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2019 Audi Model Year Changes
  
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Parallax1

Edited 5/1/2019: Q3 and TT RS.

Engine horsepower rating systems have been rationalized resulting in slightly different horsepower numbers for most engines. The actual engine output is unchanged.

A3

2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet2019 Audi A3 Sedan

New designations for the two strength of the 2.0T 4-cylinder will help keep them separated: 40 TSFI for the 184-horsepower front-wheel drive version and 45 TSFI for the 228-horsepower Quattro (all-wheel drive) version. These designations are commonly used in the European versions, but this is their first use in the States. The 40 TSFI is down two rated horsepower and the 45 is up eight.

Full LED headlights, LED taillights with sequential turn signals and wireless phone charging are now standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige.

A3 Prestige Sedan has Park Assist, an automated parking system that steers into a parallel or perpendicular parking space.

The A3 Sportback e-tron is discontinued, replaced by the full-electric e-tron (See below.).

A4

Audi A4

Same nomenclature as the As: 40 for the lower powered 2.0-liter turbo, now rated at 2 less horsepower: 188 total; 45 for the more powerful 2.0 turbo, included with the Quattro all-wheel drive system and rated at 4 less horsepower (248). This second engine is identical in specifications to the one in the refreshed Porsche Macan. Coincidence? No.

Manual transmission no longer offered! #SavetheManuals

Quattro models get new front and rear bumpers and all models receive new dual trapezoidal rear exhausts.

A5

2019 Audi A5 Sportback

The 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder is down by four horsepower, for 248 total. The manual transmission is no longer available. #SavetheManuals 

LED headlights are now standard. High beam assist, adaptive cruise control and Active Lane Assist are now standard on Prestige.

Some optional wheels have new designs and Sportback and Cabriolet offer 20" wheels.

An automated parking system is now standard on Prestige.

A6

2019 Audi A6 New York Auto Show

The A6 is new for 2019. It replaces the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with a turbocharged unit with 5 fewer horsepower but 44 pound-feet more torque: 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. This engine is assisted by a mild 48-volt hybrid system and achieves two miles per gallon more city fuel mileage than the old 3.0T Quattro (22 city/29 hwy). The 2.0T 4-cylinder is missing in action as is a front-wheel drive version, though they could reappear. The 8-speed automatic has been replaced with a seven-speed sequential gearbox (mechanically a manual, but with multiple automated clutches, it operates like an automatic to the driver).

As with any new model, lots of driver assistance features have been added. Two new available features are Intersection Assist, which uses radar to detect vehicles coming from the sides ahead in an intersection and can warn the driver or even hit the brakes; and Emergency Assist, which detects if the driver may be incapacitated and turns on the emergency flashers and brings the vehicle to a stop, keeping it in its lane. Another is Evasive Steering Assist, which detects when you are steering around an obstacle in an emergency and helps avoid over correcting by gentle applications of the steering and brakes. An Exit Warning system is now offered: using sensors for the blind spot warning (Side Assist)

Forward collision warning and automated braking (Pre Sense City) are now standard.

A new conversational voice command system is standard. It adds a feature Audi has lacked: voice control of the climate control. It can also ask follow-up questions, somewhat removing the magical incantation feeling that some voice commands have.

Pro tip: the increase change in wheelbase from 2018, although only half an inch, indicates a truly new model instead of a cosmetic refresh.

A7

2019 Audi A7 New York Auto Show

The A7 is also new for 2019. The A7 also receives the mild hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, Quattro all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch SMG automatic transmission. Front brakes are smaller: 13.3 inches instead of 14.

Pre Sense City is now standard (forward collision warning and automatic braking at low speeds). Also offers the new safety features from the A6: Exit Assist, Emergency Assist, Intersection Assist, etc. Another available safety feature on both is "Turn Assist." This feature is activated by the left turn signal and can warn you or automatically brake if you start to turn in front of a vehicle approaching at a speed that will cause it to hit you.

The standard voice control is much improved, now with control over climate control and natural language recognition.

The A7 is the first Audi to use a cap-less fuel filler.

A8

2019 Audi A8 at 2017 LA Auto Show

And all of Audi's higher numbers are new for 2019... The A8 gets the same mild hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with standard Quattro all-wheel drive, but in the luxury Audi an eight-speed traditional automatic is utilized.

The new Predictive Active Suspension uses the front-facing cameras to continually scan the road surface so that the electric active shocks prepare the wheels in advance. This optional system can also reduce body roll in corners, pitch during heavy braking and squat during hard acceleration. Another new, advanced system to improved handling, Dynamic all-wheel steering (new to the A8), steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts at high speeds to stabilize handling and improve response. At lower speeds the rears steer in the opposite direction to reduce the turning diameter by three-and-a-half feet.

