Audi A4 review

You won’t have any issues getting comfortable in the A4, thanks to a generous range of seat and steering wheel adjustments. Four-way electrically operated lumbar adjustment is standard from entry-level Technik trim, while everything from Sport Editon upwards come with well-bolstered sports seats that hold you in place more securely through corners. Whichever seat is fitted, it's comfortable on a long motorway run and is accompanied with a comfy adjustable centre armrest.

The A4’s minimalist dashboard is simple and easy to use with big buttons and knobs operating the main functions, including the climate controls. And all models get Audi's excellent Virtual Cockpit system as standard; this replaces analogue dials with a 12.3in digital display that you can configure in multiple ways with ease from the steering wheel buttons. 

Forward visibility is good but your over-the-shoulder view could be better; something that's true of many saloons, though, to be fair. Fortunately, all models come with parking sensors front and rear as well as a reversing camera, all of which is handy when manoeuvring into tight spaces. You get a 360deg camera on the top-end Vorsprung trim. 

All A4s get bright LED headlamps, which Vorsprung trim upgrades to adaptive Matrix LED headlights. These adjust their main beam light pattern so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers; as a result, you can leave them on main beam more often. Sadly, they're not available, even as an option, on the lower trims. 

Every A4 gets Audi’s impressive MMI infotainment system with a 10.1in touchscreen. The graphics are sharp, the screen is really responsive and the menus are decipherable after a little acclimatisation. We still prefer the 3 Series's iDrive system, though, because it gives you the option of a touchscreen and a physical rotary controller, which is a less distracting way to make changes while you're on the road. 

You get lots of kit as standard with the A4. This includes Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto smartphone mirroring, in-built sat-nav, online features, voice activation, two USB sockets in the front and an eight-speaker stereo. If you add the optional Comfort and Sound pack or go for the high-end Vorsprung trim you get a B&O stereo with 19 speakers and 755 watts of power. 

The A4’s interior is beautifully crafted from high-class materials. Harder plastics are few and far between and nearly everything else has a plush, soft-touch finish. Real metal or wood veneer garnish comes as standard (depending on the trim level) for the dashboard and centre console and combines with well-damped switches to create an upmarket ambience.

The overall level of fit and finish is a grade or two above plenty of other cars in this class, with only the BMW 3 Series coming close, and is one of the main areas that differentiate the A4 from non-premium rivals, such as Skoda Superb.