Over the last few years, the last generation Audi A4 was growing increasingly stale. Updated offerings from BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, everyone but Volvo have overtaken Ingolstadt’s brot und butter model. To keep the faith– or at least the faithful– Audi’s engineers initiated a massive redesign of the A4. Obviously, it’s a better car. Vorsprung and all that. But can the new A4 leapfrog the luxury brat pack? Or is it more of the same? Yes.
If the new A4’s front end looks vaguely familiar, it’s because you’ve already seen it (essentially) on the A5. I’ve never been a fan of the A4’s slightly bulbous looks (too much like a fancy-schmancy Passat). The new version is a cheeky twist on the old one, like a sci-fi cinematic remake that acknowledges its predecessor even as it blows it away. The new car’s wider track gives the A4 a more menacing look than before, and the rest of the design returns Audi to its recent understated aggression remit. Now, if they only modified Billy the Big Mouth Bass for U.S. license plates…
Inside, the A4’s impresses at one of the most important touch points: the steering wheel. Granted, the fat helm isn’t as ergasmic as the GTI’s tiller, but I’ll have what she’s having. Unfortunately, the rest of the Audi driver’s zone has been afflicted with the same button-itis infecting Acura’s offerings (paging Steve Jobs). Learning to master the farrago of functions puts drivers on a learning curve on par with differential equations. Fortunately, the A4’s fit and finish maintain Audi’s unique selling point. And thanks to a longer wheelbase, the A4’s rear compartment finally offers what Americans call “legroom.”
As before, the A4’s engine bay packs either a 2.0T four or a 3.2 V6. Despite making a class trailing 265 horsepower, the six-pot’s been tuned to deliver more of what pistonheads like at lower rpms. Combined with direct injection, both fuel efficiency and driveability are improved; there’s none of that nasty lag commonly associated with drive-by-wire throttles. Not even when you’re trying to recreate the official zero to sixty sprint of six point nothing seconds.
The A4’s automatic transmission is a very fine thing indeed. The six-speeds come and go with such ease that you’d be forgiven for thinking the A4 was packing a DSG instead of ye olde Tiptronic. Better yet, the slushbox rev-matches downshifts so smoothly they’re literally imperceptible. So, wafting.
The A4 sits on the model’s first new platform since the Manic Street Preacher’s singer walked away from his Vauxhall Cavalier (1995). There’s a better balanced body and a new Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The latter now splits torque 40 percent front/60 percent rear, making the A4 feel more like a rear wheel-drive car. While understeer isn’t banished entirely, it’s no longer the A4’s defining dynamic response.
And then there’s “Audi Drive Select.” At the touch of a button you can modify the vehicle’s throttle response, shift points, suspension, power steering boost and steering ratio. Switching between ‘comfort’ and ‘dynamic/sport’ changes the A4 from comfortable cruiser to corner carver. No really. You can also let the car decide: automatic mode reads your inputs and tightens or loosens all those variables as the car sees fit. Or, you can customize all your settings (good luck with that).
Audi brags that they adapted the A4’s steering system from the NASA moon rover program. On the dark side, you’re good to go. At speed, the ECU reduces the steering ratio such that barely a half turn of the wheel is required to follow even the tightest of hairpins. In “dumb down mode,” on long straight stretches of road, the A4’s steering wil leave you craving the slightest hint of gravity. Yes, the system eliminates the over-correction some sports-oriented sedans experience during an ‘OHSHIT’ situation. But Quattro or no Quattro, on-center feel is something Audi should, finally, fix.
It’s really too bad that you can’t buy/lease a BMW 335xi for the same amount of money as the A4 3.2 and have the fist of an angry God under-hood. But you can’t, so there. Besides, who needs all that power (other than you and me)? And the Lexus, Infiniti and the Caddy equivalents lack Audi’s Germanic, uh, stolidity. Anyway, the Audi A4 still has a big question mark over its reliability, but it’s a fine steer. And it no longer carries the stigma of offering less for more. It is, once again, a sensible choice for sensible people who want to appear slightly sporty in a sensible way and might, on the rare occasion, in bad weather, be late for a dentist appointment.
