Although the current-generation 2023 A4 is getting on in years, it offers a compelling blend of performance, refinement, technology and interior quality for the price. Look elsewhere if you need a sport sedan that'll get your heart pumping, but for across-the-board excellence at a fair price, the A4 remains tough to top.Read full review
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.
Josh Sadlier has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Josh is director of content strategy at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autotrader and Automobile. Under his stewardship, Edmunds' own 1989 Yugo GVL won first place at the Concours d'Lemons, taking home a jar of borscht, a can of beets, a cutting board and a pint of VIP vodka.
Pros
Cabin looks cool and is impeccably constructed
Advanced and easy-to-use tech features
Back seat is spacious enough for adults
Turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration in the A4 45 TFSI
Cons
Lack of feedback from steering limits driver involvement
Transmission can be slow to downshift at times
What's new
The A4 gets a minor shuffling of features for 2023
Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017
Overview
In recent years, Audi has occupied a favorable spot among German carmakers. It found a middle ground between the more performance-oriented BMWs and the classically luxurious Mercedes-Benzes. The 2023 Audi A4, the brand's long-running small sedan, is a prime example of that balance point and maintains the company's understated yet modern aesthetic. It boasts a classy-looking cabin, plenty of technology features and pleasing performance.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.87 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Overall, we like the A4 and find it a worthy rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60. These competitors may have a power advantage, but the A4 is no slouch and makes up for this small deficit in many other ways, as explained in our test team's Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Although the current-generation 2023 A4 is getting on in years, it offers a compelling blend of performance, refinement, technology and interior quality for the price. Look elsewhere if you need a sport sedan that'll get your heart pumping, but for across-the-board excellence at a fair price, the A4 remains tough to top.
How does the A4 drive? We tested the A4 with the 45 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the one that makes 261 hp. This is more than the base 40 TFSI motor that makes 60 fewer ponies. Our test car leapt to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, an unusually quick time for a four-cylinder engine in this class. The dual-clutch automatic transmission lacks the positive engagement of, say, the rival BMW 3 Series' whip-smart conventional automatic, but you get used to its sometimes delayed responses. Overall, the A4 goes about its business smoothly and quietly.
The A4 has a firm brake pedal feel, but the abrupt pedal engagement at low speeds conspires with the dual-clutch transmission to make inching into a parking space a herky-jerky affair. At our test track for the emergency 60-0 mph brake test, the A4 stopped in a decent 111 feet. Our test car had the summer performance tires, however, so expect longer braking for the standard but less grippy all-season tires.
Through turns, the A4 feels wholly competent but not particularly engaging. The steering, in particular, is a letdown because it doesn't give you a good feel of the road or how much grip the car has. If you're looking for passion, you won't find it here, but composure and capability? Absolutely.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the A4? The A4's front seats are on the firm side, but they remain plenty comfortable on long road trips. The A4 is quiet on the highway, although we noted more wind and tire noise than expected for the class, perhaps because the A4 hasn't been redesigned since 2017 while rivals have progressed. The suspension has a typical Germanic firmness to it, and it controls body motions well on broken pavement without the ride ever feeling harsh.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? You'll find the A4 has a stylish and functional cabin with an emphasis on technology. The multifunction digital instrument cluster was groundbreaking when it debuted and remains an exemplary unit, integrating many features and exhibiting essentially no lag in operation. Although the A4 does feel a bit dated inside relative to newer competitors, it's hard to put your finger on specific examples, which speaks to how well this generation has aged.
In terms of interior space, long gone are the days when the A4 was a compact car. The A4 looks and feels almost like a midsize sedan, with sufficient legroom for four amply sized adults aboard. There's no issue with headroom for 6-footers in the back either. Visibility is also quite good thanks to thin pillars and plenty of glass.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $8,279 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $8,279 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Prestige S line trim.
How’s the tech? The A4's central MMI display screen is now a touchscreen, so you don't get the knob on the console that controlled earlier versions of this system. We don't think you'll miss it. The touchscreen is an easy reach for most drivers and offers an intuitive menu structure along with high-quality graphics on its 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and (non-wireless) Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and both front and rear passengers will find ample USB ports.
Our test car had Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel where the analog gauges used to be, and it impressed both visually and technically, providing crisp graphics and fast responses. The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system was less impressive; we've heard great B&O-branded setups in many vehicles, but the system in the A4 lacked the clarity and punch to be ranked among the best.
