2017 Audi A4 Review

Name: 2017 Audi A4 Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 13980 USD

2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro Sedan Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Cabin looks cool and is impeccably constructed
Cutting-edge and easy-to-use safety and technology features
Backseat is spacious enough for adults
Turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration

Cons

Some initial hesitation from transmission when accelerating
Lack of feedback from steering limits driver involvement

What’s new

The Audi A4 has been completely redesigned for 2017. Highlights include more power, improved fuel economy, and plenty of new technology and safety features.

Vehicle overview

The small luxury sedan class has a new valedictorian in the redesigned 2017 Audi A4. It delivers stirring performance without sacrificing comfort and all of the latest technology without overwhelming users. At least for the time being, this is the car to get in the segment.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI ultra Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$177/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The all-new A4 is a joy to drive, whether you're slicing your way through mountain switchbacks or just tackling your daily commute. On the inside, Audi's understated yet attractive interior design makes operating all of the many high-tech features easy, thanks to the intuitive MMI infotainment system and smartly placed physical buttons for more common functions.

To top it off, the A4 also provides plenty of space and comfort for front and rear passengers, accommodating even taller adults in back. Trust us, you'll want this car on your short list.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

4.5 / 5

The completely redesigned 2017 Audi A4 is the class leader with excellent scores in every category. The elegantly simple interior is as technologically advanced as it is easy to use, setting the bar higher for other luxury sedans.

Trim tested

2017 Audi A4 2.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; AWD; 7-speed automatic)

Scorecard

Overall	4.5 / 5
Driving	4.5
Comfort	4.5
Interior	4.5
Utility	4.0
Technology	4.5

Driving

4.5

The 2017 Audi A4 Prestige's smooth and powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces excellent acceleration. Strong brakes and sharp handling also help make the A4 enjoyable to drive. But the A4's steering limits driver engagement.

Acceleration

5.0

More power and less weight for 2017 yield a quicker car. The A4's engine is smoother and quieter than other turbo four-cylinder engines, too. A 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds is a full second quicker than the previous A4 and matches the BMW 328i for the quickest-in-class base engine.

Braking

5.0

The moderately firm pedal feel and travel length offer easy modulation in all instances. In our panic-stop test, the A4 stopped from 60 mph in a very impressive 99 feet. Sticky, zero-cost optional summer tires clearly had a lot to do with that, but it's still a remarkable result.

Steering

3.0

Steering is the A4's dynamic weak point. There is a numbness to it regardless of the three available settings (Comfort, Auto and Dynamic), and it does not engage the driver as well as the best competitors do. It's linear and well-weighted, but feedback is lacking.

Handling

4.5

The A4 might not engage with the driver quite like a Cadillac ATS, but there is no denying its impressive traction (thanks to the optional all-wheel drive and sticky summer tires), flat cornering and stability in emergency situations.

Drivability

3.5

There's some initial delay from the automatic transmission as soon as you step on the gas, and that may irritate some drivers in traffic. The engine stop-start system is also noticeable and can further delay acceleration.

Comfort

4.5

Like many sedans in the class, the A4 has a bias toward sport over luxury. The seats and ride are on the firm side, but they also encourage support and control, respectively. It's also quieter than before, with the engine emitting less of an uncouth growl as its predecessor and many rival engines.

Seat comfort

4.0

The optional sport seats are our favorite for the adjustable thigh support, but the standard seats are praiseworthy in their own right. Both are firmly padded and well shaped for hours of comfortable touring.

Ride comfort

4.0

The standard suspension is firm with controlled body motions and no impact harshness — typical of German sedans. The optional adaptive suspension is overly stiff in Dynamic mode, and the modest gains in handling don't justify the cost.

Noise & vibration

4.5

The new engine is smoother and quieter than the one in the previous generation A4, as well as the engines of many rivals. The interior is as quiet as those of competing sedans, with a somewhat elevated tire noise due to our test car's optional summer tires.

Interior

4.5

The stylish, functional and well-built cabin puts an emphasis on technology. The optional Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster gets most of the attention, re-creating analog gauges while also displaying navigation and entertainment information.

Ease of use

4.5

Audi's elegantly simple design translates to an easy-to-use cockpit with logically placed controls. The virtual gauge cluster takes some getting used to, but it becomes second nature in no time.

Getting in/getting out

3.5

The doors are large, and the roof is not aggressively raked, reducing the chances of bonking your head. Likewise, the front seats' side bolsters aren't prominent enough to impede access.

Roominess

5.0

Long gone are the days when the A4 was a compact car. The 2017 model feels almost like a midsize sedan, with sufficient legroom for four amply sized adults aboard. And even 6-footers will find enough headroom in back.

Visibility

4.5

Visibility is good all around thanks to narrow roof pillars, augmented by the standard rearview camera and collision warning system. Besides looking cool, the Virtual Cockpit instruments and head-up display also help keep the driver's eyes on the road.

