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2018 Audi A4 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Audi A4 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Quick acceleration from turbocharged engine
  • Impeccable cabin construction and assembly
  • Cutting-edge and easy-to-use driver-assist and technology features

Cons

  • Transmission hesitates a beat when accelerating
  • Lacks steering feedback, limits driver engagement

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

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The 2018 Audi A4 combines all you could want in a small luxury sport sedan

The 2018 Audi A4 blends all you could want in a small luxury sedan. It’s quick and comfortable, has a controlled and compliant ride, and comes stocked with infotainment and connectivity. Whether you're slicing through mountain switchbacks or just commuting to work, the A4 is a joy to drive. The roomy cabin handily accommodates four adults, while tasteful design with metal accents makes the A4 feel like a car slightly from the future. That’s reinforced by infotainment features ranging from the high-resolution dashtop display to sophisticated navigation, voice controls, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration.

The 2018 Audi A4 generates 252 horsepower. Most come with an automatic transmission, but some six-speed manuals are around. An A4 Ultra subtrim offers a less powerful 190-hp engine with higher fuel economy estimates, but we suggest sticking with the regular A4 if you can. The A4’s tech package gives it an edge on the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class of the same vintage, but note that in subsequent years both competitors significantly upped their game.

All Audi A4 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Audi A4 generation from 2013 to 2025

What is new for the 2018 Audi A4?

  • Trim discontinued: [specific trim name], affecting available configurations.
  • Standard equipment now includes upgraded safety features across all models.
  • New equipment added: [specific new feature or technology] enhancing driving experience.
  • Significant removal of [specific feature] from the lineup, impacting overall value.

2018 Audi A4 trims

Curious how Audi A4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium:

  • 252-hp, 273-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 190-hp, 236-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Sunroofs
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • View our Audi A4 Premium inventory

Premium Plus:

Prestige:

Audi A4 photos

What We Like

Performance: The A4 is quick and smooth, with a quieter engine than most other turbo four-cylinder-powered competitors. Quiet doesn’t mean slow, though, and the A4 dashes from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. The all-wheel drive and sport suspension mean the A4 has impressive traction and neutral handling through curves and corners.

Interior: The A4’s stylish and functional cabin is a showpiece of fit and finish. There’s a clear emphasis on blending cutting-edge tech with a welcome and luxurious environment. The design is simple and elegant, highlighted by thoughtful placement of commonly used controls combined with innovative thinking. The optional digital gauge cluster ingeniously re-creates the look of analog gauges and also displays navigation and entertainment information. You’ll find sufficient legroom for four adults and plenty of room for getting in and out.

Comfort: Like most sedans in this sport-luxury class, the A4 favors the former over the latter. The standard suspension delivers a firm ride with controlled body motions and no real impact harshness. It’s a good balance of comfort and control. The optional sport seats are great thanks to adjustable thigh support, but you can’t go wrong with the standard seats. The optional adaptive suspension offers a few different dynamic settings, but we wouldn’t go out of our way to find one since some of the settings are overly stiff. Seats are firm but supportive and well shaped for hours of comfortable rides.

What Needs Improvement

Engagement: The Audi A4 is well balanced overall, but the steering is a bit disappointing. Most of this comes down to feel, and the A4 just feels a little numb and distant from the tires. The tuning in the electric power steering unit shares some of the blame. The best steering communicates to the driver what the tires are doing via resistance, effort, and weight, but those characteristics feel a bit artificial in the A4. Most drivers probably won’t be bothered by this, and many may never notice. But drivers who like to dash through tight turns may occasionally be frustrated.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

6 customer reviews
The 2018 Audi A4 receives high praise for its advanced technology, quiet cabin, and smooth handling, with features like Apple CarPlay and customizable drive modes enhancing user experience. However, some found interior space limited and maintenance costs above average. Overall, it's appreciated for its blend of performance and luxury.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

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.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Audi A4

Audi A4 features and specs

Curious how Audi A4 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Prestige 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Head Up Display
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Parking Sensors
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Air Conditioning
  • Traction Control
  • Power Locks
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Smart Key
  • ABS Brakes
  • Rear Defroster
  • Power Windows
  • Side Airbags
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • CD Audio
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Navigation System
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • AM/FM Stereo

Optional Features

  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

190

Torque (ft-lbs)

236

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.3

Wheelbase

111"

Overall length

186.1"

Width

72.5"

Height

56.2"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 35.7"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 37.4"

Front tires

P245/40HR18

Rear tires

P245/40HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Audi A4 FAQ

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