Audi A4 Superavant (2014)

Audi is preparing a new A4-based high-roof model that eclipses the Avant. But whatever you do, don't call it an MPV.

It may be badged A4 Sportback. Or A4 Avantissimo, like the A8-based luxury wagon concept shown back in 2001 (and shown in our second row of photos). Or Superavant, because that's what it effectively is: a new type of estate car which is significantly roomier as well as more flexible but just as sporty, elegant and driver-oriented as its more mainstream sister models.

In February 2012, Audi designers and engineers met at the Ital Studio in Turin to check out a series of early proposals. If the board does give the still nameless project the thumbs-up, we should see a concept car in 2014 which would be followed by the production version two years later.

So where exactly does the Audi A4 Superavant fit into the range?

Although the project is still in its infancy, it aims to plug the gap between the A4 Avant and the Q5/Q6 crossovers. The main driving force behind it is market research which points out that there is growing demand for a premium MPV - but only as long as it does not look like a tall, boxy pseudo-commercial vehicle.

Young families would thus only form a small portion of the target audience. Instead, the new Audi intends to attract DINKS, Woopies (well-off older people), golden agers and active leisured–oriented folks. Common to all these groups is the desire to sit high up for a better surround view, to occasionally accommodate a couple of friends, and to load sports equipment, holiday luggage or a few crates of wine purchased en route.

In 2006, the Roadjet show car conceived under Ulrich Hackenberg was Audi's second attempt to create a high-end holdall after the aforementioned Avantissimo. In the absence of any artists' renderings, it's what we've used to illustrate this story (first row of pictures).

Why did the Roadjet not make the grade? It looked a trifle homespun, it did not push out the envelope far enough, and it almost completely lacked that coveted sporty touch. In contrast, the proposed A4 Superavant is an XXL estate car that combines dynamic proportions with above average space. Crucial visual elements are the exact height of the elevated roofline, the relation between the wheelbase and the rear overhang, and the dialogue between body and greenhouse.

Audi design mole speaks

'The last thing we want to create is a minivan,' explains a project engineer. 'Why? Because a minivan is incompatible with the Audi brand image. A minivan triggers all the wrong associations - like soccer mum, kiddy seats, weekend groceries. In an ideal world, the Superavant addresses primarily lifestyle-related packaging issues. That´s why two rows of seats are plenty. Those who need to carry more than five adults should consider a Sharan or a T5.'

Audi looked at three different donor cars for this model. The A3 range could do perhaps with an Avant but not with an even bigger derivative that would cannibalise the A4. The A6 would have been an OK choice for Europe but not for the rest of the world where five metre-plus hatchbacks and wagons simply don't sell. That´s why product planning agreed on the A4.

Helpfully, Audi's A4 and A6 share the same MLB modular components set. There exists extended-wheelbase variants of both models which have been developed for the Chinese market, but the Superavant will almost certainly be based on the smaller A4 L sporting a 60mm stretch. The longer wheelbase and the more substantial rear overhang should create an extra-large cargo bay as well as plenty of legroom for the back seat passengers.