2025 Audi A4

The Audi A4 isn’t just another car. There’s an air about it. So many of our owner reviews say things like “exceptional,” “enjoyed every mile,” and “absolutely love it,” which illustrates not only how good the A4 is, but also how people have connected with it. Drivers have had plenty of time to connect with the A4, however, and life’s unstoppable clock is bringing that time to a close. Audi is replacing the A4 with a new A5. This generation of A4 launched for 2017 and 2025 is the final model year.

The higher-performance 2025 Audi S4 is reviewed separately. The SUV-like Audi A4 Allroad also has its own review.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury sedans, including the Audi A4.

The HomeLink remote garage door button is now integrated into the rearview mirror, while Audi Advance Key and remote engine start become standard throughout. The Convenience package gains rear USB ports. Audi MMI Navigation Plus is now standard at the Premium Plus level. A new S line Plus package contains a few black exterior elements, red brake calipers, leather/simulated suede seating surfaces, stainless steel pedal caps, carbon inlays, plus an S line badge for the steering wheel. And the free Audi Connect Nav trial subscription is increased from six months to three years. Audi has also discontinued the erstwhile entry-level 40 TFSI drivetrain.

We recommend the Premium Plus trim, which is also the most popular choice.

Among the rivals, the Genesis G70 undercuts the A4, while the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Acura TLX are more in the same ballpark. Alternatively, there’s the Audi A5 Sportback or A4 Allroad, both beginning above the A4.

Before buying a new A4 compact luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a touch below average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The 261-horsepower 45 TFSI drivetrain can propel the A4 from standstill to 60 mph in an amusing 5.2 seconds, a few tenths faster than a BMW 330i and the Genesis G70 with its base 4-cylinder engine. It packs sufficient thrust to push the A4’s well-calibrated suspension. A suspension that tackles corners with a flowing composure, yet still delivers a forgiving ride on the straights. The steering also has an ideal amount of weight and feel for a luxury sedan with a mild sportiness.

Fuel Economy

The A4 45 TFSI manages 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is better than the frankly thirsty Genesis G70. However, the BMW 330i xDrive achieves 29 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is required.

Honed, distilled, ergonomic. Plush, but not overdone. The 2025 A4 shares an interior design approach with the rest of the Audi portfolio where every curve and surface has been agonized over and then made to look like one harmonious whole. The quality of the materials and how they’re put together is exemplary. Even the base Premium trim comes with real leather and heated front seats.

Speaking of which, we’ve always liked the well-shaped and supportive seats in the A4, and would happily embark on a long-distance drive with these under us.

Although the A4 is a compact luxury sedan, occupant space is good for the class, with a decent amount of rear legroom that compares well with the competition. And trunk space of 12 cubic feet will hold three sets of golf clubs. The rear seats split and fold in 40/20/40 fashion for a little extra cargo-carrying versatility.

When a few rivals all have similar talents and prices, the deciding factor might well come down to styling. In which case, we think the Audi A4 has a lot going for it, including smart proportions and a time-shrugging subtlety.

Black and white are the only exterior paint choices that don’t cost extra. An optional Black Optic package brings alloy wheels (18-inch or 19-inch) and other exterior elements all, predictably, in black. Plus brake calipers painted, less predictably, in red.

All-wheel drive
This standard system brings confidence in slippery conditions, while enhancing grip and traction in the dry.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bringing the functionality of a phone into a car’s infotainment system is a wonderful thing. In the A4, we can do it without having to plug in a USB cable.

Audi Pre Sense City
Otherwise known as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. This is standard across the 2025 A4 range.

Virtual Cockpit
A 12.3-inch configurable digital driver information display takes the place of the traditional dials. As well as showing all the usual parameters — in high resolution, no less — the Virtual Cockpit can also put navigation instructions in an easier line of sight than peering over to a central screen. It becomes standard in the mid-level Premium Plus trim.

Bang & Olufsen audio
Standard at the Premium Plus level, we think B&O makes some of the finest sound systems on four wheels — as well as wonderful home setups.

Matrix-LED headlights
Although every A4 comes with LED headlights, these matrix-design items of the Prestige trim have multiple points of light to maximize illumination for the driver yet minimize glare for other road users.

The 45 TFSI drivetrain employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to a standard all-wheel drive system.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. That’s par for the course among luxury marques, especially European manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The A4 has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).