Audi A4 - TopCarNews

Audi A4 (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi A4 is a compact executive model available as either a saloon or estate (called the A4 Avant). It is one of the biggest-selling models in the Audi range, and sits between the smaller A3 saloon and larger A6 saloon and estate models. The current model was launched in 2015 and received a mid-life update in 2019.

The top-spec model is called the S4 and there is also a more off-road-capable model called the A4 allroad quattro. There is a high-performance model called the RS 4, which is based on the A4 but not included in this page. We will be building a separate page for this model, so check back soon.

As of December 2021, the Audi A4 range has an Expert Rating of 74%, which is some way behind the class-leading BMW 3 Series and other rivals like the Tesla Model 3.

The Audi A4 range has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although overall opinions varies from mild disinterest to strong enthusiasm. The A4 allroad quattro model tends to score slightly lower than the regular A4 models, while the top-spec S4 scores slightly higher from car enthusiast titles. The A4 gets consistent praise for its build standards and interior quality, but lags behind rivals for driving enjoyment and offers no hybrid or electric versions.

Audi A4 highlights

Interior quality still sets the standard for the class
Enormous range should cover pretty muxh every need
Much better to drive than previous models
Competitive finance and leasing packages

Audi A4 lowlights

Can’t match a BMW 3 Series for driving dynamics
No electrified models available
Boot space, especially in estate version, not best in class
Allroad is quite expensive compared to regular versions

Key specifications

Body style: Medium saloon and estateEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £30,750 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: 2022

