What are the differences between the Audi A4L B9 and B8 models?
4 Answers
The differences between the Audi A4L B9 and B8 models are: 1. Different appearance: The B9 model has dimensions of 4818mm in length, 1843mm in width, and 1432mm in height; the B8 model measures 4716mm in length, 1826mm in width, and 1439mm in height. 2. Different configurations: The B9 model features LED headlights with adaptive high and low beams, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission; the B8 model has xenon headlights and is matched with an 8-speed continuously variable transmission. 3. Different power: The B9 model is equipped with a 2.0T engine, delivering a maximum output power of 252 kW and a maximum torque of 370 Nm; the B8 model also has a 2.0T engine but with a maximum output power of 243 kW and a maximum torque of 330 Nm.
I remember studying these two generations of Audi models before, with the B9 being the successor to the B8. The most noticeable changes are in the exterior design. The B9 features a brand-new hexagonal grille, sharper headlight styling, and more aggressive side character lines, giving it a more fashionable and sporty appearance overall compared to the B8. The interior has undergone an even more dramatic transformation, with the B9 equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen, eliminating the densely packed physical buttons found in the B8. In terms of the powertrain, the B9 has adopted the third-generation EA888 engine. Although both are 2.0T engines, the B9 offers better fuel efficiency, and the transmission has been upgraded to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch system. The chassis is built on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, providing more spacious rear seating. The driving experience is characterized by more refined vibration damping, more precise steering, and significantly more advanced intelligent driving assistance systems compared to the B8.
As a long-time Audi owner, I feel the B9 has taken a big leap in terms of smart features. It upgraded the MMI infotainment system with Apple CarPlay support, making operations much smoother than the older B8 system. The virtual cockpit comes standard now, and the three-zone climate control is more user-friendly. In terms of dimensions, the B9's wheelbase increased to 2908mm, adding about a fist's worth of rear legroom. The fuel tank shrinking from 65L to 54L is a minor drawback, but the drag coefficient dropping to 0.23 does improve fuel efficiency. While engine power outputs are similarly tuned, the B9's turbo kicks in quicker, delivering more responsive urban driving. Door handles and air vent designs now better follow ergonomic principles, and the wipers switched to opposed-blade configuration - these thoughtful details weren't present in the B8.
Last week, I compared these two models while accompanying a friend to look at used cars. The B9 chassis has been fully upgraded to the MLB Evo platform, with more aluminum components, reducing the vehicle weight by 65 kg. Driving it, you can clearly feel that the B9's steering wheel is lighter, and it has better cornering roll control. There's a significant difference in safety configurations—the B9 comes standard with a pre-collision system, which was only available in the B8's top trim. The interior quality gap is obvious; the B9 uses soft-touch materials on the dashboard, while the B8 feels more plasticky. Both have LED headlights, but the B9 features dynamic cornering lights, making nighttime driving safer. The B9 also adds independent rear-seat temperature control and two more USB ports. In terms of used car prices, a B9 with similar mileage costs about 30,000 yuan more than a B8, as the market favors the newer generation more.