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I’ll have an initial result for reliability as soon after a few dozen owners sign up to participate in TrueDelta’s research. Know an owner? Send them here:
http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php
So far the 2005.5-2008s actually have been holding up well.
I drove the 2.0T a few weeks ago, and came away decidedly less impressed. But then the 3.2 should eliminate the non-premium noises of the 2.0T, and the Drive Select Package eliminates the all-over-the-map base steering. The bargain basement door pulls should carry over, though. Seems the 2.0T might warrant its own review.
It’s $45,000 and sensible. Forgive me for sounding like I’m complaining about star inflation, but is it really that much better than the very long list of cars that can be had for $45,000?
Perhaps I need to see the interior in person to convince me. The old A4 interior was ergonomic and solid, but the sheer wall of black plastic did nothing in terms of visual interest for me. In pictures the new interior seems hardly less boring, but maybe that changes from behind the drivers’ seat.
In the meantime, that’s a lot of dough for not enough go. If I’m going to put up with Audi reliability and Audi dealers, shouldn’t there be some special reward in the driving experience? Or will I melt too when it winks its LED eyelashes at me?
Brian E :
I feel the exact same way about this car. I have never really seen the point of the A4, it’s sporty, but not really. It’s not slow, but not exactly fast either. It looks good, but not great. It’s comfortable, but not that comfortable, and the interior that people rave about strikes me as utterly boring and drab. The rear seat has always been tiny too, but I guess the newer version has rectified this issue.
I think the closing line says it all-if I wanted to “appear slightly sporty in a sensible way” and was late to a dentist appointment in bad weather then this might be the perfect car. Otherwise, there are a ton of other cars at this price point I’d rather drive.
It just seems like an alright car that does nothing particularly well. This goes for pretty much every Audi (R8 included) except the A8, which seems like a truly comfortable, well-appointed cruiser in a class where corner-carving takes a back seat (literally) to comfort.
Anyway, the Audi A4 still has a big question mark over its reliability,
From what I’ve seen in CR, Audi is getting better. They’re not Lexus, but they’re not awful, either. I’d wish I had the ability to see how these are holding up five to eight years from now.
But Quattro or no Quattro, on-center feel is something Audi should, finally, fix.
This seems like another case of German “Technology for Technology’s Sake”; Audi’s doing this because BMW has “Active Steering” and we can’t let a bullet point be left undefended.
Electric power steering isn’t bad in and of itself, and it does reduce fuel usage, but why Mazda and Honda (well, at least the Fit) are the only makes that do it right is surprising.
And the Lexus, Infiniti and the Caddy equivalents lack Audi’s Germanic, uh, stolidity
This is something I’ve always liked about Japanese cars, and it’s sad to see that Lexus, for example, dialled the rawness out of the IS and Infinti civilized the G35. Japanese cars feel light, European cars seem heavy. I like the relative lack of composure this is implies, but the market seems to be going the other way.
The new A4 looks marvelous. Having owned a first gen A4, I agree design has been lacking. Visually, the A4 is back.
The A5 comes with a 6 speed. I don’t see it with the A4. Is it planned for the US or has Audi thrown in the towel on the enthusiast?
Is Audi no longer competing with BMW and setting sights on lazy Lexus drivers? Even Mercedes has thrown us a bone with a manual in the C class.
Please note, this is for the 3.2 Quattro with the Audi Drive Select Package. It is absolutely amazing to drive but I can’t speak for lesser-equipped models. Michael, the 2.0T should definitely have a separate review.
It is pricey, but Audi’s engineers have made it worth every penny. If you have that many pennies.
And as far as star inflation goes, let’s face it kids, cars aren’t getting *worse*. It’s harder to find a one-star car than a four or even five-star car anymore.
