Is a 2013 Audi A4 a B8 or B8.5?
The 2013 Audi A4 sold in most markets is generally classified as a B8.5 (the facelifted version of the B8 generation), not the original B8, because it received a significant mid-cycle update for the 2013 model year. This update included new exterior styling, interior tweaks, and some mechanical and technology changes, all grouped under the informal “B8.5” label among enthusiasts and in much of the automotive press.
Contents
How Audi’s B-Generation Naming Works
Audi never officially markets its cars as “B8” or “B8.5” in brochures or on the car itself. Those labels are internal platform codes and enthusiast shorthand. Understanding what they mean is key to placing the 2013 A4 correctly within Audi’s lineup history.
The following list breaks down how Audi’s B-platform generations correspond to model years for the A4.
- B5: First A4 generation, sold roughly from 1994–2001 (U.S.: 1996–2001).
- B6: Second generation, around 2001–2005 (U.S.: 2002–2005).
- B7: Third generation, around 2004–2008 (U.S.: 2005.5–2008) – essentially a heavy facelift of the B6.
- B8: Fourth generation, launched for the 2008–2012 model years (U.S.: 2009–2012 for the A4 sedan/Avant).
- B9: Fifth generation, from 2015 onward in Europe (U.S.: 2017 model year debut).
These platform designations help anchor each A4 generation in time, and set the context for where the transitional B8.5 facelift fits into the timeline.
Where the B8.5 Fits in the Audi A4 Timeline
The term “B8.5” is not an official Audi name but a widely adopted nickname for the mid-cycle facelift of the B8 A4. Audi significantly updated the A4 around 2012 (for the 2013 model year in North America), and that refresh is what people call B8.5.
Production Years and Markets
For clarity, it helps to separate original B8 cars from the B8.5 facelift by model year and market specifics.
The following list highlights when the B8 and B8.5 A4s were sold in key markets.
- Europe:
- B8 A4 launched in late 2007 as a 2008 model.
- Facelift (B8.5) introduced in late 2011, sold as 2012–2015 model years for the A4.
- United States & Canada:
- B8 A4 sedan/Avant: 2009–2012 model years.
- B8.5 A4 sedan/Allroad: 2013–2016 model years.
- Other global markets:
- The shift from B8 to B8.5 generally mirrored Europe’s schedule: pre-facelift through 2011–2012, then facelift through about 2015.
This model-year breakdown is why a 2013 A4 in North America—and in most other regions—is understood to be a B8.5, the facelifted version of the B8 platform.
How to Tell a B8 from a B8.5 A4
Even if you only know the model year, visual and feature cues can confirm whether an A4 is the original B8 or the B8.5 facelift. For 2013 cars, those cues almost always point to B8.5.
Exterior Design Changes
Visually, the B8.5 A4 received a cleaner, more angular look compared with the earlier B8 version.
The following list outlines the main exterior differences between B8 and B8.5 A4 models.
- Headlights:
- B8: More rounded headlamp units with a “checkmark” style LED strip (on LED-equipped models).
- B8.5: Sharper, more angular headlights with a continuous LED light bar/pattern across the bottom edge.
- Front grille:
- B8: Large single-frame grille with more pronounced upper corners and older Audi corporate look.
- B8.5: Updated grille with slightly flattened top corners and a more horizontal, wider stance.
- Bumpers and air intakes:
- B8: Softer, more rounded lower bumper and fog light surrounds.
- B8.5: Crisper lower bumper design, with reshaped fog light housings and air intakes for a more aggressive appearance.
- Tail lights:
- B8: Older LED signature, more segmented-looking light pattern if equipped.
- B8.5: Revised LED design with a more continuous, modern light signature.
These styling updates, first widely available on 2013 A4s in North America, are what most drivers recognize as the key visual hallmarks of the B8.5 refresh.
Interior and Technology Updates
Inside, the B8.5 A4 refined what the original B8 started, with incremental upgrades to materials, controls, and available tech, especially noticeable in 2013+ cars.
The following list summarizes key interior and tech differences between the pre-facelift B8 and facelifted B8.5 A4.
- Steering wheel and controls:
- B8: Earlier steering wheel designs and button layouts, simpler MMI functionality on lower trims.
- B8.5: Updated steering wheel styles, sometimes with a thicker rim and revised buttons; improved MMI interface and graphics on systems equipped with navigation.
- Dashboard and trim:
- B8: Original dashboard layout that debuted in 2008, already high quality but older in appearance.
- B8.5: Subtle updates to vent surrounds, trim pieces, and controls, plus new material and inlay options in many markets.
- Infotainment and connectivity:
- B8: Earlier-generation MMI, more limited smartphone and media integration.
- B8.5: Revised MMI software, updated navigation maps and interface, improved media support, and optional advanced driver-assistance features depending on trim and region.
While the interior layout stayed fundamentally the same, these incremental changes on the 2013 A4 contribute to its strong association with the B8.5 designation.
Mechanical and Engine Differences
Under the hood, Audi also made notable changes moving from early B8 models to the B8.5 era, particularly to its widely used 2.0 TFSI engine.
The next list focuses on key mechanical aspects that distinguish many B8.5 A4s from earlier B8s.
- 2.0 TFSI engine revisions:
- Earlier B8 models used earlier iterations of the EA888 engine, which gained a reputation for issues like higher oil consumption in some cars.
