2020 Audi A4 Review

　　

2020 Audi A4 Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　With its updated 2020 A4, Audi has really dialed in its distinctive mix of luxury and technology. Specifically, Audi has added its latest MMI touch infotainment system to the A4, which includes a large 10.1-inch high resolution touchscreen. On some of its other models, Audi has also added a secondary screen for the climate controls, but we're glad the A4 has stuck with its classic button-based system since it's a lot easier to use.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$154/mo  for A4 Premium

　　A4 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $37,400 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $40,900 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $41,000 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $44,000 MSRPPrestige 4dr Sedan w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $46,950 MSRPPrestige 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $49,950 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　2020 brings a few other changes as well, but the A4 is still pretty much the same satisfying small luxury sedan it's always been. As for alternatives, there's the BMW 3 Series, which is the most similar to the A4 in terms of style and feel. Mercedes-Benz's venerable C-Class offers a little more luxury appointments, and the stylish Volvo S60 and sporty Genesis G70 are also compelling choices. Overall, though, we're fond of the A4 and certainly recommend it if you want a sedan that provides a well-rounded approach to luxury, technology and performance.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the A4 drive? When equipped with the more powerful of its two engines, the Audi A4 moves out with impressive acceleration. Just as impressive are the A4's manners during the daily commute. The engine is smooth and quiet, and transmission shifts are imperceptible. Unfortunately, the A4 shows some initial hesitation when pulling away from a stop, which can be annoying on occasion.

　　The brakes are some of the best in class, and not just for their absolute stopping power. They're also easy to use for typical driving around town and slowing down smoothly. We also like the A4's handling, which takes full advantage of the traction from Audi's all-wheel-drive system. The steering feel could be better, but overall the A4 is a difficult car to fault.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the A4? The A4's front seats are on the firm side, but they're still comfortable enough for long road trips. The A4 is quiet on the highway, and you won't hear much wind or road noise. The standard suspension has a typical Germanic firmness to it. It controls body motions well when you're going over bumps, but it's not overly harsh.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? You'll find the A4 has a stylish and functional cabin with an emphasis on technology. The optional Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster re-creates analog gauges or can display navigation or entertainment info. It's such a good system that other manufacturers have moved to adopt a similar setup.

　　Long gone are the days when the A4 was a compact car. The latest A4 feels almost like a midsize sedan, with sufficient legroom for four amply sized adults aboard. There's no issue with headroom for 6-footers in the back either. Visibility is also quite good thanks to thin pillars and plenty of glass.

　　

Technology

9.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Audi's new MMI touch infotainment system has made its way into the A4 and offers higher-quality graphics on its larger 10.1-inch screen. The new screen requires a bit more study than the outgoing system, which had a knob for selecting settings, but the on-screen menus remain somewhat familiar. Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument panel, is also available and gains further refinements to keep it at the top of the class.

　　Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and both front and rear passengers will find ample USB ports. Wireless charging is also available.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The A4 has a bit less trunk volume than competitors. But the A4 gets additional consideration for its generous trunk opening and practical cutouts, which allow for extra storage bins or room for golf clubs. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seats that allow for extra flexibility when transporting passengers and larger objects. Inside, the A4 offers a modicum of storage for personal items.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the A4 Quattro gets 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway), which is an average figure for a four-cylinder small luxury sedan. We got 26.8 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route and found we didn't have to drive too conservatively to hit that number.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the A4 a good value? Don't assume the A4 offers meager value given its German heritage. It provides more standard equipment for the money than its German rivals, and it's less expensive than them when loaded. Some luxury cars do offer more features for less, but without the A4's overall degree of excellence. Audi's warranties are typical for the class, with both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties coming in at four years/50,000 miles.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　The Audi A4 can be described as excessively competent. It can be hustled along a back road with confidence and impresses with its overall dynamic prowess. Fun, though? There's ultimately some sizzle missing, and the steering in particular limits driver engagement. Instead, its driving experience is competent, confidence-inspiring and probably what most shoppers are looking for.

　　

Which A4 does zzdcar recommend?

We think the Audi A4 in its Premium trim offers a good amount of Audi's newest technology without breaking the bank. We strongly suggest springing for the 45 TFSI engine (the more powerful of the two engines offered) as well as the Driver's Assistance package for Audi's excellent adaptive cruise control, as well as the Navigation package to make the most of the digital instrument panel.

　　

2020 Audi A4 models

The 2020 Audi A4 is offered in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Moving up through the trim levels offers more standard features as well as some option packages not available on the entry-level Premium.

　　All three trims offer your choice of two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines: the 40 TFSI (188 horsepower, 236 lb-ft) and the 45 TFSI (248 hp, 273 lb-ft). The 40 TFSI is only available in front-wheel drive, while the 45 TFSI comes standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard with either engine.

　　The Premium comes fairly well equipped with features such as LED headlights, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. But it lacks Audi's Virtual Cockpit, which is a cool, fully digital gauge cluster display. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim gets you the Virtual Cockpit as well as parking sensors and rear-seat USB ports among other features.

　　The top-of-the-line Prestige has the above features plus an integrated navigation system, a premium sound system, traffic-adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, ambient interior lighting and unique LED headlights.

　　

2020 A4 Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium PlusPrestigePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$37,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$154/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles