By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 7.5
For 2014, the Audi A4 and S4 line continues among the leaders of entry-luxury sports sedans. Inside and out, it's beautifully styled and built with exquisite attention to the details, and offers generous space efficiency with an extraordinarily high level of interior refinement. The A4 engines are powerful, comfort is supreme, performance is impressive, and efficiency is noteworthy – the entire package is terrific. The S4, with its supercharged V6 and quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, resides in the nation of awesome. In a tough class with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37 (renamed the Q50 for 2014), among others, the beautiful and beautifully-detailed A4 remains a formidable and highly-attractive choice.
Here's a list of why: Want a gorgeous ride with a great driving experience, impeccable luxury, cradling comfort, generous interior space, exquisite refinement, superb driving manners, quick performance, welcome efficiency, and a first-class image? Try Audi's A4 sedan line-up.
It's common in this class that the price can quickly escalate when the options start adding to the mix. If, like many of us, you have to watch the dollars and cents and simply need or want your funds to go further, the A4 line is not for you.
What's New for 2014
For 2014 the Audi A4 line has moderate changes. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine of the A4 is up to 220 horsepower, and the rest of the changes are related to the content of some options packages, trim details, new-design wheels and the like.
Driving Impressions If your idea of a great drive emphasizes responsive precision over pillowy comfort, as does ours, Audi's A4 is for you. Fitting in somewhere between the somewhat softer Mercedes C-Class...
and the somewhat firmer feel of a BMW 3 Series, the A4 can be "just right" for many drivers. The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine – always one of our favorites – is even more so with a bump up to 220 horsepower for 2014. As for the powertrain choices behind the four, the CVT (continuously-variable automatic transmission) of the front-drive version is acceptable, but we much prefer either the 6-speed manual or the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic that are fitted to the quattro. If those aren't quite enough, the S4 brings 333 horsepower from its supercharged V6 and will both light up the road and light up your driving life. In all cases, the overall driving experience is nothing short of superb, with the blend of performance, handling, braking and ride comfort striking a balance that we feel is right on the money.TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
In a class dominated by 6-cylinder engines, the Audi A4 sedan gives chase with a smooth, strong and responsive turbocharged 4-cylinder that also delivers commendable fuel economy. And, for 2014, it gets more horsepower. What's not to like?
DETAIL EXECUTION
It doesn't show up on the list of standard or optional features, but the attention to detail on all Audi products is one of our continuing favorite features of these cars. The A4 is no exception, and simply being in it is a delight to the eyes.
Interior
Audi's reputation for beautifully-superb interiors is safe with the 2014 A4. Everything about it is impeccably conceived and finished, from design, layout and materials to assembly. The resulting space is upscale, relaxing, purposeful and even business-like. A handsome 4-spoke steering wheel is standard and a sporty 3-spoke design is optional. Interior trim includes aluminum or wood inlays and attractive uses of lighting, including LED accent lights that illuminate the center console. Leather seating is standard, with available Alcantara inserts, and there are optional sport seats with side bolsters that really hold the occupants in place during more spirited driving.
Exterior
The 2014 Audi A4's signature look is certainly familiar, and it remains exceptionally handsome and refined. There is no mistaking it's an Audi, with the clean and elegantly-detailed exterior that makes it one of the best-looking sedans on the road. There are numerous option packages that include different wheel treatments to individualize the appearance, and the high-end and super-performance S4 has a more aggressive look that emphasizes its purposeful mission.
The 2013 Audi A4 line is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium leads off with 17-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, leather upholstery, Sirius satellite radio and, for 2014, the Convenience Package, which includes Bluetooth, Homelink, Audi Music Interface connectivity, and the driver information system. For 2014, Premium Plus and Prestige models feature S line exteriors with new 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels for a sportier appearance. Keyless unlock/lock and starting is part of the Premium Plus, and Audi drive select is standard on the S4. The Prestige trim also includes navigation and an impressive Bang & Olufsen stereo system.
The A4 Prestige package offers the further option of the S line group, which includes sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, different front and rear fascias, side skirts, unique doorsills and badging. A4 Prestige models also offer a Driver Assist package, consisting of adaptive cruise control (automatically maintains a distance from a vehicle in front) and adjustment of control dynamics, including steering effort, throttle response and transmission-shift characteristics. New for 2014, A4 and S4 models offer a Black Optic package with high-gloss exterior trim and 19-inch Titanium Rotor design wheels.
The Audi A4 is powered by a strong, efficient 2.0-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers impressive fuel economy and, for 2014, has been bumped to 220 horsepower. FWD versions of the A4 feature a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while those with Audi's quattro AWD system offer the choice of a 6-speed manual or the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. Regardless of drivetrain, the A4 continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient luxury-branded sedans on the market, beating both the more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 and the slower C250. The sportier S4, meanwhile, boasts a powerful 3.0-liter supercharged, direct-injection V6 engine that offers V8 performance and still-impressive fuel economy.
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
220 horsepower @ 4,450-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/32 mpg (FWD, CVT automatic), 22/32 mpg (AWD, manual), 20/29 mpg (AWD, automatic)
3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500-7,000 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque 2,900-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (automatic), 17/26 mpg (manual)
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2014 Audi A4 starts just under $34,000 for a Premium trim with CVT and front drive. That same driveline in Prestige trim is around $43,000. Move to the 6-speed manual with quattro AWD and prices range from around $35,000 for the Premium to about $44,000 for the Prestige. The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro ranges from the Premium, at about $36,000, to over $45,000 for the Prestige. Load on the two packages available for Prestige (S line and Driver Assist) and your A4 will be well over $50,000. The hard-charging S4 starts around $48,500 and can easily go far beyond $60,000. Be sure to check Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for the A4 in your area. In terms of resale value, the Audi A4 doesn't do as well as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Lexus IS.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Audi A4 vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 87 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.
