New Estate of Mind

As automotive culture embraces lifestyle and SUVs transition into crossovers, it seems the station wagon is turning into a longer hatchback.

Or at least that's what has happened with the latest Audi A4 Avant.

With its less upright tailgate, the all-new Avant's profile is not so much estate but more extended hatchback.

The A4 Avant's tapering roofline also gives it a different image, one that is sportier and slightly younger.

The all-new Avant is based on the ninth-generation A4 with its new platform architecture and body panels. …