Audi A4

Audi A4 Review

Following a period of reduced visibility due to a trimmed model lineup during the transition to BS6 norms, Audi is accelerating its resurgence in India by introducing several new models. The Audi A4, Audi’s entry-level sedan is one of these. Not long ago, the Audi A4 rivalled the Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3 series. However, over the last few years, Audi has drastically changed the pricing of all of its cars, and the A4 is now more comparable to the A-class limousine and the 2 series in terms of pricing. With no real rivals in the market (A-class and 2-series are significantly smaller), does the Audi A4 make for an attractive proposition as a sub-50-lakh luxury sedan? Let’s have a look.

Audi A4 Pros and Cons 

Audi A4 Exterior Design 

The Audi A4 features a sharp, clean look which will be well suited for executives. Up front, the A4 gets LED headlights featuring eyebrow-like DRLs and a bold front grille with oodles of chrome. Clean lines dominate the sides of the A4, as it gets rather tame and classy 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear end also sees a healthy chrome treatment, with a chrome strip running between the two tail lamps, and another chrome strip embellishing the diffuser, which also gets pseudo chrome exhaust tips. Overall, the A4 retains a familiar and safe design, which will be appreciated by people who prefer their cars to have an understated look, rather than an excessively bold and modern design.

Audi A4 Interiors 

The Audi A4's interior reflects a sanctuary of luxury and craftsmanship. Occupants are greeted by a blend of high-quality and luxurious materials. The dashboard and centre console retain familiar elements but are enhanced by the inclusion of Audi's new MMI system, featuring a sleek 10.1-inch touchscreen. The use of open-pore wood also adds to the premium feeling. However, while the quality is top-notch, the interior design — especially the dashboard — appears dated. Space-wise, the A4 provides adequate headroom and legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. A fifth passenger at the back can also fit in, thanks to the generous width of the rear row, but a wide and tall central tunnel eats into the middle passenger’s legroom. The rear seating could also benefit from slightly more reclined seats. Boot space is also a generous 460 litres, and unlike rivals, the A4 gets dedicated housing for the spare tyre under the boot floor, so the entire boot space is usable. 

Audi A4 Comfort 

In terms of seating and suspension, the Audi A4 excels in delivering a plush and comfortable ride. The front seats are supportive, and comfortable and also get powered adjustments. The rear seats could do with a slightly more reclined posture, but compared to the 2 series and A-class, it is still a big step up, both in terms of comfort and space. Save for a tall and wide transmission tunnel, there’s also enough space to seat three at the back comfortably. The A4's suspension — paired with 17-inch tyres that get tall 50 mm side walls — absorbs road imperfections well, ensuring a smooth journey across varying surfaces. There’s some vertical and lateral movement if the going gets too tough, but overall, delivering a comfortable and serene experience is one of A4’s strongest suits.

Audi A4 Performance and Handling

Powering the A4 is a sole 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine. This engine delivers a harmonious blend of power and efficiency, ensuring a driving experience that is both exhilarating and composed. Acceleration is brisk, with the car achieving the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.1 seconds. But what is commendable is the engine’s refinement, which ensures a calm and quiet experience even under hard acceleration. The handling is equally good, with a steering setup that offers precision and the right amount of feedback. Dynamic mode further sharpens the car's responses, making for an engaging drive. Although there is some body roll and the gearbox may occasionally hesitate, these are minor distractions in an otherwise polished performance package.  

Audi A4 Key specifications

Audi A4 Safety Features

Audi has not skimped on safety in the A4, loading it with a comprehensive suite of features to protect its occupants. The A4 comes equipped with eight airbags, and a bunch of electronic aids such as ABS and stability control, offering added confidence under various driving conditions. However, the new A4 is yet to be crash tested by any new car assessment programmes (NCAP), leaving it without a crash test rating. 

Audi A4 Technology and Infotainment

The Audi A4 gets a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment, which offers crisp visuals and responsive interactions. The display is paired with Audi’s “digital cockpit” instrument cluster, which also gets many features, including the ability to mirror maps. Audi's decision to retain physical buttons for certain controls is a nod to usability, allowing drivers to adjust settings without diverting their attention from the road. However, despite housing plentiful features, the infotainment system is complicated to use, and the floating housing it sits in doesn’t look as well integrated into the dashboard as the systems of other modern cars.

Is the Audi A4 for You?

The Audi A4 sits in a no-man’s-land in the luxury sedan market. It bridges the gap between the likes of the Toyota Camry, Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3 series. Despite significantly undercutting its old rivals, the A4 doesn’t cut many corners. Yes, it wears an ageing design, both inside and out, but the design is packaged in high-quality luxurious materials, making the A4 feel its money’s worth. On top of that, the A4 offers comfort better than most rivals and is also driven by a powerful and well-refined engine. If you are looking for a comfortable luxury sedan around the ₹50 lakh mark, and you don’t mind an older design, the Audi A4 should be one of the models to take for a test drive.