The 2.0T base car with sport package at $35k is well-priced and a good value. The tester here, a 3.2 V6 Prestige package with Drive Select, is over $50k. That’s S4 (and 335xi) territory. You have to be careful of optioning this car out of contention.
Also, note that Audi is having huge supply problems, and the sport/S-Line packages are not available for order yet.
I really want to like the new A4 as I’m intending to downsize from the Acura TL. Too bad Bimmer’s are so overpriced.
I do like the styling of the A4 wagon though. Go figure. What to do…?
Since I live in a state that requires a front license plate the Audi grill is a deal breaker. Audi can design some sexy sheet metal curves, why can’t they get the bumper/grill to jive with my plate?
I’d be interested in how many vehicles Audi sells in N. America vs. Europe. Seems mighty arrogant to design the nose without considering the license plate size in the largest global vehicle market.
Electric power steering isn’t bad in and of itself, and it does reduce fuel usage, but why Mazda and Honda (well, at least the Fit) are the only makes that do it right is surprising.
This trend amazes me. Even Honda can’t quite get it right. The Fit is go, but the new TSX steers like it’s had one too many Red Bull and vodkas – a marked change from the sublime directness and precision of the old hydraulic setup. The GTI is decent and offers a more linear feel, but VW confuses effort with feedback.
What’s the advantage that is gained from these systems? Is the net effect on fuel economy really that great? Are they cheaper to design or manufacture? Really, I don’t get it. It seems like gadgetry for the point of gadgetry to me.
I know stars are a very subjective thing, and I doubt that anybody is going to base a purchase solely on the number of stars a car gets in a review, but I don’t see 4 stars worth of difference between the A4 and the similarly-priced STS. They both seem to be throughly unremarkable but competent cars
I have to say, the 5 star rating confuses me. 5 stars is a perfect score, but the review reads like a 4-star car. It’s not really glowing, its more like, “good, but room for improvements.”
Speaking on the DSG, I wonder why they opted to use a conventional automatic instead… On a car with so many features for driver customization, you’d think they would want to throw the worlds greatest “flappy paddle gearbox” in there. Having experienced the joys of the DSG myself, I feel it would be a significant selling point.
And while this car has a lot going for it, I still think the G35/37 is offering more for your money.
seoultrain
The one I drove was about $45k… not as tricked out as it could have been, and I think you can actually get the drive select on a less apportioned version for closer to $42k.
Brian E
That was the best description I’ve ever seen of the GTI’s steering.
thetopdog
Go flog one around for a while and see what you think. If you honestly thing a lame duck caddy deserves the same rating as a brand-spanking-new A4 with all the fun toys, then you’re smoking something.
saikyan
Read the star ratings. I do the stars separate from the review and directly compare the car to its competitors, then take the average of those at the end. Yeah, I’m going to find a few things to whine about in the review, but they’re not deal breakers, especially when you consider it’s all stuff the A4’s competitors suffer from as well (button-itis, numb steering, etc). Go get yourself a G35/37… the A4 feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about driving, not just accountants trying to make a car look great on paper by cramming a big engine in it.
What’s the advantage that is gained from these systems? Is the net effect on fuel economy really that great? Are they cheaper to design or manufacture? Really, I don’t get it. It seems like gadgetry for the point of gadgetry to me.
It’s significant, especially on smaller-engined cars. The engine doesn’t have to run the pump constantly, which is quite a load even for a blown four.
You’ll see more of this as hybrid powertrains become more prevalent, allowing manufacturers to transcend the limits of the twelve-volt automotive battery. Electric AC compressors will be next
This trend amazes me. Even Honda can’t quite get it right.
But Mazda can. Consistently. I don’t understand Honda’s take on the TSX, but I suspect it’s the same as the Germans: too in love with their own engineering prowess to step back and see the system as a functioning product.
The rear looks way better in person than on that picture.
