Introduction
What Car? says...
We were so impressed with the current Audi A4 when it was first launched that we voted it our Car of the Year.
It’s no mean feat to take that prestigious crown, but remaining at the top of the executive car class will be an even greater challenge, and Audi knows not to rest on its laurels.
Read on to find out what we think of the Audi A4 now, and whether the qualities that won it the Car of the Year title still keep it on top.
If you're looking for an estate, we also have a separate Audi A4 Avant review. Or, if you’re after something with a bit more high-performance welly, you can check out our full reviews of the powerful Audi S4 and Audi RS4 Avant variants.
Whichever car you decide is best for you, we can help you save a fortune when you buy it. Our free What Car? New Car Buying service has huge hassle-free discounts on lot of models, including Audi A4 deals.
FAQs
Not especially. Petrol-powered Audi A4s came ninth in the executive car class of our 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, albeit with a score of 93.9%. Diesel versions did worse, coming fourth from bottom with a 91.1% rating. Meanwhile, as a brand, Audi came a middling 18th out of 30 car makers in the survey. Read more here
No. While rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Skoda Superb are available as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), there’s no such version of the Audi A4. And there’s no fully electric A4, either. Instead, you get to choose between 148bhp and 204bhp petrol engines, or diesels with either 163bhp or 204bhp. Audi's electric vehicle range includes the E-tron, Q4 e-tron and E-tron GT. Read more here
The Audi A4’s 35 TDI diesel engine strikes the best balance between performance and efficiency, officially averaging around 60mpg. Pairing it with Technik trim helps to keep costs down and gets you 17in alloy wheels plus comfort-oriented suspension, making the A4 one of the plushest-riding executive cars available. Read more here
Technik trim is the entry point in the Audi A4 line-up, but still comes with lots of standard kit, including front and rear climate control and cruise control. Upgrading to S line trim adds sportier styling, with restyled bumpers, leather seats and 19in alloy wheels, as well as firmer suspension. Read more here
The Audi A4 earned the maximum five-star safety rating when it was tested by the independent safety experts at Euro NCAP in 2015, although this rating has now expired. At the time, it wasn’t deemed quite as good at protecting adult occupants as the contemporary BMW 3 Series or the Jaguar XE. However, all versions have automatic emergency braking (AEB) fitted as standard to help prevent accidents. Read more here
The boot of the Audi A4 saloon is a good size by executive car standards, with a capacity of 460 litres. We managed to fit in seven carry-on suitcases without folding down the rear seats (which split 40/20/40). However, if the ability to carry big loads is a priority, you might want to consider the A4 Avant (estate) or the Skoda Superb instead. Read more here
| RRP price range | £33,965 - £59,230 |
|---|---|
| Number of trims (see all) | 7 |
| Number of engines (see all) | 5 |
| Available fuel types (which is best for you?) | diesel, petrol |
| MPG range across all versions | 39.8 - 58.9 |
| Available doors options | 4 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £2,120 / £4,309 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £4,241 / £8,618 |
| Available colours |
