2024 Audi A4

Having launched for the 2017 model year, quite some time ago in car chronology, the Audi A4 is now a well-known quantity. It’s a great example of its prestigious class, from how it looks to how it drives, and how it accommodates its occupants. Many of our consumer reviews follow a recurring theme along the lines of “best car I’ve ever had.”

We expect this kind of thing from Audi, and the company has delivered. Despite its ability to shrug off the effects of time, however, the A4 does seem to be approaching a new phase as battery power spreads its electrified wings. But we’ll have to wait another year, and enjoy the A4 in the meantime.

The SUV-like A4 Allroad is reviewed separately.

Adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, front/rear parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel all become standard equipment. A remote start function also goes into every new A4 except for those with the 40 TSFI drivetrain.

The Navigation package (optional in Premium Plus trims, standard in the Prestige) gains road sign recognition and predictive adaptive cruise control. Exterior paint choices see new white and red hues.

Next year might bring more radical changes, such as an all-new, all-electric A4 e-tron.

Despite the onslaught of SUVs, there are still several strong rivals in the compact luxury car sector. The BMW 3 Series starts at $44.5K, with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coming in just under 45K. The Genesis G70 is closer to $40K, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Acura TLX, and Lexus IS all begin in the low 40s.

Alternatively, the Audi A5 Sportback starts at $45.5K, or the A4 Allroad is priced from $46.9K.

Before buying a new A4 luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are a little below average.

We suppose that 201 horsepower in the 40 TSFI drivetrain is probably fine for most situations. Taking 6.3 seconds to run from standstill to 60 mph is pleasantly zippy. But we also think that one main point of owning a luxury car is to have something better than fine.

In which case the 45 TFSI drivetrain’s 261 horsepower may better fit the bill, able to propel the A4 to 60 mph in an amusing 5.2 seconds, a few tenths faster than a BMW 330i and the Genesis G70 with a 4-cylinder engine. It also has a greater ability to push the A4’s nicely 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 sporty undertone.

The most thrills, however, come with the S4. Zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds — that’s fast. The S4’s considerable 349 horsepower is enhanced by an optional limited-slip rear differential, and an adaptive suspension that changes its settings within milliseconds to optimize handling and dynamics.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Audi A4.

Fuel Economy

The real upside to the 40 TSFI is 30 combined mpg (26 city, 35 highway), among the best figures in the class. The 45 TSFI manages a still-respectable 27 combined mpg (24 city, 32 highway). And the S4 returns 24 combined mpg (21 city, 30 highway). Premium gasoline is required with every A4/S4 drivetrain.

Honed, distilled, ergonomic. Plush, but not overdone. The 2024 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 model 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 premium compact 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.

The zestier S4 comes with stainless steel pedals, plus sport front seats.

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, thanks to 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. This year, Arkona White replaces Ibis White, and Progressive Red Metallic takes over from Tango Red Metallic.

The S4 has extra aerodynamic additions, a quad exhaust system, and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels.

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

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay
Bringing the functionality of an iPhone 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 2024 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, 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 versions with the Prestige trim have multiple points of light to maximize illumination for the driver yet minimize glare for other road users.

The 40 TFSI drivetrain consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to a standard all-wheel-drive system. The same engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive system are also in the 45 TFSI setup, but output is boosted to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

The 2024 S4 employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties last four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. This is typical among European luxury car 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).