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: A4 Avant“”It scores both in practicality, out-spacing its BMW and Mercedes rivals in all important areas, and in the sheer pleasure of being inside it and driving it.”
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Model reviewed: A4 saloon“It’s not a sports car, but it will enable one to complete a 200 miles-plus motorway journey in the most unfussy way possible, arriving relaxed and ready.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: A4 saloonScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 offers technology and quality when compared to its small executive saloon rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The A4 keeps its place as a sensible, no-nonsense, modern and upmarket saloon car in a class of increasing complexity.”
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Model reviewed: S4Score: 8 / 10“The S4’s switch to diesel power might seem to come at an odd time, but it’s a powertrain that’s a perfect match for the car’s character.”
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Model reviewed: Avant range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Audi has really gone to town on the latest A4, with mild-hybrid tech and improved infotainment.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 6 / 10“Get a mix of estate car practicality and SUV looks with the Audi A4 Allroad”
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Model reviewed: A4 AvantScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 Avant estate is everything you’d expect it to be: it’s a more practical version of the classy and refined A4 saloon.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: A4 Avant estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 Avant will be near the top of any prestige estate car buyer’s shortlist, and it thoroughly deserves its place there. It’s enjoyable and comfortable to drive, a joy to sit in, practical enough for a family and very competitive on kit and cost. One of the best cars of its type.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 will be near the top of any executive car buyer’s shortlist, and it thoroughly deserves its place there. It’s enjoyable and comfortable to drive, a joy to sit in, practical enough for a family and very competitive on kit and cost. One of the best cars of its type.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroad estateScore: 8.2 / 10“The Audi A4 allroad is an exceptionally refined and comfortable motor, with a gem of an engine range that produces strong performance and excellent efficiency. It also provides estate-car versatility, an immaculately tailored cabin and a superb four-wheel-drive system.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 6 / 10“If you spend most of your time on-road but seek a car capable of tackling the odd excursion off-road, the Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TDI makes a pretty convincing case for itself.”
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Model reviewed: S4 saloonScore: 8 / 10“I can see the rational sense in moving the S4 to a diesel engine, but I do miss the genuinely raw and bombastic V8s these cars used to have.”
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Model reviewed: 35 TFSI Sport S tonicScore: 8 / 10“This is expected to be one of the biggest-selling engine and trim derivatives of what remains one of Audi’s most important models in the UK.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Road and wind noise aren’t in anyway problematic, its engine is hushed and demure, and its ride is confident and assertive without being exhausting or uncomfortable.”
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Model reviewed: S4Score: 8 / 10“The best way to sum up The Audi S4 in headline terms may be to record that it has as much torque as the maddest Mercedes-AMG C63 super-saloon – but it is also rated for better than 40mpg, offers twice as many driven wheels as the Merc and yet can be bought for two-thirds of the price.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 still falls short of the Jaguar XE and the BMW 3 Series, which both excel due to their driver appeal, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class which provides as much practicality as the Audi in saloon and estate forms but is comfier all round.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It now has a sharper look, a suitably tech-heavy interior to keep you entertained, and a wide selection of engines to pick from.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 9 / 10“The new A4 continues the theme of what Audis are best known – comfort and refinement. The update that has been given has made the model step in-line with its key rivals from BMW and Mercedes.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroad estateScore: 7 / 10“Compared to the regular Audi A4 Avant, the A4 allroad is noticeably less poised on public roads, as well as being more exensive to run. If, however, you genuinely need some off-road capability, the A4 allroad is an interesting alternative to an SUV.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: S4 saloonScore: 8 / 10“For discreet, luxurious and swift motoring, the Audi S4 takes some beating”
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Model reviewed: A4 saloonScore: 8.6 / 10“With the finest interior in its class, the Audi A4 is a comfortable and affordable-to-run executive saloon.”
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Model reviewed: A4 AvantScore: 8.6 / 10“The Audi A4 Avant is a thoroughly modern yet conservative estate car, with a big boot and a sophisticated interior.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 7.8 / 10“The Audi A4 Allroad retains the best aspects of the standard estate, but adds improved ride comfort and increased off-road ability”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: S4 Avant estateScore: 8 / 10“The Audi S4 Avant has a strong diesel engine and handling that’ll put a smile on your face, but also a boot big enough for a family. There are better-handling cars still, mind.”
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Model reviewed: S4 saloonScore: 8 / 10“The Audi S4 has a stonking diesel engine and handling that’ll put a smile on your face, but also fuel economy that won’t get you down. There are better-handling cars still, mind.”
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Model reviewed: A4 Avant estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 Avant has top-drawer interior quality and comes with a high level of technology and standard kit. If you value a thrilling drive or huge boot space, though, there are better.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 allroad is beautifully made inside and comes with a high level of technology and standard kit. If you value edgy design or a thrilling drive, though, there are better options.”
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Model reviewed: A4 saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 feels solidly put together and comes with a cabin roomy enough to seat five, but alternatives are more fun to drive and don’t reserve desirable options for top-spec cars.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 25 TDI Sport estate“Slight visual uplift, better infotainment screen and more efficient engines are all welcome, but it’s not a radical upgrade to a car that is already well liked by company car drivers.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: Range overview“It’s a civilised and comfortable car to drive with good road manners and typically smart but minimalist interior styling, punctuated by the new free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen which dominates the dashboard and comes as standard.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: A4 saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“Still not the driver’s car of the class, but the A4 is strong in all other areas.”
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Model reviewed: S4 TDIScore: 8 / 10“No B-road thriller, but the latest S4 is good to drive and makes more sense than ever in its new diesel format.”
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Model reviewed: S4Score: 8 / 10“The first thing that strikes you about the S4 is how refined it is.”
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Model reviewed: A4 Avant S LineScore: 8 / 10“The latest Audi A4 Avant builds on solid, refined reputation of its predecessors with impressive, if not inspiring dynamics.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 8 / 10“It’s perfect if you want the space of an estate, some off-road ability but you can’t live with the shame and ignominy of having an SUV.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: A4 allroad rangeScore: 7 / 10“Cars like the Audi A4 Allroad have become something of a countryside staple. Much like Barbour waxed jackets, border collies and colourful bunting, there seems to be one in almost every quaint village car park.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“No matter how popular SUVs of all shapes and sizes become, there will always be demand for the good old saloon. But with a wide range of talented opposition, why should you choose an Audi A4? Simply put, it’s one of finest examples of the breed, with strong abilities and very few faults.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“Audi is one of the few premium marques that sells almost as many estates as it does saloons. This practical body style – which it calls Avant – fits with the company’s understated styling cues and four-wheel drive legacy.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: A4 allroad quattroScore: 8 / 10“There are few natural alternatives to the Audi A4 allroad, the Volvo V60 Cross Country being the most obvious. So the Audi has made a niche for itself. But it’s an expensive niche. With prices starting at more than £35,000 it’s far from cheap.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“For those who demand the best refinement and quality, the Audi A4 is hard to beat. It might not be quite as sharp to drive as the BMW 3 Series on a country road, but on motorways it’s quieter and more relaxed, plus it is available with a huge range of technology.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Ultra Sport“Audi has clearly worked hard to improve the agility of the A4 and it does feel a lot better, but it doesn’t quite match the finesse of the BMW 3 Series or the rewarding cornering ability of the XE.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Avoid the largest alloys and it delivers a nice, cushioned ride, especially if you opt for the adaptive suspension. For drivers who spend their time pounding the motorways of Britain, the Audi A4 is a delight. For those who prefer to take the long way home, the BMW remains the class leader.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi A4 has a high-quality and roomy interior, and is very refined”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: A4 saloon rangeScore: 9 / 10“High-quality compact executive is a great all-rounder”
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Model reviewed: A4 Avant rangeScore: 8.4 / 10“Classy and refined compact executive estate”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI quattro S LineScore: 8 / 10“A lovely thing to sit in but arguably not the best exec saloon to drive.”
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Model reviewed: allroad quattroScore: 8 / 10“If an SUV isn’t your style but you want a car that’s made up to great escapes, the Audi A4 allroad makes a strong case for itself. It looks as athletic as a pair of Nike cross-country running shoes and, importantly, can deliver on its promises. And allroad Audis tend to hold their value well, making them a shrewd purchase.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic quattro S LineScore: 8 / 10“A slice of dull perfection.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: A4 Avant rangeScore: 6 / 10“The Audi A4 Avant is a nice enough car, but it simply costs too much to buy and run to justify its inherent ordinariness. When there are so many seriously competitive rivals out there that offer more for less, it’s hard to see why you’d choose the A4 instead.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“The latest Audi A4 is a very good car in many areas. It feels rock-solid inside, with that Audi slickness and tactility we’ve come to know and love, and it’s cheap to lease and to run. However, Audi’s reputation for reliability at the moment isn’t great, and both the A4’s warranty and its standard specification are a little stingy.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 6 / 10“This smaller sister of the impressive A6 Allroad should be great to drive and a viable alternative to the Q5 and a lot of other SUVs, but it isn’t. Twitch steering, a poor ride and a less-than-stellar driving experience fail to compensate for the lovely cabin and excellent 2.0-litre diesel.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 7 / 10“Majors on refinement and tech, but the drive’s alright these days too.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic S4 Avant TDIScore: 7 / 10“Shifting the S4 to diesel has also done Audi a favour – it’s put some daylight it between it and the petrol V6 RS4, which has struggled to come across as more than an S4-plus.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Audi rejects agility in favour of comfort. The result is the best A4 ever.”
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What Car?

