“It is an “entry level" Audi but has many options / features of a higher end vehicle”
Audi A4: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Audi A4 is a compact luxury car family sold mainly as a sedan, with wagon and earlier convertible versions. It is known for a polished cabin, composed road manners, and confident all-weather traction in all-wheel-drive models.
The A4 has long been Audi’s understated alternative to flashier compact luxury cars. Across generations, it has paired a refined interior with turbocharged power and a secure, mature feel on the road. Sedans focus on everyday commuting and highway travel, while the Avant and later allroad wagons bring extra usefulness without turning the A4 into an SUV.
Strengths
- The cabin feels polished and thoughtfully laid out without relying on flashy design.
- The ride and handling strike a reassuring balance between comfort and control in everyday driving.
- All-wheel drive is standard on A4 models from 2021 onward, which adds confidence in wet or snowy weather.
- The 2020 update brought a clear 10.1-inch touchscreen and made the technology easier to live with.
- The allroad wagon carries more gear and handles rough weather or dirt roads without the bulk of an SUV.
Who it's for
The A4 suits someone who wants a small premium car that feels refined and reassuring rather than showy. It works especially well for commuting, highway trips, and year-round driving, while the wagon versions fit buyers who regularly carry more gear but would rather not own an SUV.
Audi A4 lineup
Premium is the straightforward entry point, while Premium Plus is the sensible step up for shoppers who value added comfort, audio, and driver-assistance equipment. Prestige is the top trim and is the one to seek when a broader set of technology and comfort features matters most. In recent generations, the 40 TFSI sedan is the more relaxed, lower-power version, while the S line 45 TFSI adds stronger performance and sportier exterior details. The allroad follows the same Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige hierarchy but stands apart with its wagon body, extra cargo room, and slightly taller stance.
Audi A4 generations
From 2009 to 2025, the A4 spans two generations. The current 5th Generation — B9/B9.5 arrived for 2017, following the 4th Generation — B8/B8.5 (2009–2016).
5th Generation — B9/B9.5 (2017–2025)
The B9 redesign brought a lighter structure, a roomier cabin, new suspension hardware, smartphone integration, and automatic emergency braking. A substantial 2020 refresh reshaped the exterior and replaced the old screen-and-controller setup with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The A4 allroad returned alongside the sedan for 2017 with a raised wagon body.
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2025
Final U.S. model year for the A4 sedan and A4 allroad. Navigation became standard on Premium Plus, mirror-mounted HomeLink buttons arrived, and 45 TFSI S line sedans received darker exterior trim.
2024
More safety and comfort equipment became standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel.
2023
LED headlights became standard across the range, while Premium Plus gained a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
2022
Carryover year with no significant updates.
2021Trim changes
Four-cylinder models gained a mild-hybrid system and more power. The 40 TFSI sedan moved to standard AWD, and wireless Apple CarPlay and lane-departure warning became standard.
2020Mid-cycle update
Exterior styling was substantially refreshed, and a new 10.1-inch touchscreen replaced the previous screen-and-controller setup.
2019Trim changes
The Ultra name was dropped, the 40 TFSI became the base setup, and the manual transmission left the lineup.
2018Trim changes
Heated front seats became standard, and more driver-assistance equipment spread to Premium Plus and Prestige.
2017New generation
The all-new B9 A4 sedan launched with a lighter structure and roomier cabin. The A4 allroad returned in the new design.
4th Generation — B8/B8.5 (2009–2016)
The B8 redesign gave the A4 sedan and Avant wagon a longer wheelbase, more cabin space, updated engines, and a redesigned chassis layout. The 2013 B8.5 refresh revised the exterior, cabin controls, and steering, while the U.S. A4 range became sedan-only.
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2016Trim changes
Prestige left the lineup, leaving Premium and Premium Plus for the regular A4 sedan.
2015
S line exterior styling, xenon headlights, LED taillights, and three-zone climate control became standard across the lineup.
2014
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine rose from 211 to 220 horsepower, and the base Premium trim gained more standard equipment.
2013Mid-cycle update
Updated front and rear styling arrived along with electric power steering and revised cabin controls. The regular U.S. A4 range became sedan-only.
2012
Automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and other equipment spread across the trim range.
2011
Automatic AWD sedan and Avant models switched from a 6-speed automatic to an 8-speed automatic.
2010Trim changes
Mostly a carryover year, with touchscreen-system and equipment changes on navigation-equipped and upper trims.
2009New generation
The B8 sedan and Avant were fully redesigned with a longer wheelbase, more interior room, and a new chassis layout. The convertible remained on the older platform for its final A4 model year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi A4.
Frequently asked questions
What body styles does the Audi A4 come in?
Used A4s include sedans and wagons, plus a Cabriolet convertible in older examples. The wagon was called Avant through 2012 in the U.S.; from 2013, A4 wagon shoppers moved to the taller allroad.
Is the Audi A4 a hybrid?
No, the A4 is fundamentally a gas-powered car. Four-cylinder models gained a small 12-volt mild-hybrid system for 2021, but it only assists the gas engine. The A4 is not a full hybrid or a plug-in hybrid.
Does every Audi A4 have all-wheel drive?
No. Newer U.S. A4s have standard quattro all-wheel drive, but many older sedans used front-wheel drive, including 2.0T, Ultra, and some 40 TFSI versions. Check the trim name and drivetrain on the specific used car.
What is the Audi A4 known for?
The A4 is known for a polished cabin, secure road manners, easy-to-use everyday technology, and a comfortable ride that still feels controlled. Its appeal is understated rather than flashy.
Is the Audi A4 practical enough for a small family?
Yes, if a compact car fits your needs. The A4 seats five, and the newer sedan has 35.7 inches of rear legroom. The allroad wagon is the more useful choice for strollers, luggage, pets, or bulky gear.
How do the main Audi A4 generations differ?
The B8 arrived for 2009 and was refreshed for 2013. The roomier B9 followed for 2017, then received a major styling and touchscreen update for 2020. Those breakpoints matter more than small annual equipment changes when comparing used A4s.
Is the Audi A4 allroad an SUV?
No. The A4 allroad is a wagon with more cargo room, standard all-wheel drive, and a slightly taller stance than the sedan. It suits shoppers who want extra utility for rough weather or dirt roads without moving to an SUV.
Audi A4 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi A4.
4.3
Audi A4
(2,439 reviews)
“The Audi looks great and drives very well. Mileage on a long trip is terrific. My only complaint is storage in the front. It is lacking and the glove compartment doesn't hold much because of CD player”
“I have confidence in an Audi for the following reasons: level of safety for passengers, durability, comfort, and quality”
“The car is logically laid out. There is appropriate storage where it ought to be, the controls are intuitive and the vehicle performance is above average.”
“Routine maintenance is very costly. You should not plan to own this brand when the warranty expires. Brand does not have tire pressure monitor that shows pressure in EACH tire.”
“Sit in both the A4 and A6. Everything else ok but consider the location of the cup holder location. It is terrible. I cannot get to the controls if a cup is in the holder and the size of the holder and location limits what size cups you can insert. I should have considered this”