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; small door openings
CG Says: The 2021 Audi A4 gains horsepower and drops its base front-wheel-drive model. All A4s now have all-wheel drive. The base engine formerly used on the front-wheel-drive A4 sees horsepower rise from 188 to 201 and is labelled 40 TFSI. The step-up TFSI 45 engine formerly powered the all-wheel-drive A4 and has horsepower increased from 248 to 261. Both engines now have a mild hybrid system.
The A4 is a premium compact sedan that was redesigned for 2017 and is powered by a turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 7-speed automated-manual is the sole transmission. The performance S4 is powered by a 349-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Notable standard features include a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, leather upholstery, sunroof, heated mirrors, LED ambient interior lighting, rearview camera, 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.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Audi |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | A4 40 TFSI quattro Premium: $40,145 A4 40 TFSI quattro Premium Plus: $44,845 A4 40 TFSI quattro Prestige: $50,445 A4 45 TFSI quattro Premium: $42,540 A4 45 TFSI quattro Premium Plus: $46,740 A4 45 TFSI quattro Prestige: $51,440 S4 quattro Premium: $50,945 S4 quattro Premium Plus: $54,545 S4 quattro Prestige: $59,245 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/electric motor (A4) |
| Horsepower 201 (40 TFSI) 261 (45 TFSI) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-25 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-34 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (S4) |
| Horsepower 349 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
