2012 Audi A4: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Audi A4 is a light trim-update year, led by automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers becoming standard on Premium models. There is no redesign, new engine, or lineup-wide technology overhaul.
About the 2012 Audi A4
4th generation A4 (B8), final U.S. pre-facelift year before the 2013 refresh.
Audi markets the 2012 A4 as a small luxury car built around balance rather than extremes: brisk turbo power, good fuel economy, crisp road manners, and a carefully finished interior. The brochure leans on craftsmanship, driver-focused controls, and comfort on long trips, while the quattro versions add all-weather confidence. In the Avant, Audi adds wagon usefulness without turning the car into an SUV. Its core appeal is that it feels upscale and composed without giving up everyday usability.
Audi positioned the Premium sedan as the simple, understated core of the 2012 A4 lineup, while the Quattro Premium added all-wheel drive for better traction in wet or snowy conditions. The Avant wagon paired all-wheel drive with extra cargo room and a panoramic glass roof. Every version used a 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
What changed, by category
2012 Audi A4 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT Multitronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 211 hp | 211 hp | 211 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 34 cu-ft | 34 cu-ft | 50.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Audi A4 compared with the 2011 model?
The main change for the 2012 Audi A4 is revised standard equipment by trim. Premium models gained automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, Premium Plus received more sport-styled exterior and comfort equipment, and Prestige added adaptive headlights and blind-spot monitoring.
Was the 2012 Audi A4 redesigned?
No, the 2012 Audi A4 was not redesigned. It remained part of the fourth-generation B8 lineup introduced for 2009 and was the final U.S. model year before the 2013 exterior and equipment refresh.
Did the 2012 Audi A4 get a new engine or drivetrain?
No, the 2012 Audi A4 kept its 211-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The base sedan remained front-wheel drive, while Quattro sedans and the Avant wagon retained all-wheel drive.
Which 2012 Audi A4 trim gained blind-spot monitoring?
The 2012 Audi A4 Prestige gained blind-spot monitoring, along with adaptive headlights. Blind-spot monitoring did not become standard across the full A4 lineup.