Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A4 |
| Generation | A4 (B8 8K, facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 TDI V6 clean diesel (245 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | November, 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7 kg/Hp, 142.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.4 kg/Nm, 290.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 245 Hp @ 4000-4500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1400-3250 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1400-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CDUC, CKVB, CKVC |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 91.4 mm (3.6 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11.5 l (12.15 US qt | 10.12 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2270 kg (5004.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 962 l (33.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4701 mm (185.08 in.) |
| Width | 1826 mm (71.89 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2040 mm (80.31 in.) |
| Height | 1427 mm (56.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2808 mm (110.55 in.) |
| Front track | 1564 mm (61.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Front overhang | 862 mm (33.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1031 mm (40.59 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
The Audi A4 B8.5 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic, launched in late 2011, represented a high-performance diesel offering within the A4 range. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL46 platform (internally known as the B8 8K facelift), this variant combined a potent 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine with Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system and the quick-shifting S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This combination aimed to provide a refined, powerful, and efficient driving experience, appealing to buyers who prioritized performance and all-weather capability in a compact executive sedan. It sat at the top of the A4 diesel lineup, above the more common 2.0 TDI models.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this A4 variant is the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, identified by engine codes CDUC, CKVB, and CKVC. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for optimized combustion. The engine features a single turbocharger with an intercooler to increase air density and boost power output. The valvetrain employs double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, contributing to efficient gas exchange. The S tronic transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch unit that provides incredibly fast and smooth gear changes. It operates with two separate clutches, one for odd gears and one for even gears, allowing for pre-selection of the next gear and virtually seamless shifts. This transmission offers both automatic and manual shift modes, with paddle shifters often included for driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic A4 delivers a noticeably more engaging driving experience compared to the lower-powered variants. The 245 horsepower and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque provide strong acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 5.6 seconds. The S tronic transmission contributes to this performance with its rapid gear changes, while the quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in all conditions. The gear ratios are tuned to provide a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency. In everyday driving, the engine feels responsive and effortless, with ample torque available from low RPMs. Compared to the 2.0 TDI models, the V6 offers a smoother, more refined power delivery and a more satisfying overall driving experience. While the 2.0 TDI prioritizes fuel economy, the 3.0 TDI focuses on providing a more premium and dynamic driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These often included leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with a color display. Optional extras could include navigation, a premium sound system (Bang & Olufsen), parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and various driver assistance systems. The interior trim levels varied, with options for different wood or aluminum inlays. The exterior styling often included S line packages, which added more aggressive body styling elements and sport suspension.
Chassis & Braking
The A4 B8.5 featured an independent multi-link suspension at the front and an independent trapezoidal link suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed, enhancing traction and stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control as standard features. The suspension tuning was generally geared towards providing a balance between comfort and sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and all-weather capability. Fuel economy was also considered respectable for a vehicle of its performance level, averaging around 41.3 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to its rivals, such as the BMW 335d and the Mercedes-Benz C300 CDI, the A4 offered a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and technology. Some critics noted that the ride could be slightly firm, but overall, the A4 3.0 TDI was considered a top contender in the compact executive segment.
Legacy
The 3.0 TDI engine proved to be a reliable and durable powertrain when properly maintained. While diesel engines, in general, have faced increased scrutiny regarding emissions, the A4 3.0 TDI remains a popular choice in the used car market. The S tronic transmission, while offering excellent performance, can require more frequent servicing than a traditional automatic transmission. Overall, the A4 B8.5 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic represents a well-engineered and capable vehicle that continues to offer a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and efficiency.
