How to distinguish between generations of Audi A4?

[VonFinley]

Differentiate based on the production time, launch date, and vehicle appearance. The Audi A4 model was produced between 1994 and 2001. Between 2000 and 2005, the second generation Audi model was introduced for domestic production in 2003. The third generation model began production in 2005. From 2008 to 2016 was the fourth generation model.

[SanJaxon]

I remember when helping a friend pick out a used Audi A4, distinguishing the generation mainly relied on the headlight shape and year markings. Starting from the late 1990s B5, the design was more rounded, with small and full headlights, fitting the 90s style; the early 2000s B6 had more slender headlights and a wider front grille; the 2005 B7 featured sharper lines and more three-dimensional taillights; by the 2008 B8, the daytime running lights became teardrop-shaped, very eye-catching and commonly seen on the road today; post-2015 B9 had a wider front face, with a hexagonal grille and angular headlights that looked cool. When buying a car, checking the VIN or chassis number can directly confirm the production year. I think this is quite important, as different generations require different maintenance and parts. Understanding this clearly makes for a worry-free and safer purchase.