The A8 will offer all of the advanced safety tech as other redesigned 2019 Audis: Turn Assist, Exit Warning, Intersection Assist, Emergency Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Guidance and Parking Assist Plus, in addition to Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist and Pre Sense City (forward collision warning and autonomous braking). A safety feature exclusive to the A8 is Pre Safe Side, which can detect an imminent side impact and will raise the suspension 3.1 inches in half a second to help protect the passengers.

Taking after the S-Class, the new A8 offers scent dispersal. Scents offered include Italian lemon, Summer scent and cedar or rose.

The MMI, Audi's infotainment interface, is improved and now has haptic response: when activating certain virtual buttons or features, the touch pad taps back to let you know you activated something. The natural language voice control is also part of the package and the navigation system learns your driving patterns so it can make suggestions, á la Siri who tells me that traffic is light getting home near quitting time.

America only gets the long-wheelbase A8, and it offers such ultra luxury features as power reclining rear seats, a touch-screen interface for operating rear seat features, front and rear heated armrests, front and rear heated and ventilated massaging seats, heated rear massaging footrest.

Allroad

2019 Audi Allroad

Same adjustment to the engine as the A4 Quattro: down 4 horsepower to 248.

The adaptive-damping suspension and Audi ConnectCare telematics are now standard. Navigation is standard on Premium Plus and Premium Plus and Premium Plus and Prestige now have two USB ports in the rear seat and the Audi Phone Box with wireless charging in the front center console.

e-tron

2019 Audi e-tron

This is the first all-electric Audi, a sport utility. It is sized between Audi's Q5 and Q7, also between the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. With a 95 kW battery it should have a competitive range, between 200 and 300 miles, though it hasn't been rated, yet. Audi's biggest brag is the fast charging time: 30 minutes for about 200 miles of range on a compatible fast charger. Audi even offers 1000 kW-hours of free charging at Electrify America fast chargers across the country, about 14 such fast charges.

Large 255/50R20 tires are standard, coupled with an adaptive air suspension and an extremely low center of gravity from the placement of the batteries in the floorpan; this thing should handle very well, though it will not be toss-able like a sports car. Ride height can be varied by up to three inches for off-road, easy access and efficiency. Front and rear motors give all-wheel drive prowess without the additional complexity of transfer cases and differentials and a total of 388 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque (estimate from European specifications). Brake regeneration is standard, of course, but the driver can tailor its level via paddles on the steering wheel, similar to downshifting a transmission. The e-tron has only one forward gear, obviously.

A neat trick that will be in other Audis (A6, A7, A8, etc.) is Efficiency Assist. This trick uses the navigation system to predict hills, traffic, speed limit changes and other issues and adjusts speed gradually to prepare for them, saving additional charge.

The typical safety systems will be offered on the e-tron, including standard Pre Sense City (forward collision warning and automatic braking), Side Assist (blind spot warning), Rear Cross Traffic Warning, available Lane Departure Warning, and escalates to more advanced features such as Exit Warning, that warns of an approaching vehicle when you prepare to open your door.

Q3

2019 Audi Q3 at 2019 NYIAS

At first it looked like the Q3 was skipping the 2019 model year, but Audi introduced the all-new version at the 2019 New York Auto Show. As of this edit (5/1/2019) it isn't on sale, yet, so it will have a brief run.

The Q3 gains a more powerful version of the corporate 2.0-liter turbo. At 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque it gains 28 horsepower and 51 horsepower. Ironically, these new figures are identical to the BMW X1. All-wheel drive is now standard, as on the Q5. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the 6-speed unit to complete the transformation of the powertrain.

On the outside a new larger grille, larger more distinct headlights, new wheels and fascias make the 2018 Q3 look staid and conservative.

The interior is new, also and raises the bar for the small luxury SUV segment. A fully digital instrument cluster is standard, available in two sizes. The MMI infotainment touch-screen also comes in two sizes, dependent on trim level and package content. Natural Voice Control is standard.

Heated seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof are standard, as are a 40-20-40 split folding rear seat that moves back and forth and reclines.

Audi Phone Box with inductive charging is available.

A full suite of driver-assistance and safety features are offered, including standard Audi pre sense basic (tightens seatbelts if it detects an impending collision), Audi pre sense front (collision warning and autonomous braking), rear backup camera, and optional Audi side assist (blind spot monitoring), lane departure warning, rear cross traffic assist and front and rear parking sonar. A Top View Camera System and Park Steering Assist are new options.

