Overview

In an automotive world that’s rapidly moving to electrification, and the default bodystyle moving towards SUVs, the resolutely saloon-shaped, petrol- and diesel-powered Audi A4 might seem like an anachronism. But despite that, it’s still the bedrock of the firm’s extensive model range, and for many, the quintessential premium family car.

It’s certainly been evolved into a state of near-perfection. A mid-life update came in 2019 to keep it fresh four years into its production run – and it remains crisp looking and a desirable premium saloon against younger rivals. The BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Jaguar XE are its main rivals, although an increasing number of A4 customers are buying the estate version as well as the firm’s SUVs, such as the Q3 and Q5.

Good news for engine fans – there’s no shortage of choice. There are several petrol and diesels, as well as six-speed manual and seven or eight-speed automatic gearboxes. Backbone of the range is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol model, with the 2.0 TDI diesel beginning to fall out of favour with buyers.

There are several equipment lines available, progressing from Technik through Sport Edition, S Line and Black Edition, with the diesel-powered S4 sitting as the range’s flagship. Regardless of which you choose, each A4 is well-equipped, and even the entry-level cars come with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.1-inch MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system, reversing camera and sensors, three-zone climate control and cruise control.

Of course, the options list is vast, and choices include several colour options, various alloy wheel designs and diameters, standard and adaptively-damped suspension, differing headlight technologies, seat upholsteries and interior trims.

So, all the personalisation options are present and correct. But is this still the up-scale family car to have? Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Audi A4 including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.