Audi A4
Used Car Review

Overview

The Audi A4 delivers executive sophistication without sacrificing everyday practicality. The Audi A4 might be exactly what you need. This well-established family car sits confidently in the premium market, offering Audi’s trademark build quality and refined technology in a package that works for both business and family life. It’s the car for people who want sophistication without sacrificing everyday usability.

From first glance, the A4 commands respect with its sharp, modern styling and distinctive LED headlights. Its clean lines and prominent grille give it an executive presence that rivals like the BMW 3 Series work hard to match. Step inside and you’ll discover an interior that feels genuinely premium, with high-quality materials and Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit technology. The cabin strikes that perfect balance between luxury and functionality that makes every journey feel special.

The A4 excels at being effortlessly competent. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic or cruising on the motorway, it delivers a composed and comfortable experience. The engine range is smooth and efficient, while the handling provides confidence without being overly sporty. It’s a car that aims to make driving feel refined and stress-free. While it may cost more than mainstream alternatives, you’re investing in a vehicle that maintains Audi’s reputation for quality and delivers genuine long-term satisfaction.

What's the Audi A4 Like to Drive?

The Audi A4 offers a well-balanced range of engines focused on smooth delivery rather than outright excitement. The entry-level 35 TFSI petrol produces around 150 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most driving situations. It feels responsive around town and has enough power for confident motorway overtaking. The 40 TFSI variant steps up to around 190 horsepower, delivering more effortless acceleration that makes light work of any driving scenario.

Where the A4 truly shines is in its refined driving character. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence on winding country roads while remaining light enough for easy parking. The suspension setup achieves an impressive balance between ride comfort and handling composure. It absorbs road imperfections smoothly while maintaining good body control through corners. This premium saloon feels stable and secure in all conditions, making it an excellent choice for covering long distances in comfort.

How Comfortable Is the Audi A4?

The A4’s interior welcomes you with unmistakable craftsmanship and premium material quality. The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital display and MMI infotainment screen. Materials throughout feel genuinely premium, with soft-touch surfaces where you’d expect them and solid, well-damped controls. The fit and finish is exemplary, creating an atmosphere that feels properly luxurious rather than merely expensive.

The front seats offer excellent support and multiple adjustment options to help you find the perfect driving position. There’s generous space for adults in all directions, and the rear seats are genuinely comfortable for longer journeys. Road and wind noise are well-suppressed, creating a peaceful environment that adds to the premium feel. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trim levels add features like heated seats, ambient lighting, and premium audio systems that enhance the upmarket atmosphere.

The Audi A4 succeeds brilliantly at being a refined, comfortable, and genuinely desirable executive saloon. It delivers the premium experience that buyers expect from the Audi brand, with exceptional build quality and a beautifully designed interior. The driving experience prioritises smoothness and comfort over outright excitement, which perfectly suits its intended role as a sophisticated family car.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Audi A4 Expensive to Run?

Running the A4 demands outlay befitting its premium status, yet costs prove reasonable against rival executive sedans. The efficient TFSI engines deliver real-world fuel economy in the mid-40s MPG, which helps keep fuel bills manageable for such a substantial car. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they’ll be higher than for mainstream family cars. Servicing costs are reasonable for a premium brand, especially if you use Audi’s fixed-price service plans.

The initial purchase price represents the biggest consideration, as the A4 commands a premium over mainstream alternatives. However, you’re paying for superior build quality, advanced technology, and strong residual values that help protect your investment. When it comes to financing options, car finance packages can make the A4 more accessible through manageable monthly payments. The combination of strong fuel economy, robust reliability, and excellent resale values helps justify the premium positioning for many buyers.

Is the Audi A4 Practical for Everyday Use?

The A4 excels at practical everyday usability despite its premium positioning. The 460-litre boot is genuinely spacious, easily accommodating a family’s weekly shopping or several large suitcases for holiday trips. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split as standard, creating a flexible loading area that can handle longer items while still carrying passengers. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of useful storage spaces for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials.

Passenger space is generous throughout, making the A4 genuinely suitable for family use. Adults can sit comfortably in the rear seats even on longer journeys, with good legroom and headroom. The wide door apertures make getting in and out easy for passengers of all ages. For buyers considering other used Audi cars, the A4 represents an excellent balance of luxury and practicality that works well for both business and family requirements.

After extensive testing, the Audi A4 proves why it remains the executive segment’s benchmark for refined, premium-quality performance. It combines Audi’s renowned build quality with practical everyday usability and advanced technology in a package that works equally well for business use and family life. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily ownership.

You choose the A4 because you want an executive car that doesn’t feel like a compromise in any area. Its refined ride, excellent interior, and strong fuel economy make it a pleasure to live with every day. It’s perfectly suited for anyone who covers significant miles but still wants to arrive feeling relaxed and comfortable. For buyers seeking cars under £10,000, older A4 models offer excellent value while retaining much of that premium Audi appeal.