Vehicle Overview

The A4 was last redesigned for the 2009 model year and comes in sedan and wagon (called Avant) body styles. Audi also offers a performance version of the sedan as the S4, covered in a separate report in the Research section. The five-seat A4 faces competition from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

New for 2012

Premium versions of the A4 add 10-spoke 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Premium Plus models feature S line exterior styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a memory feature for the driver's seat and a power liftgate on wagon body styles. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Prestige gains adaptive headlights and a blind spot warning system. 

Exterior

The A4's styling bears a family resemblance to the larger A6. The sedan has a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, and two circular exhaust outlets poke out from below the rear bumper. Exterior features include: 

• Standard glass sunroof
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
• Available 18- or 19-inch wheels
• Available swiveling headlights
• Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
• Available LED daytime running lights

Interior

Like other Audi models, the A4 has adopted the German automaker's Multi Media Interface. MMI is a knob-based control system that shares similarities with BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's Comand system. It controls functions such as the navigation system, audio system and vehicle settings. In the A4 and other Audis, MMI features a knob controller and buttons on the center console for navigating menus and making selections from a dashboard screen. The available navigation system includes HD radio. Interior features include: 

• Standard automatic air conditioning
• Standard leather upholstery
• Available upgraded stereo
• Available keyless entry and start
• Available Bluetooth connectivity and iPod cable

Under the Hood

All models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi's multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Other sedans have Quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avant wagon comes only with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system in this application has a torque split of 40/60, front to rear. This rear-biased design gives the A4 dynamics that are closer to a rear-wheel-drive car in addition to enhanced traction on both dry and slippery surfaces. Mechanical features include: 

• 211-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 pounds-feet of torque
• Uses premium gas
• Available Quattro all-wheel drive

Safety

Available safety features include Audi Side Assist, which informs the driver when another vehicle is next to the A4, and a backup camera. Rear side-impact airbags also are available. Standard safety features include: 

• Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist
• Front-seat side-impact airbags
• Front and rear side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability system with traction control