Audi’s heavily updated A4 line-up will offer richer connectivity and new ‘mild hybrid’ petrol and diesel engines, the carmaker has confirmed.

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The current model launched four years ago and this mid-cycle update changes every exterior panel except for the bonnet, roof and tailgate, and introduces all-LED lighting with animated lock and unlock graphics, all bringing it in line with the larger A6.

Updates apply across the saloon and ‘Avant’ estates (including the Allroad), including the sports-styled S line version. It’s the latter and the near-identically styled S4 that get the biggest visual updates, including new colour-contrasted bumper air intakes and three inlets above the grille, like the A1 – a nod to the Audi Sport Quattro rally car of the 1980s.

Connectivity has also been a focus across the revised range. Updated models feature a new touchscreen infotainment system, instead of the outgoing car’s rotary controller, which responds to ‘natural’ phrases for search terms and voice commands. Where available, the system can receive live information about hazards ahead and traffic light sequencing – the latter will suggest an average speed to match the next green light, designed to promote smoother driving. Audi will also offer a smartphone app to allow keyless access and starting.

The European engine line-up will initially consist of six turbocharged engines at launch, with power outputs ranging from 150hp to 347hp for the A4 35 TFSI to the S4 TDI respectively. The Audi A4 35 TFSI offers a combined fuel consumption of 6.0-5.5l/100km, with CO2 emissions between 138-125g/km, while the Audi S4 TDI offers combined economy of 6.3-6.2l/100km with CO2 emissions of 166-163g/km.

For the market launch three of the engine variants feature a 12-volt mild-hybrid system (MHEV), which reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.3l/100km in everyday use.

All engines undercut the limits of the Euro 6d-temp emission standard and come with an automatic transmission as standard, although other variants will be available including: seven-speed S tronic; eight-speed tiptronic; front-wheel drive; or quattro drive.

A4 and S4 models with a TDI engine are now open for orders, while the A4 allroad quattro will be available in the early summer and both models will be in dealerships this autumn. In Germany, the base price for the A4 Sedan 35 TFSI €35,900, while the S4 Sedan TDI starts at €62,600. Customers can also order the Audi A4 edition one, a special edition starting at €53,300.