From what I’ve read in other reviews though, I heard the steering and suspension is less ’sporty’ compared to the previous model, which I really liked. Mind you though, those reviews almost always were based on the lesser models that are more relevant in Europe (2.0 TDI, 1.8T, 2.0T).
Another thing I don’t like about the new A4 is the styling of the Avant version. It always used to be the one to go for, but now they made it ugly somehow. Shame, cause the A6 wagon looks great IMO.
All things considered I’d prefer the dreier. Those I6s are pure gold.
@ Megan:
What would you rate the 335xi? I realize its more money but who needs awd anyway? At the end of the day the Audi still has a fwd layout, although I do appreciate Ingolstadt’s compromise on engine placement, has questionable reliability w/o a free 4 year/50K maintenance program, and less engine. IMHO, it looks nice, ok much better than the Bimmer, but doesn’t compare otherwise.
It’s not that expensive when you compare it to the A6, which is slower, uglier, older, and less technologically advanced!
Just think of it as a cheap, slightly smaller A6 with a Stormtrooper hat?
Sounds like a wonderful car, though.
I drove the 3.2 at an Audi Driving Experience day at Summit Point in August, against a number of competitive AWD vehicles: Lexus 250IS, BMW 328xi, MB C300 (I think).
We got to compare these on the autocross track and then took the A4 out on the big track for a few higher speed laps. Tons of fun and a great way to do some head-to-head comparisons quickly.
I drove with a couple who hadn’t made up their mind yet and were cross-shopping all the vehicles we drove. Consensus was that the BMW interior was the worst, but handled great. The MB cabin had some cheap-feeling bits and mushy brakes. The Lexus had the best-feeling interior, but was sloooow. The Audi had more pep then we expected and I was very happy to see the interior room improved from the B7 models.
While I’m biased toward Audi (’06 S4 owner), I thought it was the best vehicle out there, as did my co-drivers, who came away as likely buyers.
The price is something that Audi should be worried about, though. The pre-drive presentation of the vehicles showed the A4 to be significantly more expensive than the Lexus, and over the sticker of the MB and BMW. If they are indeed targeting the lazy Lexii driver market, price is going to be an object.
And thanks to a longer wheelbase, the A4’s rear compartment finally offers what Americans call “legroom.”
Thank God. Most German cars have terrible rear legroom, but the A4 was exceptional. I think the A3 was more commodious.
Megan Benoit :
The one I drove was about $45k… not as tricked out as it could have been, and I think you can actually get the drive select on a less apportioned version for closer to $42k.
At the moment, ADS is Prestige-only, but you’re right, ADS can be had for $46k. But good luck finding a top-level trim with no other options. Sport Package and Nav bumps it over 50k.
Nice review, enjoyable read.
romanjetfighter -
It’s not that expensive when you compare it to the A6, which is slower, uglier, older, and less technologically advanced!
Yeah, but you can easily get a 1-year old A6 with the 4.2 V8 for $40k. That’s more car and faster than the ‘09 3.2 A4, and for less cash.
Bottom line, the new A4 3.2 is overpriced. Nice car though.
Almost forgot this:
Speaking on the DSG, I wonder why they opted to use a conventional automatic instead… On a car with so many features for driver customization, you’d think they would want to throw the worlds greatest “flappy paddle gearbox” in there. Having experienced the joys of the DSG myself, I feel it would be a significant selling point.
I may be wrong but I don’t think the current wet clutch DSG can handle as much power as this one puts out. Maybe when they get the new dry clutch DSG going they’ll drop it in the A4 quattro.
The A4 should never cross over $40k, period. It’s a freaking (very fancy) smaller Passat.
And those LED lights? Reminds me of the emo kids clustered together in the cafeteria. They’ll grow out of it.
Psar, I’m sad to say that even Mazda may have messed up the steering in their new Mazda6. I died a little inside when I turned that wheel for the first time.
@Megan:
Go get yourself a G35/37… the A4 feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about driving, not just accountants trying to make a car look great on paper by cramming a big engine in it.