Quality

5.0

Audi keeps setting new quality benchmarks for cabin materials and construction. The Mercedes C-Class might appear more luxurious, but a closer look gives the A4's better-made cabin an advantage.

Utility

4.0

In terms of size, the A4's cargo and storage is typical for the class, but the A4 gets additional consideration for the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that allow for greater flexibility when transporting passengers and larger objects.

Small-item storage

4.0

The A4 gets bigger and better cupholders and bins for 2017, giving you plenty of storage for your personal items.

Cargo space

4.0

Cargo capacity is about average for the class at 13 cubic feet. The trunk's opening is sufficiently wide, and cutouts on each side provide extra width for golf clubs or netted storage areas.

Technology

4.5

The revised MMI controller is now better positioned for drivers of varying size. There's still a bit of a learning curve to the MMI system, but with some familiarization, it becomes easier to operate. On the bright side, the adaptive cruise control is one of the more refined systems out there.

Audio & navigation

4.5

The high-mounted infotainment screen and redundant instrument panel display keep your eyes up, reducing distraction. Sharp-looking graphics and legible text make the system even more user-friendly.

Smartphone integration

4.5

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all A4s, giving users a familiar interface and the ability to receive and send texts with minimal distraction.

Voice control

4.0

Voice recognition is accurate, and in many cases it can be operated using plain English.

2017 Audi A4 models

The 2017 Audi A4 is a small luxury sedan available in three main trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. A more fuel-efficient A4 Ultra subtrim is also available in conjunction with the Premium and Premium Plus trims. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque). The A4 Ultra's engine is less powerful (190 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque) but gets better fuel economy.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive (called Quattro in Audi lingo) optional. A seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission comes with all A4s. A six-speed manual transmission is also available but only on all-wheel-drive A4s. The Ultra is offered only with front-wheel drive. Unless you really want maximum fuel economy, we'd suggest sticking with the regular A4 engine instead of the Ultra. You'll feel the power difference.

Standard feature highlights for the A4 Premium include 17-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlights, a forward collision mitigation system, adjustable drive settings (Audi's Drive Select), a sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, power front seats, tri-zone climate control and folding rear seatbacks. Standard technology features include a rearview camera, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 7-inch central display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a 10-speaker audio system with two USB ports.

The optional Convenience package adds auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, driver-seat memory settings and satellite radio. Heated front seats are a stand-alone option.

Our favorite is the next step up, the Premium Plus. You get the Convenience package features and the heated front seats as standard, along with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, sporty (S line) exterior styling flourishes, front and rear parking sensors, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system.

The main option for the Premium Plus is the Technology package with rear collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, Audi Connect online services (with mobile Wi-Fi), a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit multifunction instrument cluster and an upgraded version of MMI (optional on the Premium) with an enhanced 8.3-inch display, navigation, voice controls and fingertip-scrawl recognition.

Finally, there's the top-of-the-line A4 Prestige. It comes with the Technology package as well as a head-up display, additional interior ambient lighting, a surround-view parking camera system and HD radio.

Notable option packages include the Sport, Sport Plus, Driver Assistance, Cold Weather and Warm Weather packages. You can also get adaptive suspension dampers if you buy a Prestige, but in our testing they didn't do much to improve the car's handling abilities.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

2.5/5Average

#56 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Audi A4 from 2008-2022.}

$618/yr

vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

2.67x/yr

vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

14.5%

vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Audi A4.

5 (74%)

4 (10%)

3 (5%)

2 (7%)

1 (4%)

4.4

68 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Be still my beating heart!

AudiConvert, 08/20/2016

2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Update - 1 year in... I've owned this car for a year now and am still completely delighted with it. In fact, I'm so happy with it, we'll probably get a Q3 or Q5 for my wife when the time is right. The car is solid, performs really well, gets amazing fuel mileage (I drive almost all highway), is super comfortable and is simply the best driving vehicle I've ever owned. I honestly haven't …