Review this carBy Bamroz (GA) on Thursday, June 27, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "CPO price/value, fun to drive, nice features"
Cons: "very small sunglass holder : )"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"This car has plenty of power and above avg fuel economy. Compare to the 2013 model and you'll see many of the features largely unchanged and a couple years ahead of other manufacturers. I have encountered a small oil consumption issue, but Audi service has been more than accomodating in fixing the problem. Sunglass holder is small. Did not come with auto-dimming/compass in mirror. In hindsight, I would recommend this vehicle and would buy again."
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By John (CO) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Handling, fuel economy, style"
Cons: "Road clearance"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"This is a great car which is fun to drive, has great handling characteristics, and good fuel economy. Highway driving in the mountains and to and from Denver, I always get at least 30mpg. Out of the mountains on the highway,I typically get 32mpg at 70+ mph. The 8 speed AT is amazing and I never feel it shift. Traction in snow, slush, ice and rain is great! The car with options is on the expensive side at first, but driving it always puts a smile on my face."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By MotownSailor (IA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,750
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Reliability, Fun to Drive, Looks, Comfort, MPG"
Cons: "None"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I purchased a new, 2011 Audi A4 two years ago. This is, by far, the best automobile I have ever owned. Every aspect of this car feels "right." The German engineering is obvious, from the dials and buttons on the driver's console, to the layout of the steering wheel. This car is incredibly quick for a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine. I often find myself doing +80mph as I merge onto the expressway to go to work in the morning! This car drives like it is on rails. The automatic 8-speed tranny is absolutely wonderful. The dual-clutch system works flawlessly as you accelerate, and even as you slow to approach a red light, the transmission downshifts smoothly and at the exact right moment. The cost to maintain an Audi is a little higher than typical American cars, but I only need to bring it in every 10,000 miles. I haven't done the math, but it probably works out equally in the long run. This is my first turbo, and it did take a little getting used to. The car does suffer from turbo-lag when driving around the city... But this is a heavy four-door car, with a small 2.0 liter engine, so it is to be expected. The turbo kicks in after about a second (it feels like you are letting the clutch out in a manual) and when it kicks in, hold on! This is a terrific car, and I am now a devoted Audi owner!"
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Audi Nut (AZ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Good Power, Sharp Looks, Comfortable, Quiet"
Cons: "If you get a base model, it is lacking"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This is our 6th Audi, Audi has gotten progressively better since our 1st in 2001. Every 4 years we upgrade to the next gen. What an awesome car. Get to know you dealer! Get to know your service department. They will not steer you wrong. Audi leads the way in customer satisfaction and service. We cant say enough praise for this company."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By Barry (CA) on Monday, April 22, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Handling is phenomenal; oozes class!"
Cons: "I really cannot complain. I did my research."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I love this car. It handles so well, and it is a joy to drive. I bought this car in November 2012. Immediately took it upto the Bay Area to see my folks, and the drive was very smooth. I knew what I was buying, so I am aware of expected costs for maintenance and so forth. Thanks KBB for the information available. You made this purchase so much easier."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
By DropTop (GA) on Saturday, March 30, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun, comfy, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful"
Cons: "I'll let you know if I find any."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I have a 2009 A4 Cabrio S-Line that I've owned for about a year and a half and have put about 28,000 miles on it. I bought it as a certified pre-owned, and I definitely recommend going that route if you can find what you want. What do I like about it? I find that it handles remarkably well for a FWD car. I took it on a drive through the hills/mountains of northern GA and had a blast. It is also very comfortable on long drives, more comfortable than my wife's Toyota Avalon and the Lexus that replaced the Avalon. The ergonomics are just perfect. It has plenty of power when I need it and very good highway mileage when I am just cruising - in level areas of the state I can log about 33 MPG HWY. Unlike a hardtop convertible, the A4's top leaves plenty of space in the trunk when it is down. I read plenty of other reviews that talked about the A4 burning oil. Well the owner's manual does say that it will burn a quart about every 1200 miles. I've found that number can fluctuate depending on how I drive. I use mine as my daily driver so I'm usually driving pretty sedately just getting to work and back. While I haven't been diligent in logging the events I have noticed that with such driving I get well beyond that 1200 miles before I need to add oil. On the other hand, I have had the opportunity now and again to rapidly and fully depress the accelerator with the shift lever in sport mode, and when I do I can see a bit of a blue cloud in my rear view mirror - but I lose sight of it quickly (varoom!) My brother says it is normal for that type of engine because it has low compression (words, words, words). Anyways, I check my oil regularly and keep a quart in the trunk (Why not? There's room.) and I've never had any problem. Plus, doing so gives me one more reason to spend more time with my car. Finally, it is beautiful. (I actually prefer the headlights and taillights on my 2009 over the squinty things on the newer models.) A couple of weeks ago we were in an art gallery and came around a corner to a window overlooking the parking lot where I could see my car (Ibis White with a tan roof). My wife compared my car to what we had seen in the gallery, with my car winning the beauty contest. So, fun, comfortable, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful. I think that about sums it up."
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse
advertisement
why ads?advertisement
why ads?