Obviously not a big fan of the G lineup?
Good review. That Audi Drive Select system sounds like alot of fun for the owner (assuming it doesn’t break). BMW has something similar in the $90K M5 and M6 don’t they?
Megan Benoit :
I never suggested the A4 and STS drive the same, I just said I don’t see 4-stars worth of difference between the two cars. I do understand that two different people reviewed the two cars so the stars aren’t directly comparable, but from what I’ve read the STS seems like a 2/5 and the A4 3/5. Admittedly I haven’t driven either (although I’ve driven an older A4 and STS, and sat in the new STS), but I don’t need to because neither of these cars appeal to me enough for me to even consider buying one. Especially with so many other great cars (both new and used) in the $40-50k range
Nice review. I think the smart money will be on waiting a couple of years and buying a used 2.0T 6MT for around $20k, then chipping it for an instant and reliable 250hp and 32mpg (give or take). Best of both worlds.
Don’t get me wrong–I love a nice, smooth V6 (I’ve got the Audi 2.8 in my car), but I’d love to be able to help the balance and the economy, all while saving some money.
I don’t like Audi’s but this Audi is exceptional.
I never seen an Audi so nice and so different from other Audi. The rear is so different and front end is so 21st century.
@Megan Benoit
I may be wrong but I don’t think the current wet clutch DSG can handle as much power as this one puts out. Maybe when they get the new dry clutch DSG going they’ll drop it in the A4 quattro.
The dry clutch DSG can handle even less torque than the wet-clutch one from the GTI and 2.0 TDI. The wet-clutch one would handle this engine nicely, but is not made for longitudinally mounted engines. The DSG for longitudinally mounted engines just debuted on the Q5. The A4 will probably get it at the next refresh, but since the US Q5 will have a conventional slushbox, the A4 will probably follow that path as well.
@alja
Good review. That Audi Drive Select system sounds like alot of fun for the owner (assuming it doesn’t break). BMW has something similar in the $90K M5 and M6 don’t they?
Opel has something like that in the Astra. Volkswagen has in the Scirocco. It’s not that special.
Go get yourself a G35/37… the A4 feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about driving, not just accountants trying to make a car look great on paper by cramming a big engine in it.
I guess I must have been smoking something. The G35s was a freakin’ riot when I drove it. The Z lives in that car.
I agree it’s a great car but in my opinion the exterior styling is mundane. But that’s just me.
I so want this car to be great because I drive a 3 series, love the car but am tired of the caricature of a brand image it drags along as baggage. In addition I don’t like a choice of one for a small sports sedan / wagon.
The 2.0T seems like a good performer, but call me snobbish, I prefer more cylinders to be at my beck and call. I would love a 300bhp supercharged V6, quatto Avant for $40K, but then I woke up.
Megan, is the new A4 finally a 3-series alternative for the enthusiast who must also drive in the real world or are we destined to be inexorably pulled in by the 335, baggage be damned?
Mirko Reinhardt
Easy to say until you’ve actually driven it. It may be in theory the same thing, but the whole package is unique in the marketplace and you cannot compare it. Speed adaptive steering is not new, how Audi does it is (how responsive/unresponsive it depends on not just your speed, but what mode you are in, how hard you are pushing the car, etc).
Opel has something like that in the Astra. Volkswagen has in the Scirocco. It’s not that special.
Do you mean “It’s not that special” as in “It’s not much fun”, or as in “It isn’t a very unique feature because lesser cars have something similar”?
I saw one of these a couple of days ago. It looks awfully boring. Audi has taken the same sausage-different sizes syndrome to a new level.
Megan, is the new A4 finally a 3-series alternative for the enthusiast who must also drive in the real world or are we destined to be inexorably pulled in by the 335, baggage be damned?
Tricked out like the one I drove? Yes. Without the ADS? Ehhhh…
I really want to like this car. But, if you’re going to deck it out to “enthusiast” level at over 45 grand, I can’t help but look at cars that are $10,000 cheaper that could outperform it in acceleration and handling with 2-3 grand in mods.