Outstanding tech wrapped around a really good car

NSR, 05/24/2016

2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I test drove a lot of cars (3-series, C300, GLC, XC60, Mazda6, Mini Clubman) before choosing the 2017 A4 and so far, I really enjoy the car. Right now, I think it offers the best mix of tech, performance and luxury in the class, at least until the next 3-series or whatever leapfrogs it. Pros: - The tech goodies are really impressive. Virtual Cockpit is fantastic and having the nav … right in front of you in a huge display is actually very useful. It's easy to learn the basic functions of the infotainment system, but it is worth the time to dig deeper and really understand all the different ways you can customize the experience. It makes the car a lot more enjoyable. Even with all the tech, the usability is much better than Mercedes and Lexus. Honestly, you really need to get the technology package to get the best out of this car. - Beyond the gadgets, this is a very good driver's car. Acceleration and braking are very strong, especially with quattro. The ride is firm but controlled. The steering is lighter than I would prefer though. - The interior is not as rich as the C-Class and the GLC, but the materials are high quality, visibility is excellent and the look is very clean and modern. I am 6'2" with really broad shoulders and size 14 feet, and I have enough head and legroom in the front. I did not fit well at all in the C300, IS and Jaguar XE. The 3 series also has a pretty roomy cabin. - It doesn't use run-flats and has an actual spare tire. I never cared until my wife and I both had flats last year. I had a spare tire. She didn't. I was able to get moving again. She had to get towed. Enough said. Cons: - Setting up the AudiConnect trial was a pain that required multiple phone calls and websites. I was told there were issues with both the new A4 and Q7. I work in tech, so I was able to muddle through this and get everything set up, but Audi really needs to improve the process. - Exterior styling is handsome, but too much like the last generation A4 and the current A3. It's really difficult to tell them apart at first glance. It would have been nice if the new A4 was a little more distinctive - Interior storage could be better. I love the adjustable center armrest, which seems to be a VW/Audi signature, but it doesn't fully cover the compartment, so you can't store anything showy in there. The glovebox is also very small, but at least there is a deep compartment next to the steering wheel that can hold a decent amount of items. - I wish you didn't have to pony up for the Prestige package to get the additional driver assist package. LA traffic would be a little less annoying with the dynamic cruise control, but cost aside, Prestige models are almost impossible to find on dealer lots right now, and good luck getting a color other than black or white. - With all the new tech, I hope long-term reliability isn't an issue.

Sport Package makes a world of difference

Krish, 04/26/2017

2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I have owned 2 x 2017 Audi A4 in the span of 6 months. I traded in a 2013 BMW 320i with Stage 1 Dinan 6 speed manual (comparable to stock 328 i) for 2017 Audi A4 Premium Quattro. When I did the test drive, I drove the one with sport package and Premium Plus trim. I chose this car over Lexus IS 350/IS200t/IS300 , Jaguar XE, BMW 328i and BMW 340i(yeah!) first time around. the key reason … was the responsiveness of 7 speed Dual Clutch transmission(coming from manual). Although other brands have numbers behind them, the transmission-engine combination can challenge the higher engine trim Jaguars and BMWs and it is way more refined. The Quattro system is obvious while cornering or taking turns with confidence, especially when it is wet. Dallas toll roads can be very prone to hydroplaning and boy, does it rain hard here. First time around.. to save costs, I went with the Premium. The car drove well(super quick with launch control and sport mode, paddles), but I was not happy with the speakers and sound system, although I am far from being an audiophile and I was not a fan of the base system and I was not a fan of the Ibis white exterior without the S-Line trim. So decided to bite the bullet and trade it in with 6200 miles and 6 months of ownership for 2017 A4 with Premium Plus/-Quattro with Sport Package. Although sport suspension and seats don't seem to make a difference on paper, they make a big difference in the way this car handles. I don't have the adaptive damper package which is available in Prestige trim, but this suspension is how this car should be in the first place. It is way more planted without being jarring and a ride quality/comfort above anything else in its genre. But coming from BMW, this is more close to the handling I am used to. I am a happy camper now. I love the Android Auto/Apple CarPlay with the Bang and Olufsen 3D sound. I personally stayed away from Tech Package(although cool and envy inducing and great conversation piece) since in my opinion, it is a little too risky to have in a first year German vehicle...So bottom line is for those normal people(not the trackers and oversteer/opposite lock enthusiats) migrating from BMW and convinced about 2017 A4(which should not be difficult ), I would highly recommend checking the Sport Package and Quattro. For someone with slightly elevated sense of sportiness in a car, it is a perfect fit for me. Also, I have lost money on Premium to warrant such an opinion, I guess..:-)

Love my Gotland Green 2017 A4

Matthew417, 07/19/2016

2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I've had my 2017 A4 quattro Prestige for 3 weeks now. I love this car. First time I've had an Audi I'm coming out of a 2014 BMW 428i coupe. This car is light years ahead of the BMW in terms of technology. The car my dealer had on the lot had the full tech and driver assistance packages. I wasn't planning to get all of these features but I got a great price on the car and I do love the …

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2017 Audi A4 video

2017 Audi A4 Review

Alistair Weaver takes you on a walk around the latest version of Audi's iconic sedan, the 2017 A4. He goes over specs, design, the interior and more.

2017 A4 Highlights

Trim:

2.0 TFSI ultra Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$34,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$177/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the A4 models:

Audi Pre Sense City: This system detects the threat of a front collision, warns the driver and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't act
Audi Active Lane Assist: If you start drifting out of your lane without signaling, this system will alert you as well as nudge you back.
Audi Connect: Help is just a button push away, summoning roadside assistance if needed. In an accident, emergency responders are contacted automatically.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 Audi A4 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI ultra Premium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Voice control

Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?

2017 Audi A4 models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Be still my beating heart!

Outstanding tech wrapped around a really good car

Sport Package makes a world of difference

Love my Gotland Green 2017 A4

2017 Audi A4 video