this shows a lot about audi design
there was no major steps taken in their "Bauhaus" direction for a very long time
every new design was a subtle evolution of the earlier
the major points being the headlights which screamed 90's in the D2 for example and now aremore in lign with current trends
the grill was the biggest change, and even unto itself it wasn't major from a design perspective because all they did was join the upper and lower segments (check the B7 A4, and the D2 A8)
it is an interesting direction, but one that is not vouched for success on the longer term, except with Audi purists, unfortunately, as far i know, Audi does not have ahuge base of purists, unlike other mega brands
and this si not the correct way to build a cult following, a strong nucleus of recurring buyers.
you need to impose character and create a string brand identity
right now all audis are impecabbly an Audi, given the strong in brand and cross generational similarity.
the next step would be to ditch the paralleloogram headlights and gaping grill system for something that would give more character to each individual model while retaining common grounds accross the range to enhance individuality
the grill could remain as the audi trademark, like the BMW kidneys et al, but there is dire need for something more chracteristic and differentiable