Audi's advanced driver aid suite is included on Premium Plus trims and up, and the aids work well enough that we'd recommend upgrading to get them.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? By the numbers, the A4 has less trunk volume (12 cubic feet) than many rivals, but it compensates with a generous trunk opening and practical cutouts, which allow for extra storage or longer items like golf clubs. The 40/20/40-split rear seats that fold provide additional flexibility. Inside, the A4 offers adequate storage for personal items, but there's room for improvement. An oddly square and shallow receptacle in front of the shift lever will hold your phone, but it's hardly a reassuring fit, while the bin under the center armrest is also shallow.
If you have a car seat, space is adequate. The front seatbacks will still inevitably rub up against a rear-facing child seat, but the A4 leaves more room for the front passenger than expected with a car seat installed. You could genuinely carry four adults plus a tiny human.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the A4 45 TFSI gets 27 mpg combined (24 city/31 highway), which is a decent showing for a luxury sedan with this level of performance. We observed 28 mpg on our 115-mile highway-heavy evaluation route despite some spirited driving on canyon roads. We'd say this estimate is highly achievable.
Value
8/10
Is the A4 a good value? Don't assume the A4 offers meager value given its German heritage. It typically provides more equipment for the money than its German rivals, while non-German competitors tend to lack the A4's pervasive sense of business-class excellence. Just keep in mind that the desirable 45 TFSI engine is a significant upcharge from the starting MSRP, which takes a bite out of affordability. Audi's warranties are typical for the class, with both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties coming in at four years/50,000 miles.
Wildcard
8/10
The Audi A4 can be described as thoroughly competent. It can be hustled along a back road with confidence and impresses with its overall dynamic prowess. Fun, though? There's ultimately some sizzle missing compared to the best sport sedans. But taking a step back from the sport side of things, the A4's driving experience is quite satisfying overall. That the current A4 remains a strong competitor after half a decade on the market speaks to its fundamental excellence.
Which A4 does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest checking out the midrange Premium Plus trim as it comes with several features that noticeably enhance the luxury and tech factors. We'd also step up to the 45 TFSI engine since its added power doesn't seriously impact the bottom line.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Audi A4 models
The 2023 Audi A4 is a small luxury sedan available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Each comes with one of two available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines: the standard 40 TFSI (201 horsepower, 236 lb-ft of torque) or the 45 TFSI (261 hp, 273 lb-ft), also known as the S line. Every A4 comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Feature highlights include:
Premium
Starts you off with:
17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Three-zone climate control
Heated front seats
Leather upholstery
10.1-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
If you choose the larger 45 TFSI engine, you also receive:
18-inch wheels
Sport suspension with lower ride height
Front sport seats
Here are important optional packages to consider:
Black Optic package
Black front and rear accents
Matte black front grille, badges and mirror caps
Red brake calipers
Convenience package
Keyless ignition and entry
Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Driver's seat memory settings
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Satellite radio
S line interior package (45 TFSI only)
Aluminum interior trim
Leather/faux suede combination upholstery
Premium Plus
Moving up to the Premium Plus model nets you:
Convenience package
18-inch wheels
Power-folding mirrors
Digital gauge cluster
Armrests covered in faux leather
19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
Rear USB ports
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A4 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
The Premium Plus can be further outfitted with:
Ventilated front seats (paired with front sport seats on the 40 TFSI's Warm Weather package)
Navigation package
Navigation system
Audi connected services
Prestige
Finally, the top-level Prestige includes the Premium Plus' optional features as well as:
Sound-reducing front side windows
Configurable ambient lighting
Heated rear seats
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I compared the A4 Quattro to the Mercedes C, BMW 3 series, Lexus and Volvo. The Audi does everything so well that I couldn’t find much to complain about. 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds With 40mpg’s highway is great. The DSG transmission is incredible with smooth crisp Shifting between gears. Consumer reports gives the A4 a very high rating that’s top in its class with excellent reliability for … the last four years since this new style was released. The LED headlights are amazing, they even shine into turns Lighting the way. Top pick in crash tests too.
Update: I’m still very happy with my Audi A4 Quattro. It’s been trouble free with only Oil & Filter changes done as required. Winter driving this year has only given me more praise by the way this car handles the worst weather conditions getting me home safely while I see other makes stuck in snow and icy roads.