That being said, it sure is a great looking car. If they got that engine up to 290-300hp, it’d be worth a look. At 265, direct injected or not, it should be 38 grand.
Megan -
I find this interior to be easily best in class, yet you write, “Unfortunately, the rest of the Audi driver’s zone has been afflicted with the same button-itis infecting Acura’s offerings”
What don’t you like about it? I think it’s stunning in execution, detail, and lack of drabness and cheapness. Ok, maybe the lexus IS series has a better interior….but I think the new A4/A5 is more exciting.
Regarding the 2.0T….this is no longer the same engine as previous. Supposed to have significantly better fuel economy (i.e. around 12-15% I believe) and it puts out ~211 HP and 258 lb/ft of torque.
That torque should feel very nice in the parasitically-dragged upon AWD drivetrain.
Joe
Joe O
There’s too damn many buttons! Trying to sort out how to do anything requires way, way too much time. But all the other luxury cars are the same way, I just like to complain about it. I gave it 5 stars, what more do you want?
So this car is highly rated because it’s not as fast as the 335xi, has a cluttered dash, and finally gives legroom that is expected at its inflated (45K for “entry-level” luxury) price?
To answer a question posed on this site a few weeks ago, I think the star rating, like MSNBC and recent US government spending, has indeed become very, very liberal.
Personally, I feel Audi’s are cheap BMW’s. And I’ve driven the best of their line. The A8L and the W12.
Audi is a cheaper product but they do succeed in spots BMW fails, like in making the MMI better than the i-drive.
I just can’t get excited about an Audi. That’s why I chose a S550 over the A8.
The BMW 750 drives better than all the rest though.
Go get yourself a G35/37… the A4 feels like it was designed by people that actually cared about driving, not just accountants trying to make a car look great on paper by cramming a big engine in it.
I guess I must have been smoking something. The G35s was a freakin’ riot when I drove it. The Z lives in that car.
My thoughts exactly, John R. When I think of an accountants car, I think of the Acura TL. The G35 is immensely competitive in all respects… it doesn’t just look great on paper, it’s glorious to drive and the big engine is standard across the line. Unlike the rest.
I also had the opporutnity to drive one of these at the Audi Driving Expereince, both autocross and a high speed (relatively) track session at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The car is nice, but not $46k nice. Definite sticker shock. I would like to see what a 2.0T Quattro S-Line model will sticker at. $35-38k would be much more palatable.
In all honesty, if I was writing the check for this car or any of its competitors it would be the MB C300, and that’s coming from a BMW guy. The new C-class is very nice in this price range.
At $45K and 17/26, I’ll pass.
Audi reliability is such that this is too big a bet. Depreciation will make these a good buy used.
In the cars I’ve driven with fly by wire, they haven’t had any lag – they’ve been razor sharp to a fault. Especially the G35, it feels like you are stepping on a detonator button for the first half of the pedal travel, then it softens up towards then end of the travel. Fun at first, then a pain in the ass because you can’t waft when the engine gives nothing less than 25% throttle, RIGHT NOW, no matter how light you are on the pedal.
Now they are sticking these doodads on motorcycles. Oh goody. All I need is even less connection to the machine to make me happy /sarcasm.
Can’t wait for the electronic gremlins.
Megan,
GREAT comment on the third picture!!! That’s Audi’s ying to BMW’s yang, ain’t it?
Woah, just noticed RS4 rims in the pictures. Those are definitely not stock American market. Where’d you guys get those shots?
I think this may be the perfect car for me. I hope I can test drive one and one day afford it. For the time being I’ll just fun my E30 and become a better driver. The new A4 sounds like the car I wanted. Man am I no were near $45K though! There are a bunch of whips out there for much less money. Even the C300, 328i and CTS a good bit much less. Still resonable substance is hard to come by, this car might really convince me to pursue a newer vehicle.
Thank you for the review.