Audi did a bold move at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show when it launched the fourth generation of the A4.
The world economic crisis already started and most of the car-makers started to feel its effects.

While most of the details were already known, the station-wagon version of the A4, named Avant, was released in the next year, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It started on a brand new platform, shared with the sportier A5. Due to the new MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) the Audi A4 B8 featured a better weight distribution when compared with its predecessor, the B7.

In the front, the singleframe grille was already installed from the Audi A4 B7, but it was visually enhanced on the B8 with a bolder look. The new headlights featured the LED technology for the daytime running light system with a pearl-like line inside the headlamp. The long roof and the raked D-pillars made the station-wagon look dynamic.

Inside, due to a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the A4 Avant B8 offered more legroom for the rear passengers. And, thanks to its longer roof, more headroom as well. The dashboard was smooth and curved, with the infotainment unit on the center stack. It was controlled via a rotary knob on the center console.

The Audi made a name of itself due to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. It was installed as an option for the A4 Avant on most of the engine range as an option, or standard for the sportier, S4, version. Most of the models were mated to a manual gearbox, but an automatic was available as an option. More diesel engines were offered, improving the fuel-efficiency.