haven't seen anything yet. If they drop the manual, I'll be dropping Audi. If I must drive an auto it's going to be a Tesla.

[hyperunion]

Wasn't impressed with driving one... Felt quite a bit of lag with soft pedal touch... The 8 speed seems much more responsive then the new dsg... Tho I'm sure the tuning potential of the new gen 3 ea888 will be greater.... 356 hp on stg 2...

[andyroxs]

was not impressed with the exterior upon seeing it in the flesh but the interior is so nice


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Project Quattro]

I drove a sport package B9 and came away impressed. The weight reduction is clearly tangible, and the car handles much better for it. The DSG also shifts unbelievably fast and it sounds good. I hate the tablet MMI screen and I'm not sold on the rear end design, but overall it's a nice looking car and they'll look great modded. For the price, though, I'd buy an S3 or CPO S6 every time.


Sent from the Pedal Responce boardroom

[Dirty_Bourbon]

I drove a sport package B8.5 and came away impressed. The weight reduction is clearly tangible, and the car handles much better for it. The DSG also shifts unbelievably fast and it sounds good. I hate the tablet MMI screen and I'm not sold on the rear end design, but overall it's a nice looking car and they'll look great modded. For the price, though, I'd buy an S3 or CPO S6 every time.


Sent from the Pedal Responce boardroom

Just made my weekend hahahaha

[Project Quattro]

Just made my weekend hahahaha

Did I say something funny?

[o1turbo30v]

I had one for two days as a loaner and wasnt really impressed at all, i felt the interior looked and felt cheap, very a3ish, the whole lower middle of the dash is one huge hvac vent, the non retractable pop-up nav screen thing looks cheap and an afterthought. The new engine is good but trans sucks when starting out or going slow but its a non-dsg auto so what do you expect, lots of body roll even with the lame "dynamic" mode bs selected...the lack of a manual and an inflated price (the differentiate it from the a3) makes me say, you can keep it audi, my next ride will be a manual 335i.

[Liquid Smoke]

i wouldnt mind the newer one, but other than the new interior and features i don't really care for it too much, but im not in the marker for a car anyway. i honestly still think the B8 pre-facelift looks the best overall, best headlights IMO, i do like the rear/tails of the B8.5 though, and the sharper front grille/bumper lines.

but yea for the most part alot of people cant even tell the difference, especially when the car is modded and not so stock looking it doesnt matter if its B8 or B9, looks very good still. im happy with my B8, i'll wait for the B10 hehe.

[ranchos]

Saw my first B9 in the wild yesterday. Looks fine. Except the tailights looked too small - especially contrasting against a black car. A lot like the new A3 taillights.

[wabbit23]

Personally a lot of what I like about the new a4s is on the inside. Outside still looks good, I don't think better or worse (especially after some mods) but most the new features I dig came from the driver seat.

I'd have to say that Im in the same boat. I love the idea of the B9 but the fact that it looks much less aggressive than even my B8 Avant makes me rethink getting one every time. The interior though, holy crap that is nice! If I could have the B8 exterior styling with a B9 interior and B9 engine/transmission combo.

I saw my first B9 a few weeks ago, before I stopped at my local dealer to test drive one, and I was definitely impressed but not blown away. The test drive on the other hand, was a completely different story. I was hooked for the short time until I test drove the new Q7. Both the wife and I are hooked on that now. Saving up for a TDI's once they're released.

[b6Hate4]

No 6-speed option is my only gripe. It looks pretty good. But lack of a manual is a total deal breaker.

[wabbit23]

Did I say something funny?

I think its because you meant to say B9. B8.5 is the outgoing model.

[Project Quattro]

I think its because you meant to say B9. B8.5 is the outgoing model.

That's what I get for posting before I have any caffeine...

Edited it so I don't sound like a retard.

[inception]

So a new toy in my neighborhood just moved in. Black on Black 2017 A4. I have always been a little upset with my purchase of 16' A4 because of the updated A4 to come out. I went in for S3 but couldn't pull the trigger (perhaps would have subdued my animosity at the time.... till yesterday) Got a good look at it and i think the B8.5 has nicer line. and more of an aggressive look then B9. I easily could just be telling my self this but anyone else see /f feel the same want to chyme in here? Thanks.. looking for closure ha!

I like the look for my B8.5 SLine with Titanium package.. but i like the interior of the B9 that i got during my service. i had the cup holders all the way in the front.

[Peter.dupuis]

Having a b8.5 I like those lines better than the b9, there isn't too much of a difference though, plus as everyone states wasn't a fan of the interior. Was given a 15 a3 as a rental and couldn't wait to return it. Not a fan of the a3, s3 might be a better option but I felt so crammed and couldn't even fit my golf clubs in the trunk.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[skis4hire]

Saw my first B9 in the wild yesterday. Looks fine. Except the tailights looked too small - especially contrasting against a black car. A lot like the new A3 taillights.

saw a black one yesterday as well. Thought it was an A3 from the back until I got close enough to see the badge.

I like the new tech packages and I think the hand-wringing over the trans is a bit overblown.

[TalkToChuck]

Still love the Classic B8 over the 8.5 - Minus the updates to the tail end.
I've yet to see a Wild B9, but I'm not sure I'm sold on the new-ish front end design.

[LINDW4LL]

I had one for two days as a loaner and wasnt really impressed at all, i felt the interior looked and felt cheap, very a3ish, the whole lower middle of the dash is one huge hvac vent, the non retractable pop-up nav screen thing looks cheap and an afterthought. The new engine is good but trans sucks when starting out or going slow but its a non-dsg auto so what do you expect, lots of body roll even with the lame "dynamic" mode bs selected...the lack of a manual and an inflated price (the differentiate it from the a3) makes me say, you can keep it audi, my next ride will be a manual 335i.

Funny because the B9 has S-Tronic / dual-clutch trans. It's an A4, it's going to have some body roll. Nothing that springs/coilovers and sway bars won't solve (everyone lowers anyway)

No 6-speed option is my only gripe. It looks pretty good. But lack of a manual is a total deal breaker.

There was word that a 6MT A4 will be sold here, just not at launch. We shall see. Still, I don't see myself ever buying an A4...

[Project Quattro]

Funny because the B9 has S-Tronic / dual-clutch trans. It's an A4, it's going to have some body roll. Nothing that springs/coilovers and sway bars won't solve (everyone lowers anyway)

You'd be surprised. Comparing a B9 sport package to my B8.5 sport package, the B9 is several hundred pounds lighter and when you drive one it feels like all of that weight came out of the roof. The B9 rolls much less and handles way better than the B8.5. The DSG programming also fantastic, the shifts are literally immediate.

[BMWManiac]

I like the dual exhaust on the B9....I wonder if it will bolt up to the B8.5?