Score: 10 / 10“The latest Audi A4 looks sharp on the outside and has one of the finest-quality interiors in the executive car class.”
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Model reviewed: S4 saloonScore: 8 / 10“As a fast yet understated car the diesel-powered Audi S4 is more appealing than ever. In fact, we reckon grunty diesel power is the perfect fit for the character of the S4. Limpet four-wheel drive grip makes it a fearsome weapon on a damp road, be it twisty or straight – if only the gearbox had a quicker wit.”
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Model reviewed: A4 allroadScore: 8 / 10“The Audi A4 Allroad is no more practical than a regular Avant, and it’s more expensive. Only worth considering if you love the looks.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 10 / 10“The latest Audi A4 looks sharper and more upmarket than ever. And while the BMW 3 Series is a slightly better all-rounder, the A4 continues to set the class standard for comfort and interior quality.”
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Model reviewed: A4 AvantScore: 8 / 10“If you want a relatively compact estate with a premium badge, there’s lots to like about the Audi A4 Avant – particularly if you avoid the most powerful engines and highest trim levels. Just be aware that much bigger estates are available for considerably less money, the best of which is the Skoda Superb Estate.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: A4 Avant“The high-tech Audi A4 Avant is an agile drive, very well-finished, has an excellent level of safety equipment, and the diesel engine we tested proved economical – but its load capacity is only average. Also, the MMI control system is complex and hard to get accustomed to.”
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Model reviewed: A4 saloon“An evolutionary step the new Audi A4 may be, but it’s improved in every area and is a serious rival to its premium German competition and a solid Best Buy.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2015

89%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

75%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

75%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Audi A4 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the A4 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A4 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car for Comfort

2019

Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car

2018

What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car

2017

What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car
Fleet World Honours – Best Compact Executive
Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car

2016

What Car? Awards – Car of the Year + Best Executive Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car
Top Gear Awards – Best for Big Miles
Contract Hire and Leasing Awards – Car of the Year + Best Executive Car

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