2020 Audi Q4 Will Be A Smaller And Sexy Q8 Alternative

But what about an RS Q4?

Last year we learned that Audi was developing the first-ever Q4 crossover, based on the same MQB platform underpinning the current Q3. Why do the Q4? Two reasons: there’s a growing market for four-door coupe-styled crossovers, and because the number four exists. So, what can we expect from this compact crossover boasting sleeker styling than the Q3?

According to Autocar, it will be slightly longer than the Q3 by about 4.3 inches due to its heavily curved roofline and liftback-style tailgate. Its general exterior styling will be inspired by the TT Offroad Concept, first shown back in 2014, but there will certainly be a number of updates more in line with the automaker’s latest styling language.

Positioned as a direct competitor against the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque, and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q4’s interior will boast full-HD infotainment displays, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, gesture control functions, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Power is set to come from a new generation of 1.5-liter gasoline and diesel engines, though don’t expect the latter to be offered in the US. An updated version of the current 2.0-liter turbo four will also be offered. Expect to see the Q4 receive the e-tron treatment with a plug-in hybrid version with up to 31 miles of EV-only range arriving at a later date.

But we suspect enthusiasts will be drawn to the RS Q4 and its all-new 2.5-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine with up to 400 hp, though we can’t confirm whether or not this will debut at the same time as the base models. Like BMW, Audi will continue to expand its Q-branded crossover lineup even further, beyond the Q4. What’s next? The Q6, which will reportedly be a pure electric. We expect to see the Audi Q4 make its official debut sometime early next year before it goes on sale as a 2020 model in about a year’s time.

BMW Didn't Want The New 3 Series To Look Like A Smaller 5 Series

The company learned its lesson in the last generation.

One of the biggest complaints with modern luxury sedan design is that a brand can end up having several models that all look similar, creating a Russian doll effect. Since automakers typically stick with a corporate front fascia, it can sometimes be difficult to make one sedan distinctive from the rest. Take the previous generation BMW F30 3 Series and F10 5 Series for example. Many people criticized the 3 Series for looking like a smaller 5 Series, which in turn looked like a smaller 7 Series. With the reveal of the all-new G20 3 Series, BMW designers wanted to make sure no one would mistake it for the larger 5 Series.

Speaking to Australian outlet, Motoring, 3 Series product manager Stephan Horn said “There was some criticism in the past generations, looking for example from the rear at the 3 Series and 5 Series. They looked quite similar so we said this car had to look completely different from every angle compared to the predecessor and the 5 Series. It has to be recognizable as a 3 Series Sports sedan.”

Horn explained that having the two cars look so similar in the previous generation was a mistake. “Sure, we do market research and some of the 3 Series buyers, they were flattered a little bit, because people were thinking they were driving the 5 Series. Some of the 5 Series drivers were not so flattered, but we just want to keep each model as independent as possible.”

After seeing the new 3 Series in person, we agree that it looks a lot less like the current G30 5 Series. The 3 Series has distinctive design elements including a one-piece kidney grille, indents in the headlights, and sharp panel creases. In fact, we think the taillights look more like the Lexus IS than the 5 Series.

“I think in the last generation the criticism of 3 and 5 Series was right,” Horn added. “But we believe in this generation we won’t have this discussion. The whole design language is totally different to the 5 Series.”

We like the styling of the new 3 Series and we do agree that it doesn't just look like a smaller 5 Series. Let us know in the comments if you think BMW has done enough to differentiate the new 3 Series from the larger 5 Series.

BMW Didn't Want The New 3 Series To Look Like A Smaller 5 Series

The company learned its lesson in the last generation.

One of the biggest complaints with modern luxury sedan design is that a brand can end up having several models that all look similar, creating a Russian doll effect. Since automakers typically stick with a corporate front fascia, it can sometimes be difficult to make one sedan distinctive from the rest. Take the previous generation BMW F30 3 Series and F10 5 Series for example. Many people criticized the 3 Series for looking like a smaller 5 Series, which in turn looked like a smaller 7 Series. With the reveal of the all-new G20 3 Series, BMW designers wanted to make sure no one would mistake it for the larger 5 Series.

Speaking to Australian outlet, Motoring, 3 Series product manager Stephan Horn said “There was some criticism in the past generations, looking for example from the rear at the 3 Series and 5 Series. They looked quite similar so we said this car had to look completely different from every angle compared to the predecessor and the 5 Series. It has to be recognizable as a 3 Series Sports sedan.”

Horn explained that having the two cars look so similar in the previous generation was a mistake. “Sure, we do market research and some of the 3 Series buyers, they were flattered a little bit, because people were thinking they were driving the 5 Series. Some of the 5 Series drivers were not so flattered, but we just want to keep each model as independent as possible.”

After seeing the new 3 Series in person, we agree that it looks a lot less like the current G30 5 Series. The 3 Series has distinctive design elements including a one-piece kidney grille, indents in the headlights, and sharp panel creases. In fact, we think the taillights look more like the Lexus IS than the 5 Series.

“I think in the last generation the criticism of 3 and 5 Series was right,” Horn added. “But we believe in this generation we won’t have this discussion. The whole design language is totally different to the 5 Series.”

We like the styling of the new 3 Series and we do agree that it doesn't just look like a smaller 5 Series. Let us know in the comments if you think BMW has done enough to differentiate the new 3 Series from the larger 5 Series.