Review Audi A4 – A a premium limousine that you will really like
When the current Audi A4 was first published, we were so impressed that we named it our Car of the Year.
Taking the coveted title is no small feat, but Audi isn’t one to rest on its laurels.
So, in order to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, the A4 has received a slew of updates along the way, not just to keep it looking new, but also to improve its performance.
It has a new infotainment system, and its engines – both petrol and diesel – are becoming more powerful over time (to help save the environment, and your money).
Is it, however, enough to hold the competition at bay?
That, after all, is the focus of this Audi A4 analysis.
We’ve combed through the brochures to see what’s available and checked different models, so we’re in a good position to tell you which engine and trim choices are best.
We’ve also driven the competition, which doesn’t just include the BMW and Mercedes we described, which compete with Audi in what is probably the longest-running rivalry in automotive history (and one that rivals Arsenal vs Spurs or Manchester United vs City in terms of ferocity).
We also compared it to the Jaguar XE and more upscale models of vehicles like the Mazda 6, Skoda Superb, and Volkswagen Passat.
Continue reading to find out what we think of the Audi A4 now, and if the qualities that won it Car of the Year still hold true.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more high-performance, check out our separate impressions of the Audi S4 and RS4.
Know that whatever car you want, we will help you save a lot of money when you buy it.
Our no-obligation New Car Deals service offers big savings on a variety of great vehicles of all makes and models, including the Audi A4.
Audi A4 performance –
How it feels to drive, as well as how quiet it is
Engine, gearbox, and 0-60mph
We wouldn’t suggest the 134bhp 30 TDI Audi A4 because it’s a little slow, as evidenced by its 9.5sec 0-62mph time.
If you need a diesel, instead upgrade to the 161bhp 35 TDI.
That has enough low-down punch to get you around town with ease, as well as enough outright pace to get you up to highway speeds (0-62mph takes a very respectable 8.2sec).
How about the gasolines?
To get up to speed quickly, the 148bhp 35 TFSI needs to be worked hard.
That’s why we recommend the 201bhp 40 TFSI as the best of the bunch.
It offers a significant performance boost that works well in all situations without significantly increasing operating costs (0-62mph takes 7.1 seconds – around the same as the BMW 320i).
There’s also the 45 TFSI, which has 261 horsepower and is a pleasure to drive (0-62mph takes 5.5sec).
If that’s not fast enough, we recommend the Audi S4 or the RS4, which are both even faster.
A seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox is standard on most Audi A4 engines.
After you’ve kicked it down, it’s a little slow to pick up speed, but once you’re moving, it pings through each gear change easily.
Even in greasy conditions, the four-wheel-drive quattro models will launch out of a T-junction without spinning a wheel.
Comfort in Audi A4 and Suspension
Depending on which trim level you choose, the Audi A4 has three suspension options, but it’s generally considered to be more comfortable than the BMW 3 Series.
Our favorite Comfort Dynamic configuration is found in the Technik and Sport Edition trims.
Unsurprisingly, comfort comes first, particularly if you stick with the regular 17in or 18in alloy wheels.
It effectively deals with all kinds of lumps and bumps while also maintaining excellent control over dips and crests.
It’s worth noting, however, that larger wheels appear to make the ride rougher.
Sport suspension is standard on the more costly S line and Black Edition versions.
It’s a stiffer, lower configuration that enhances handling (see below), but at the cost of comfort, and adds a little bumpiness at low speeds.
It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you have the choice, go for the Comfort Dynamic setup.
Finally, for the best of both worlds, there’s the Adaptive Sport suspension.
It combines the Sport suspension’s lower and stiffer settings with a softer, selectable Comfort mode, giving you the option of a smoother ride.
The issue is that it’s only available in the Vorsprung trim level.
The Audi A4 handles predictably and safely in all models.
They have precise steering that weights up steadily as you turn into curves, and they have excellent traction on the ground.
The stiffer Sport (or Adaptive Sport) suspension is the most nimble, staying flatter around corners and changing direction with greater vigor.
Despite the small increase in body lean, we’d opt for the softer Comfort Dynamic suspension that comes standard on the Technik and Sport Version.
It has a stronger mix of ride and handling, but there are rivals with sharper handling if that’s your primary concern.
When you put your foot down on the way out of a corner when the road is wet, the more powerful front-wheel-drive A4s will struggle for traction, but four-wheel-drive quattro models are virtually unflappable.
There are more complex alternatives, as we mentioned.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW 3 Series, or Jaguar XE are better choices if you want a car that is truly enjoyable to drive.
On a spirited blast down a country road, those rear-wheel-drive rivals steer sweeter and are more engaging.
Vibrations and noise
This is one of the Audi A4’s best attributes.
There isn’t any vibration transmitted through the car’s body from any of the engines.
Although the diesel engines are a little louder than the gasoline engines, every engine is smoother and quieter than the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.
The A4 is also stronger than its competitors at minimizing wind noise, with just a faint thud from the suspension over the roughest stretches of road.
