2025 Audi A4 review
The A4 is a compact luxury sedan and wagon with attractive style, sporty handling, a luxurious interior, and user-friendly technology. The A4 was discontinued after the 2025 model year and replaced with the four-door A5 for the 2026 model year as Audi changed its naming strategy for gas models and switched from a sedan body style to a four-door hatchback. By its final model year, the A4 was available with a single powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, although earlier models were available with a lower-powered version.
Explore the evolution of the Audi A4
Get our expert take on used Audi A4 models, or view year-by-year changes.
Fifth generation Audi A4
The Audi A4 was a mainstay in the company's sedan and wagon lineup since the '90s. In its final generation, this small luxury car came standard with Audi’s Quattro® all-wheel-drive system, with front-wheel drive available until 2020.
The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with modest power, but buyers could get a more powerful version with only a modest price increase. The lone transmission was a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, though a six-speed manual was available in 2017 and 2018. The S4 (covered separately) provided even more power from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6.
Interior technology manifested in an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a standard 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Driver-assist tech included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera system was also available.
Model highlights
Front- or all-wheel drive offered until 2020; all-wheel drive standard thereafter
Two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; six-speed manual transmission offered until 2018
Sedan and Allroad wagon body styles
Launched with a seven- or 8.3-inch central infotainment display
10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen debuted for 2020
Fourth generation Audi A4
After a successful third generation, the fourth-generation A4 returned as a sedan and Avant wagon, and the convertible carried over for one year before it was discontinued. The new A4 was wider and longer, which gave it a much-needed improvement in interior space.
This A4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 3.2-liter V6, both with direct injection. The V6 was dropped for 2010. The A4 was available with front-wheel drive when paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, while the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions came only with Audi’s Quattro® all-wheel-drive system.
The A4 was at its best with an available Sport package that offered 18-inch summer performance tires and firmer dampers.
New technology for this generation included an updated version of Audi’s MMI® infotainment system, multiple drive modes, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Model highlights
Front- or all-wheel drive
Eight-speed automatic, six-speed manual, or continuously variable automatic transmissions
Convertible dropped after 2009, leaving sedan and wagon only
Eight-speed automatic replaced six-speed for 2011
Avant dropped in 2013 when the raised Allroad wagon debuted
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2017 - present
2025 Audi A4
Highlights
Last model year
Base engine dropped
Premium and Premium Plus models added more standard equipment
New S line Plus option package for Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels
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2024 Audi A4
Highlights
More standard equipment including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance
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2023 Audi A4
2022 Audi A4
Highlights
Available Black Optic package offered for base model
Sport suspension made standard with more powerful engine
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2021 Audi A4
Highlights
Horsepower increase for more powerful engine
All-wheel drive became standard across all models
More standard technology and driver-assist aids
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2020 Audi A4
Highlights
Updated front-end styling with standard LED headlights
New 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment system
More items added to list of standard features
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2019 Audi A4
Highlights
Ultra trim dropped, but its engine became standard on all trims
Manual transmission dropped
Revised trim level names
Minor adjustments to feature availability
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2018 Audi A4
Highlights
More standard equipment
New Black Optic Plus package with black trim, 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and flat-bottom steering wheel
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2017 Audi A4
Highlights
Redesigned with more rear seat room
Offered in sedan form only
New low-power base engine
More power available from an upgraded engine
New technology and safety features
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Previous generation from 2009 - 2016
2016 Audi A4
Highlights
Prestige trim level dropped
New equipment sets for other trim levels
Adaptive cruise control no longer available
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2015 Audi A4
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Reliability
RepairPal gave the Audi A4 an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Audi A4 35th out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Audi A4 is $607, compared to an average of $617 for Luxury Midsize Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Audi A4 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.2 times per year, compared to an average of 1.4 times for Luxury Midsize Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 15% for the Audi A4, compared to an average of 13% for Luxury Midsize Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Kirk Bell has been an automotive journalist since 2001, doing stints at Motor Authority, MSN Autos, and Consumer Guide. He's currently a freelance journalist with an interest in luxury and performance cars.
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