2019 Audi A4

Pros: Audi A4 boasts impressive interior design with top-notch cabin materials; peppy acceleration; excellent mix of ride quality and handling sharpness

Cons: Acceleration can be non-linear from a stop; MMI control system can be tedious to use

CG Says: The 2019 Audi A4 drops its manual transmission option and engine horsepower ratings have been slightly lowered. There have also been some minor changes to the front and rear fascias. Otherwise, the A4 line is little changed with some shuffling of standard and optional equipment and the addition of USB charge ports for rear-seat passengers. The A4 is a premium compact sedan that was redesigned for 2017. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are available. The base engine is a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 188 horsepower (down from 190) on front-wheel drive models or 248 hp (down from 252) with quattro all-wheel drive. A 7-speed automated-manual is the sole transmission. The performance S4 is powered by a 349-horsepower (down from 354) turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Notable standard features include a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, leather upholstery, sunroof, heated mirrors, LED ambient interior lighting, rearview camera, Audi’s MMI infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Options include Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” digital gauge cluster, Google Earth satellite navigation display, adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, a rear collision mitigation system, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic-sign recognition. A dazzling-yet-understated interior and a long list of cutting-edge technology features are chief among the A4’s highlights. Plus, the A4’s sticker prices and standard-equipment lists compare very favorably with its traditional BMW and Mercedes-Benz competitors. If you’re looking for a well-rounded premium compact sedan, the A4 should be on your list.