Update: this A4 has been trouble free, only trips to dealer are for scheduled oil& filter changes. Love this car more and more. Excellent MPGs and great performance.
Update: My A4 has been 100% trouble free and I still enjoy it very much.
Update: 93,000 miles and its been the best car I've ever owned. Had a recall for the seat heater switch in passenger seat other than that just regular oil & Filter changes and one Transmission fluid change. Still drives like a new car.
Luxury is in the details.
5 out of 5 stars
Kevin, 11/02/2020
2020 Audi A4 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
There are so many cars out there that selecting one can be a daunting task. So, first and foremost, you need to know what you are looking for.
I bought my A4 2020, 2 months ago, and while it is a short time, I hope help someone who might be struggling with the decision to buy one.
It is a great car, but it is not an out of the world car. You will hear many people say that Audi cars are … endless money pits, that they don't age well, they require a lot of maintenance, that repair costs are high, a lot of depreciation, etc. I don't know if all this is true (except depreciation), but if you are concerned about such opinions, this car is not for you.
If you are willing to pay the price, you will get a wonderfully crafted interior (one of the.most beautiful in my opinion), audi ownership prestige, amazing driving experience, smart security features and happiness. It sounds materialistic but once you have worked hard enough for something, you deserve to treat yourself. :)
Features available in this car are also available in other cars and one may think that why do they need to pay 45k for this car when they can get the same features in a 25k car. To answer that, if you are someone who appreciates the little details, you will appreciate Audi, else you will feel that it is a waste of money.
A4 — Safety, Technology, Power, Good Looks!
5 out of 5 stars
Spooky Singer, 05/04/2021
2021 Audi A4 Premium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
‘21 A4 45 Premium + S-Line offers top safety ratings, amazing tech, a responsive and efficient power plant as well as good looks. What’s not to love!
This is my third consecutive Audi; its bespoke cabin is a refuge at days end. 3D Bang/Olufsen sound is transformative.
Team Ingolstadt hit a home run with this conveyance, most assuredly!
Fun to drive, great all around vehicle
5 out of 5 stars
JP417, 07/09/2021
2021 Audi A4 Premium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM)
Great handling and very good acceleration and braking. The driving is secure around corners and on wet roads. The dynamic cruise control is a nice feature as well in highway driving. I've had cruise control on other vehicles, but for the most part never use it. With the 2021 A4, the dynamic cruise control feature does a very good job of adjusting speeds to the flow of the traffic -- … also it seems to be a great way to optimize fuel economy in highway driving. In terms of interior comfort and features, the car is outstanding for the driver and front passenger. In addition to getting a new car, I also made a point of upgrading my cellphone. I thought about getting the technology package and navigation, but have been very satisfied with Android Auto on a new Samsung phone. The new phone adds value to the car, and the car's ability to make use of the new phone's features, adds value to the phone. I've found every excuse in recent weeks to take the car out on the road. There was a bit of a learning curve in the first few days as a first-time Audi owner, but the car really grows on you, things become much more intuitive after using the car for a few days. Even after reading the owner's manual front and back and nearly a month of ownership, I'm still discovering cool new features related to the way the car operates and integration with the phone and Audi app. Even with the more powerful engine, I have been getting good mileage too driving in Dynamic mode. e.g. up to 40 on the highway, 26 in town, about 28 overall. The only real downside is the relatively small backseat. The rear seat is made of fine materials, but there's not a lot of head and leg room for people 6 foot or taller. Also, in warmer regions of the country, it is worth considering ventilated seats and a lighter colored vehicle. Overall though, it's a great car. A superb daily commuter and ideal for trips. ADDITIONAL NOTE TO ORIGINAL REVIEW: Have had car for nearly 7,000 miles, still working great. Winter handling has been superb on secondary roads that aren't regularly plowed. Car heating system generally works great -- seat heaters are excellent. Steering wheel heater isn't really noticeable, but the car warms up quickly so this isn't really a feature that I miss or use. In terms of general maintenance, I try to make sure to keep the various car sensors clean. It's worthwhile investing in a microfiber cloth for the task. Audi also has a window cleaning solution that you can buy through dealerships. As far as minor gripes go, some of the add-on technology features still seem to be in a beta test mode. e.g. the MyAudi app worked great initially, but after a software update this past Fall there were issues for a few weeks trying to communicate with the car. The MyAudi app isn't a really essential function to vehicle operation, but it's a secondary feature that is nice to have when it works. Also, Audi has some subscription services that you can purchase through the MyAudi App including a short-term licenses for Audi's built-in in-car navigation software. My experiences with it were a bit mixed. The add-on feature allows you to view navigation data on the driver display along with the other gauge clusters. Without the built-in navigation feature (or short-term license), the navigation data, via Android Auto or Apple Car Play, only displays on the touchscreen on the center console. Additionally, the short-term license includes things like weather radar, which are nice to have, but not essential for daily use. I tried the short-term licenses out for a couple months. The first month the functions worked great. The second month that I tried, they didn't. e.g. navigation in particular did not active properly in the second month. I have stuck to using Android Auto instead for daily use, which works great.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi A4, so we've included reviews for other years of the A4 since its last redesign.
