Is an Audi A4 a Good Car?

Audi A4: The Complete Review

When shopping for a luxury sedan, the Audi A4 often comes up as a popular choice. But with a higher price tag than non-luxury cars, you might wonder if it’s really worth the money. Is the Audi A4 truly a good car, or just a fancy name with a big price? This complete review breaks down everything you need to know before making this important decision.

Overall Quality Assessment

Reputation and Reliability

The Audi A4 has built a solid reputation over its many generations. Current models score above average in reliability ratings, though they don’t quite match Japanese luxury brands like Lexus. Owner surveys show most A4 drivers report fewer problems than expected, especially in newer models built after 2017.

Consumer Reports gives recent A4 models good reliability scores, placing them ahead of the BMW 3 Series but slightly behind the Mercedes C-Class in their segment. J.D. Power typically rates the A4 as “Better Than Most” in their dependability studies.

Build Quality and Materials

One area where the A4 truly shines is its construction. The car feels solid when you close the doors, with minimal rattles or squeaks even after years of driving. Inside, the materials look and feel premium:

• Soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and doors
• Real leather seating (not leatherette like some competitors)
• Genuine aluminum or wood trim options
• Tightly fitted panels with consistent gaps

Even the buttons and switches operate with a satisfying click that suggests quality engineering.

Performance and Driving Experience

Engine Options and Power

The current A4 offers turbocharged four-cylinder engines that balance power and efficiency:

• The 40 TFSI: 201 horsepower, good for 0-60 mph in about 6.8 seconds
• The 45 TFSI: 261 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in approximately 5.2 seconds

Both engines deliver smooth acceleration with minimal turbo lag. The power feels accessible in everyday driving, with plenty of passing ability on highways.

Handling and Ride Quality

The A4 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. The steering feels precise without being too heavy, and the car corners confidently without excessive body roll. With Quattro all-wheel drive, the A4 grips the road impressively in all weather conditions.

The ride quality leans toward the firm side but absorbs bumps well without jarring passengers. Highway cruising is particularly pleasant, with minimal road and wind noise making it easy to have conversations or enjoy music even at higher speeds.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Cabin Space and Comfort

For a compact luxury sedan, the A4 offers good space:

• Front seats provide excellent comfort for long drives
• Rear seats can accommodate adults, though tall passengers might wish for more legroom
• Headroom is adequate throughout the cabin

The standard leather seats offer good support, and the driving position can be fine-tuned to suit different body types. The optional sport seats add extra bolstering for spirited driving.

Tech Features and Usability

Technology is a strong point for the A4, with an infotainment system that’s both feature-rich and relatively easy to use:

• 10.1-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster
• Intuitive menu structure

Voice commands work better than in many competitors, and physical climate controls make adjusting temperature and fan speed simple while driving.

Comparison Table

Feature	Audi A4	BMW 3 Series	Mercedes C-Class	Lexus IS
Starting Price	$39,900	$43,300	$44,850	$40,585
Base Engine	2.0L turbo, 201 hp	2.0L turbo, 255 hp	2.0L turbo, 255 hp	2.0L turbo, 241 hp
Fuel Economy (MPG)	25/34	26/36	23/33	21/31
Cargo Space	12 cu ft	13 cu ft	12.6 cu ft	10.8 cu ft
Reliability Rating	Above Average	Average	Above Average	Excellent
Warranty	4yr/50,000mi	4yr/50,000mi	4yr/50,000mi	4yr/60,000mi
AWD Available	Yes (Quattro)	Yes (xDrive)	Yes (4MATIC)	Yes (optional)
Interior Quality	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent	Very Good

Safety Features and Ratings

Crash Test Results

The Audi A4 performs exceptionally well in safety tests:

• IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (highest rating)
• 5-star overall rating from NHTSA
• Strong scores in all crash test categories

These results give peace of mind that the A4 provides excellent protection in the event of an accident.

Driver Assistance Technology

Modern A4 models come with an impressive array of safety tech:

• Standard automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Available 360-degree camera system

The systems work reliably without being overly intrusive, striking a good balance between safety and driving enjoyment.

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price and Value

With a starting price around $39,900, the A4 costs more than mainstream sedans but offers competitive pricing within the luxury segment. The value proposition improves when you consider the standard features included:

• Real leather seating (competitors often use synthetic at base price)
• Power sunroof
• LED headlights
• Three-zone climate control

Maintenance and Repairs

Owning an Audi does cost more than a non-luxury car:

• Regular maintenance runs about $800-1,200 annually
• Parts cost more than mainstream brands
• Specialized service may require Audi dealerships or independent European car specialists

However, the A4 tends to be less expensive to maintain than some other German luxury brands, particularly as newer models have improved reliability.

Fuel Economy

The A4 delivers reasonable fuel efficiency for a luxury car:

• 40 TFSI: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
• 45 TFSI with Quattro: 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway

These numbers compare favorably to competitors while delivering good performance.

