2024 Audi A4

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 nearly a decade on the market speaks to its fundamental excellence.