With the discontinuation of the Mercedes' A-Class, the closely related CLA is now the entry-level Benz. You get a lot of features for the money along with the excellent MBUX infotainment system that we consider the best in the industry. Performance is comparable in each trim level, but the CLA's rear seat space is smaller.
For most drivers, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A4 will have similar driving characteristics. It's not until you start extracting maximum performance that the BMW starts to show its athletic advantage. The BMW's ride quality is slightly firmer, however, and rear headroom and legroom are limiting.
If you're seeking a departure from the typical Euro sport sedan, the Volvo S60 is an excellent alternative. Its unique Scandinavian design is both modern and calming, while Volvo's dedication to safety gives you added assurance. The S60's infotainment system isn't quite as intuitive as the A4's, but with some time it gets easier.
Detects the threat of a front collision, warns you and applies the brakes if you don't act.
Audi Active Lane Assist
Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling and can steer to help nudge you back.
Audi Connect
Includes a variety of connection services, including summoning roadside assistance if needed. In an accident, emergency responders are contacted automatically.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
9.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Why, only one of our favorite small luxury sedans. The Audi A4 is a handsome compact car that compares favorably with rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Volvo S60 and Lexus IS. It benefits from Audi's trademark understated styling and an elegant interior that lends the A4 an air of sophistication. But the 2023 model year could bring a wide array of changes to the fold.
Rumor has it that a full redesign is in the works, fueled by spy shots of the A4 Avant wagon in camouflage that surfaced recently. So it looks like Audi will unveil a completely redesigned A4 soon, bringing the sedan more in line with modern tastes and technology. If a redesign materializes for 2023, both the exterior and interior styling should sport a new look. Still, don't expect the changes to turn the A4 formula upside down. It will likely ride on a similar version of its current platform, retaining standard all-wheel drive and a traditional silhouette. In carrying over its mild hybrid powertrain, the redesigned A4 could feature an updated, more powerful version with greater use of electrification. If that happens you can expect better fuel efficiency, plus more electric juice smoothing out power from the engine to improve ride comfort.
All of this hinges on the availability of parts. Audi has previously shuttered production of the A4 for periods of time due to the microchip shortage and the conflict in Ukraine, and supply chain challenges threaten to disrupt the plans of any automaker. It's possible that the redesigned A4 could be pushed back as Audi prioritizes production of its hot-selling SUVs and high-profile EVs. Assuming things go smoothly, however, we do expect to see a new A4 sooner rather than later.
Edmunds says
The Audi A4 plays an important role in attracting new customers to the luxury brand, and the arrival of a redesigned version is a big deal. We're eagerly awaiting fresh styling and advanced tech for which Audi is known. But whether we'll see a new A4 for 2023 is not clear yet. Stay tuned to Edmunds for all the latest information on the 2023 A4 as we find out more.
FAQ
Is the Audi A4 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 A4 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 A4 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the A4 has 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi A4. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Audi A4?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi A4:
The A4 gets a minor shuffling of features for 2023
Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Audi A4 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the A4. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the A4's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Audi A4 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi A4 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 A4 and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 A4 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 A4 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi A4?
The least-expensive 2023 Audi A4 is the 2023 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,300.
Other versions include:
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $40,300
Premium S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $42,400
Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $45,400
Premium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $47,000
Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $50,600
Prestige S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) which starts at $51,300
If you're interested in the Audi A4, the next question is, which A4 model is right for you? A4 variants include Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM), Premium S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM), Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM), and Premium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM). For a full list of A4 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more