John Kennedy test drives the new Audi A4, which is kitted out with a virtual cockpit and various wireless connect experiences, such as onboard Wi-Fi and wireless-charging capabilities for smart devices.

From the company known for the bold claim Vorsprung durch Technik, the Audi A4 is a curious beast at a curious time in the history of transport. We are on the verge of a new future for driving in terms of electric cars and, very soon, self-driving cars.

The Audi A4 represents perhaps the state-of-the-art in current diesel and petrol cars, but also provides an interesting glimpse into a future where driving will be a mostly digital experience.

In some respects, it represents the last hurrah for decades of driving based on ability and, if anything, shows how technology today augments driving ability.

On the face of it, this is the A4 we’ve always known, but overlaid with all kinds of gadgetry and wizardry, but, how did it drive?

Words by John Kennedy