2021 Audi A4 Review

　　

2021 Audi A4 Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　In the small luxury sedan world, you have the Big Three — the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 — and everyone else. Of the vaunted trio, the 2021 Audi A4 is our favorite. It offers an opulent interior just like the C-Class and the driving dynamics promised — but not quite fulfilled — by the latest 3 Series. Even better, it does this while typically costing thousands of dollars less.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Audi A4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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

　　$163/mo  for A4 Premium

　　A4 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) (Most Popular) - $39,100 MSRPPremium S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $40,900 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $43,800 MSRPPremium Plus S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $45,100 MSRPPrestige 4dr Sedan AWD w/40 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $49,400 MSRPPrestige S line 4dr Sedan AWD w/45 TFSI (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 7AM) - $49,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Last year, Audi updated the A4 with its latest MMI interface that includes a larger infotainment screen and new touchscreen capability. Audi has included even more goodies on the 2021 model. The four-cylinder engine has an additional 13 horsepower and includes a 12-volt mild hybrid system. The 12-volt component should make the engine stop-start system a bit smoother in operation and also slightly reduces fuel consumption. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive powertrain is now standard equipment, as are lane departure warning and wireless Apple CarPlay.

　　We certainly recommend checking out the A4 if you're in the market for a small luxury sedan. Its numerous strengths, few faults and affordable price tag — along with Audi's preference for continuous updates — add up to an appealing package that must be driven to be appreciated.

　　

Which A4 does zzdcar recommend?

Selecting a powertrain is easy: The 45 TFSI adds a lot more power for a reasonable price, so we say start there. As for trim levels, stick with the base Premium trim and add the optional Convenience package for the best value. This gets you a pleasing mix of premium features and keeps the cost in check.

　　

2021 Audi A4 models

The 2021 Audi A4 is a small sedan sold in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Each comes with your choice of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry-level 40 TFSI produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI (also called the S line) ups the output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard.

　　Premium

　　The Premium is the least expensive model in the lineup, but it's far from bare-bones. It's loaded with:

　　17-inch wheels (40 TFSI only) 18-inch wheels (45 TFSI only) LED headlights Sunroof Auto-dimming rearview mirror Three-zone climate control Front sport seats (45 TFSI only) Heated front seats Leather upholstery 10.1-inch touchscreen Wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)Options for the A4 Premium include:

　　Convenience package Keyless ignition and entry Auto-dimming exterior mirrors Heated steering wheel Driver-seat memory settings Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Satellite radio 18-inch wheelsPremium Plus

　　The Premium Plus adds:

　　Convenience package 18-inch wheels Power-folding mirrors Digital gauge cluster Armrests covered in faux leather Rear USB ports Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A4 and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)The Premium Plus can be further outfitted with:

　　Ventilated front seats (paired with front sport seats on the 40 TFSI's Warm Weather package) Navigation package Navigation system Audi connected services 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound systemPrestige

　　The range-topping Prestige includes:

　　Sound-reducing front side windows Configurable ambient lighting Ventilated front sport seats Heated rear seats 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system Navigation system Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)All A4 trims can be ordered with:

　　Black Optic package (45 TFSI only) Black-painted wheels and exterior trim S line interior package (45 TFSI only) Aluminum interior trim Leather/faux suede combination upholstery 19-inch wheels (45 TFSI only) Sport-tuned suspension Rear side airbags

　　

2021 A4 Highlights

Trim: PremiumPremium S linePremium PlusPremium Plus S linePrestigePrestige S linePremium

　　

Base MSRP	$39,100
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles