The Audi designers threw away all the other drawings from previous models when they started to work on the third generation of the Audi 100, and the result paid off.
When the third generation of the 100 was introduced in 1984, it was the most aerodynamic production car in the world. With a Cx drag-coefficient of just 0.30, it was better than any other sports car on the market, although the 100 was a four-door sedan, built for comfort and long journeys.

The squared second generation of the 100 was forgotten. The new design was aerodynamically enhanced up to the smallest exterior detail. The headlights were flush to the hood’s edge and with the wide grille. The windows were flush to the frames and the glued windshield didn’t make any turbulence. The 100 featured a flat hood, curved side panels, and a short and flat trunk lid. The 200 version featured enlarged wheel-arches to accommodate wider wheels.

Inside, the 100 offered a roomy cabin, fit for five passengers. Though, the rear center passenger had to stay on top of the transmission tunnel. The Audi 100 featured a different interior than its 200 sibling. The dashboard for the 100 featured a smaller instrument cluster, while the 200 version featured an extended version, to accommodate more dials. The central locking system was pneumatic. The 100 was the version bought mostly for family use, while the 200 was a direct hit against BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Alfa Romeo on the premium segment.

The engine range was different for the twin models. While the 100 was offered with economical engines, the 200 range was offered exclusively with turbocharged units.