Road noise is also very low, but if you want to optimize that feature, avoid the larger wheel and tyre options.
With a clutch that’s simple to judge, the six-speed manual gearbox is precise, compact, and easy to use.
The S tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox shifts almost imperceptibly up and down the gears, but it can be jerky at low speeds.
INTERIOR AUDI A4
In the Audi A4, you won’t have any trouble getting comfortable.
From the entry-level Technik trim, there are plenty of seat and steering wheel modifications, including a four-way electrically controlled lumbar shift.
From the Sport Edition trim level onwards, you’ll find well-bolstered sports seats that help keep you in position during corners.
Regardless of which seat is mounted, it is comfortable on long trips and comes with a comfortable adjustable center armrest.
However, there are several concerns.
The pedals are tilted to the right, and the footwell has a bulge near your left shoulder.
It’s noticeable, but the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class aren’t any better.
If you want one of the best driving positions available, the Volvo S60 is the car to choose.
The minimalist dashboard of the Audi A4 is easy and intuitive to use, with wide buttons and knobs for controlling the key functions, such as the climate controls.
Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit system is standard on all versions.
It replaces analogue dials with a 12.3-inch digital display that you can customize using the steering wheel buttons in a variety of ways.
Parking sensors and cameras, as well as visibility
The Audi A4’s forward visibility is fine, but the over-the-shoulder view could be better (which is true of many saloons, to be fair).
Thankfully, both models come equipped with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a rear-view camera, which comes in handy when maneuvering into tight spaces.
With the top-tier Vorsprung trim, you get a 360-degree camera.
All Audi A4s come standard with bright LED headlights, which can be upgraded to adaptive Matrix LED headlights with the Vorsprung trim.
These change their main beams to avoid blinding oncoming vehicles, allowing you to keep them on main beams for longer periods of time for better visibility.
They’re excellent, but they’re not available on lower trims.
Infotainment and sat nav
Audi’s impressive MMI infotainment system with a 10.1in touchscreen is standard on any A4.
After a little acclimatization, the graphics are bright, the screen is extremely sensitive, and the menus are easily understandable.
We also prefer the BMW 3 Series’ iDrive interface because it offers a touchscreen as well as a physical rotary controller, which is a less intrusive way to make adjustments while driving.
The Audi A4 comes with a number of features as usual.
This includes smartphone mirroring with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, online applications, voice activation, two USB ports in the front, and an eight-speaker stereo.
A B&O stereo with 19 speakers and 755 watts of power is available if you opt for the optional Comfort and Sound pack or the high-end Vorsprung trim.
The interior of the Audi A4 is exquisitely made from high-end materials.
Harder plastics are rare, and almost anything else has a plush, soft-touch finish.
The dashboard and center console are adorned with real metal or wood veneer (depending on the trim level), which is paired with well-damped switches to create an upmarket atmosphere.
How it handles people and clutter in the front room
Since the Audi A4 has wide door apertures and low sills, getting in and out of the front seats is easy.
You’ll have plenty of head, leg, and elbow space once inside, so you’re unlikely to feel claustrophobic unless you’re exceptionally tall.
Only the class’s colossal vehicles, such as the Skoda Superb, feel noticeably larger.
A tray under the adjustable armrest, two cupholders in front of the gear lever, and wide door bins with recesses large enough to accommodate a 1.0-litre bottle of water are among the interior storage options.
Rear Space
Again, thanks to wide-opening doors and low sills, access to the back seats is good.
The Audi A4 has enough rear space to suit a pair of six-footers comfortably, but it loses rear space when compared to the Volkswagen Arteon, Volkswagen Passat, and the large Skoda Superb.
If you’re looking for a luxury vehicle, it doesn’t have quite as much rear-seat space as the BMW 3 Series.
Since there’s a big floor hump to straddle, life isn’t especially easy for the central rear rider, but that’s true of most of its competitors.
Seat flexibility and folding
The Audi A4 has split-folding rear seats as standard, much like most of its competitors. But, unlike all of them, the Audi A4’s rear seats are divided into convenient 40/20/40 parts, rather than the more traditional 60/40 configuration.
It means you can fold the middle backrest to load long things while still being able to comfortably transport two passengers.
All trims provide height-adjustable front passenger seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support as standard.
In the executive car segment, the Audi A4’s boot is standard.
Since it’s a saloon, it has a small opening that blocks access almost as much as most rivals’, but there’s a load bay that’s almost equal in size to the BMW 3 Series’ and is nicely squared off.
You can comfortably put a couple of sets of golf clubs in there, and we were able to fit seven carry-on suitcases in without having to fold down the rear seats.
Note that if luggage capacity is your top priority, the A4 Avant (estate) is your best bet, while the Skoda Superb is your best bet for boot space – if you can do without the premium badge.
Audi A4 price
Prices for new AUDI a4 begins with 34000 euros and grow with equipments.
Conclusion
Audi A4 remains a premium car a very good option for families. They will have everything like in luxury cars.