Q5

2019 Audi Q5

Same 4-horsepower reduction as other 2.0-turbo Quattro models. The adaptive suspension is no longer offered.

Heated front seats, Audi Connect CARE, electric child safety locks and roof crossbars are all now standard. Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure warning and High-Beam Assist are now standard on Prestige. New features of Park Steering Assist and power till-telescoping steering wheel are standard on Prestige. Audi Phone Box is new and standard on Premium Plus and Prestige.

Q7

Audi Q7

New names for the 2.0T and 3.0T: 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI. The 45 TFSI loses 4 horsepower of engine rating, now 248. The 55 TFSI is now rated 4 horsepower less at 329, its Audi last supercharged V6. 

Audi Advanced Key, Navigation, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and Audi Connect CARE are all now standard. Exterior dimming mirrors, Blind Spot Warning, rear cross-traffic and Exit Assist are now available on the Premium model.

Q8

2019 Audi Q8 at LA Auto Show

Between a Q7 and a Q5 in size, the new Q8 is positioned above the Q7 in price.  The Q8 seats five, but has a sportier profile and is more upmarket than the Q7 (thus the number). Available only with a turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, the Q8 is rated at 17 MPG city and 22 highway.Luxury features include available heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, optional heated rear seats, Top View Cameras, standard remote start and climate control, and four-zone climate control. Safety features include frontal, side (optional for rear seats) and curtain airbags, stability control, antilock brakes, forward collision warning, Pre Sense City (autonomous emergency braking at low speeds), and available Night Vision, blind spot warning, lane departure warning and rear cross path alert.

R8

The Audi sports car will skip 2019 and return "refreshed" for 2020.

RS 3

2019 Audi RS 3

Engine rating is down by six horsepower, slipping under the magical (long ago) number of 400, to 394. Audi's tiniest hot-rod gets direct tire pressure sensors. A wireless phone charger inside the center console that boosts cell signals, two USB ports for the rear seat, extended leather upholstery and a 12-volt power outlet in the trunk are also now standard.

RS 5

2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback

No changes to the hot 444-horsepower coupe except it gets a new sibling, the RS 5 Sportback.

S3

2019 Audi S3 Sedan

The S3 loses 4 horsepower, for a total of 288: identical to the same engine powering the related VW Golf R. Otherwise some new trim, a new wheel design for the optional 19-inch wheels and an updated Black Optic package mark the 2019 model year.

S4

2019 Audi S4

The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is downrated by 5 horsepower to 349; peak torque remains 369 pound-feet.

For 2019 a new base model, "Premium" is offered, below the already offered "Premium Plus" and "Prestige." This allows an entry point over $1000 less than last year. Automatic dimming, power folding exterior mirrors, Audi Advanced Key, Driver seat memory and satellite memory are not included in the new trim level. Strangely, a massage function for the front seats is still standard on S4 Premium. Audi Side Assist is now standard on Premium Plus.

Adaptive Cruise, Active Lane Assist and High-Beam Assist are now standard on Prestige.

S5

2019 Audi S5 Coupe2019 Audi S5 Cabriolet2019 Audi S5 Sportback

The 3.0 turbocharged V6 is down 5 horsepower to 349, at least on paper.

S5 also gets a new "Premium" entry level trim. Auto dimming power folding exterior mirrors, Audi Advanced Key, Audi Side Assist, Vehicle Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and front and rear parking sensors are all features that are not standard on the new, Premium trim. Massaging front seats are still standard on Premium.

Park Steering Assist is new, standard on Prestige. Adaptive Cruise, Active Lane Assist and High-Beam Assist are now standard on Prestige.

20-inch wheels are now offered, with Summer performance tires.

SQ5

2019 Audi SQ5

A new entry level "Premium" model slots in below "Premium Plus" and "Prestige." Audi Advanced Key, Auto Dimming, power folding exterior mirrors, driver's seat memory, satellite radio, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning and exit warning are all no longer standard, but part of the Convenience Package on the new Premium trim. Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure warning and High-Beam Assist are now standard on Prestige.

TT

2019 Audi TT Coupe2019 Audi TT Roadster

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox replaces the six-speed, sure to improve fuel mileage and acceleration. Audi Phone Box is added to all models; it includes wireless charging and a signal booster for phones. New nomenclature for base model: 45 TFSI.

2019 Audi TT RS at 2019 NYIAS

The TT RS gets a new grill and more radiators for improved cooling.

 
 

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