Real Owner Experiences

What Owners Love

When surveying A4 owners, several themes emerge about what they appreciate most:

• The understated, elegant styling that doesn’t shout for attention
• Quattro all-wheel drive performance in bad weather
• High-quality interior that ages well
• Balanced handling that’s both comfortable and engaging

Many owners report their A4 still looks and feels premium after several years of ownership.

Common Complaints

No car is perfect, and A4 owners do mention some drawbacks:

• Higher maintenance costs than mainstream brands
• Some electrical issues in older models
• MMI infotainment system can have occasional glitches
• Limited rear seat space compared to midsize sedans

Despite these concerns, owner satisfaction scores remain high across most surveys.

Who Should Buy an Audi A4?

Ideal A4 Owner Profile

The A4 makes the most sense for certain types of car buyers:

• Professionals wanting a premium car without flashy styling
• Drivers in snowy regions who appreciate Quattro all-wheel drive
• Tech enthusiasts who value cutting-edge features
• People who enjoy driving and want something more engaging than a typical sedan

Who Might Look Elsewhere

The A4 might not be the best choice for:

• Buyers on a tight budget (both purchase and maintenance)
• Those who prioritize maximum interior space
• Drivers seeking the absolute highest reliability ratings
• People who prefer a softer, more cushioned ride

Long-Term Ownership Perspective

Aging Process

The A4 tends to age well compared to many competitors:

• Interior materials resist wear better than many luxury cars
• Exterior finishes maintain their appearance with proper care
• Mechanical components generally prove durable with maintenance

Many owners report their 5-7 year old A4 still feels solid and looks good.

Resale Value

Audi A4 models hold their value reasonably well:

• Typical depreciation of 45-50% after three years
• Better resale value than many mainstream cars
• Quattro models tend to retain value better in northern regions
• Well-optioned examples command stronger resale prices

This helps offset the higher initial purchase price somewhat.

The Driving Environment

Driver-Focused Design

The A4’s cockpit prioritizes the driver’s experience:

• Controls are angled slightly toward the driver
• Essential functions can be accessed without looking away from the road
• Visibility is generally good in all directions
• Driving position can be precisely adjusted

These elements create a car that feels natural to drive from the first moment behind the wheel.

Passenger Experience

Passengers aren’t forgotten in the A4’s design:

• Comfortable seating with good support
• Individual climate zones for customized comfort
• Quality materials throughout the cabin
• Good sound insulation makes conversation easy

Even rear-seat passengers enjoy amenities like dedicated air vents and USB charging ports.

Final Assessment

The Audi A4 earns its reputation as a good car through a well-rounded combination of qualities. It delivers luxury, performance, and technology in a package that feels premium without being ostentatious. While not perfect – no car is – it rates highly across most important categories.

For buyers willing to pay more than a mainstream sedan costs, the A4 delivers a genuinely elevated experience that justifies its premium price. The combination of quality interior, capable performance, advanced technology, and strong safety makes it a standout in the competitive luxury compact sedan segment.

Is the Audi A4 a good car? For the right buyer, it’s not just good – it’s excellent.

FAQ

How reliable is the Audi A4 compared to other luxury cars?

The current generation A4 ranks above average in reliability among luxury sedans, though not quite at the level of Lexus. Major issues are relatively rare, especially in models from 2017 onward.

Does the A4 cost a lot to maintain?

Yes, maintenance costs are higher than mainstream brands, with typical annual expenses between $800-1,200. However, costs are comparable to other German luxury vehicles.

Is Quattro all-wheel drive worth the extra money?

For anyone living in areas with snow or frequent rain, Quattro is definitely worth the investment. The system improves both safety and performance in slippery conditions.

How long do Audi A4s typically last?

With proper maintenance, an A4 can easily last 150,000-200,000 miles. Many owners report their A4s running strong well past 100,000 miles with only routine repairs.

Is insurance expensive for an Audi A4?

Yes, insurance typically costs 15-30% more than for mainstream sedans of similar size. However, the A4’s excellent safety ratings help keep premiums lower than for some luxury sport sedans.

What’s better: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, or Mercedes C-Class?

Each has different strengths: the A4 offers the best value and all-weather capability, the BMW delivers the sportiest driving experience, and the Mercedes provides the most luxurious interior. Your preference depends on which qualities matter most to you.

Is the base engine powerful enough?

Most drivers find the standard 201-horsepower engine more than adequate for daily driving. It delivers good acceleration for merging and passing. The 261-horsepower upgrade provides noticeably quicker response but isn’t necessary for most drivers.

Do Audi A4s have timing belts or chains?

Current A4 models use timing chains, which typically don’t require replacement at regular intervals. This helps reduce maintenance costs compared to older models with timing belts.