JD15

Progress isn't guaranteed and I would argue that roughly 50% of the time the newer version of a vehicle looks worse than the previous version. It's too early to conclude that is the case for the B10, but these early photos are not encouraging.

Nikon1

“Cladding?”

Certainly looks like a roll-out version to my eyes unless you see something I’ve missed?

— John

mikeru

Looks to me like they're still hiding a few spots on the car. Most of the car is exposed but these areas look like to me like they are covered up. Not sure why they would still be covered but that's what I'm seeing...





I also am seeing the inner and outer sections of the headlights and tail lights are covered too.

MH62

The B9 clam shell hood design was so good. It will be missed.

JohnEnglish

The whole front bumper is covered in a single piece of cladding and judging by the huge gaps around the headlights, it looks the front fenders are too.The rear bumper and hatch are too. Plus, black is really good at hiding body lines.

KOSTIC

Not a fan based on the shots posted here so far. Looks very blah, nothing in the design that separates it from the crowd and makes me want to do a double take.
I realize that not all trim levels are expected to be head turners, but they are going to have to make some major tweaks to get an RS version looking like it is worthy of the RS badging. Can it be done? Sure. Will it be done? Only time will tell.

That said, I'll reserve final judgement until it's actually released.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Got an M5 before the RS6 wagon was available in the US. It's umm, sufficient to the task. Plus it doesn't have the problematic dynamic stability control that audi uses...those oil-filled shocks diagonally coupled are sheesh expensive when they fail!

mikeru

So, like pretty much every base model Audi ever made then.

KOSTIC

The base B9.5 A5 looks pretty good, and I would say better than the pics of the B10 posted so far.
I feel like a base B9.5 A5 just needs the right wheels to make it turn heads while I think it would take more than wheels on the B10. The B9.5 has sharper (more pronounced) body lines while the B10 looks softer to me.
I am also looking forward to seeing a non-avant format too. The '78 Pontiac wagon my parents had while I was growing up ruined wagons for me, so maybe that is impacting my opinion.

Obviously, I may change my mind on its exterior design once its released in all its glory.

mikeru

Don't get me wrong. I love how my '23 A4 Allroad looks. Almost every Audi turns my head. I mean who buys a car they don't like looking at? My previous post was just summing up what just about every "expert" review says about Audi styling in general, especially when comparing them to other German luxury brands. They say they look good but nothing head turning or special about them. I can see that, but then again it's a look I love.