Audi’s next-generation A4 wagon has been snapped testing, this time carrying a battery pack to go with its petrol engine.
The PHEV is expected be part of the new A4 Avant range at launch, at which point it’ll go head-to-head with the BMW 330e and the petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Benz C-Class models offered abroad.
We know it’s a PHEV because of the yellow test stickers on its exterior.
The current A4 Avant – that’s Audi speak for wagon – debuted in 2016, and was updated in 2019 with the sharper look currently on sale.
With its slimmer grille and headlights, along with its more prominent lower air intake, the new A4 likely to launch in 2023 will be brought into line with newer models such as the A3 and Q4 e-tron.
The rear is heavily camouflaged, but the roof line appears similarly sporty to that of the current model.
Like the current car, this A4 Avant prototype has a sharp crease above the rear wheel arch that fades out, a design feature which has become a staple on recent Audi vehicles, including the Q4 e-tron electric crossover.
The next Audi A4 might be the last to feature petrol and diesel engines, with Audi planning to cease the sale of cars with internal combustion engines outside of China by 2033.
With the Volkswagen Group investing heavily in a number of electric vehicle-specific architectures, we expect the new A4 will use an updated version of the existing MLB Evo platform.
Although our spy photography agency only photographed the A4 wagon, the next-generation range should include a sedan, as well as a lifted and off-road-flavoured allroad variant.
MORE: Everything Audi A4
