Clear-glass headlights have sweeping lower edges and an inward taper. Body-colored bumpers are said to accentuate the car's low center of gravity. Visibly flared wheel arches round out the picture.

Standard tires on 2.0T models measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch tires are installed on models with the V-6 engine. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, a moonroof and Parktronic rear parking assistance are available. Optional adaptive headlights can pivot 15 degrees.

Sedans and wagons seat five people and have four-way power lumbar support. The seat cushions have prominent bolsters. Standard equipment includes automatic dual-zone air conditioning. Leather seating surfaces are included in 3.2 models. The available Audi Navigation Plus system has a 5-inch video screen.

A 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers 2.0T models. An aluminum 255-hp, 3.1-liter V-6 is installed in 3.2 editions. A six-speed-manual gearbox is standard in all models except the 3.2 FrontTrak. The multitronic CVT is available only in models equipped with FrontTrak, but sedans and wagons with quattro all-wheel drive can have a six-speed Tiptronic automatic that permits manual gear selection.

Side curtain-type airbags deploy from above the side windows. Side-impact airbags for front occupants are standard, and rear-seat airbags are optional. Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program incorporates Brake Assist.