- B8.5-era 2.0 TFSI engines (including 2013 A4s in many regions) featured revisions to address reliability and efficiency, with updated internals and tuning.
- Transmission options:
- Both B8 and B8.5 offered a mix of manual, automatic (Tiptronic), and dual-clutch (S tronic) gearboxes depending on market and drivetrain.
- Availability and tuning of transmissions were refined over time with the B8.5, improving drivability and efficiency, especially for quattro-equipped cars in some regions.
- Chassis and suspension tweaks:
- Audi made subtle suspension and steering adjustments with the facelift to improve ride and handling balance, though the underlying MLB platform remained the same.
These under-the-skin updates reinforce the idea that the B8.5 is more than a cosmetic refresh, making 2013 models technically as well as visually distinct from early B8 cars.
So What Is a 2013 Audi A4, Exactly?
Putting all of this together—the timing, the facelift, and the enthusiast naming conventions—answers the central question: a 2013 Audi A4 is almost universally regarded as a B8.5.
Platform vs. Facelift: Why Both Labels Exist
Technically, a 2013 Audi A4 still sits on the “B8” platform (the MLB architecture that debuted with the 2008 A4). However, the 2013 model year falls after Audi’s major mid-cycle update, placing it firmly in the facelifted phase that owners and enthusiasts distinguish as “B8.5.”
The following list clarifies how both terms apply to a 2013 A4.
- Platform (engineering sense):
- The 2013 A4 uses the B8-generation MLB platform—same basic chassis architecture as 2009–2012 A4s.
- Facelift designation (enthusiast/market sense):
- Because of the 2013 facelift (styling, interior, and technical changes), the car is commonly referred to as B8.5, distinguishing it from pre-facelift B8s.
- Practical takeaway for owners and buyers:
- In forums, parts catalogs, and tuning communities, a 2013 A4 will generally be grouped with “B8.5” cars for fitment, coding, and styling discussions.
In everyday use, “B8.5” is the more precise and commonly recognized description for a 2013 Audi A4, even though the underlying engineering platform is still officially B8.
Summary
A 2013 Audi A4 is best described as a B8.5: it rides on the B8 platform but belongs to the facelifted, updated phase of that generation. Enthusiasts and many parts and tuning resources treat all 2013–2016 A4s (in markets like the U.S.) as B8.5 models, distinguishing them from the pre-facelift 2009–2012 B8 cars. If you own or are shopping for a 2013 A4, you should look for information, parts, and community resources under the B8.5 designation.
What year is a B8 Audi A4?
The Audi A4 B8 generation includes models from the 2008 to 2016 model years, with a facelift in 2013. The first generation, the pre-facelift B8, was produced from 2008 to 2012, and the second generation, known as the B8.5, was produced from 2013 to 2016.
You can watch this video to learn more about the B8 A4 generation: 56sTurn 6 GarageYouTube · Jan 6, 2023
- B8 (pre-facelift): 2008–2012
- B8.5 (facelift): 2013–2016
What engine does the 2013 Audi A4 have?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
What year is the B8 5 Audi?
The “B8” Audi is a generation of vehicles produced from roughly 2008-2016, with the B8.5 being the facelifted version from 2013-2016. These cars are often discussed in terms of potential long-term ownership, with common topics including specific engine and transmission issues, potential for high repair costs, and a comparison between the original B8 and facelifted B8.5 models.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the B8 and B8.5 models: 56sGJACarsYouTube · May 12, 2021
B8 (2008-2012) vs. B8.5 (2013-2016)
- Key differences: The B8.5 includes a facelift with updated styling (trapezoidal fog lights, continuous LED light lines in headlights) and minor interior changes.
- Improvements: The B8.5 had an updated PCV valve, a less failure-prone 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (S tronic), a new crown center differential in the S4, and an updated MMI system.
- Engine: The S4 models in both generations feature a 3.0L supercharged V6 engine, with the B8.5 model having a slightly updated version of the engine with a four-bolt supercharger pulley.
Long-term ownership considerations
- Cost: Be prepared for potential high repair and maintenance costs, especially with major components like the clutch/flywheel. Annual costs can be higher than expected due to required maintenance like tires and brakes, which can add up quickly.
- Known issues: Potential problems include water pump failure, oil consumption in TFSI engines, high-pressure fuel pump issues in 3.0 TDI engines, and a variety of other potential problems across the range.
- Transmission: Both the 8-speed Multitronic CVT and the 7-speed S-Tronic can have control module failures. The DSG transmission in the B8 S4 was known to be more prone to issues, though this was improved in the B8.5.
- Other potential issues: Rattles, sticky leather trims, stuck key fobs, and brake system problems like caliper issues or sensor failures can occur.
This video provides a comprehensive guide to buying a B8/B8.5 Audi S4: 56sFCP EuroYouTube · Jul 10, 2020
Tips for buyers
- Do your research: If you are considering purchasing a B8/B8.5, research the specific model, engine, and transmission to understand its potential issues and needs.
- Check maintenance history: A well-documented service history is crucial, as some potential problems can be mitigated with proper maintenance.
- Consider the model year: The B8.5 models often have fewer known issues compared to the earlier B8 versions.
- Test drive: Take the car for a thorough test drive to identify any potential issues, and have a mechanic inspect it before purchasing.
Is a 2013 Audi A4 B8 or B8 5?
B8 Audi A4 – 2009 -2012. B8. 5 Audi A4 – 2013-2016.
