audi a4
As a compact luxury sports sedan, the 2021 Audi A4 is easy to admire and hard to fault : it’s nicely designed, well-built and loaded with the good stuff. As if that’s not enough, it handles like a sports sedan and offers a pleasant ride. Technology takes center stage in the A4, with the impressive digital display from the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a new 12-volt hybrid system, and a suite of driver-assistance features that keep it fresh and on the hunt for its entry-level competitors – namely the BMW 3-series, Genesis G70, and Mercedes- Benz C-class. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive is standard across the board, which is an advantage over its main competitors that charge an extra fee.
audi a4
While the A4 received a facelift for 2020 , this year Audi is dropping a 12-volt hybrid system in each of the car’s four-cylinder engines. The system adds an additional 13 horsepower to each engine. The front-wheel drive Ultra model was dropped, so all-wheel drive is now standard across the lineup. Apple CarPlay wireless capability is new for 2021 as is the Highway Transceiver; Lane departure warning is now standard.
The optional Premium Base Comfort Package is enhanced by a heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors. The mid-range Premium Plus model now comes with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree external camera system. The high-spec Prestige gets heated rear seats as standard.
audi a4
The Premium Plus mid-range trim represents the best cost-benefit ratio in the A4 lineup because it adds a host of features that make the car a high-end ride. Among them are reconfigurable digital gauge screen,
Wireless smartphone charging pad, driver seat memory settings, blind spot monitoring and keyless entry with push-button start. We’d like to suggest the more powerful 45 drivetrain—it produces 60 more horsepower than 40—a relatively inexpensive $1,300 upgrade.
Engine, transmission and performance Audi A4
The Audi A4 is offered in two strengths: the 40 and the 45. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system and all-wheel drive. The 40 makes 201 horsepower while the 45 makes 261. We haven’t driven the new hybrids yet, but we expect performance won’t differ much from the 2020 models. Although we like the six-speed manual, the seven-speed automatic is the only transmission. In our experience with previous model year A4s, it shifts gears quickly and smoothly. Precise steering, well-controlled chassis movements, and a powerful road-carrying combination make the A4 a sharp handler. Usually ,
Smart-responsive cars demand sacrifices in ride quality, but the A4 manages to absorb off-road with confidence. The steering feel, which is so important in a sporty undertone sedan,
It is fainter at low speeds and on the highway. However, as if by magic, steering becomes even more fun when you push the car on twisty roads.
fuel economy audi a4
The EPA has not released fuel economy estimates for the 2021 A4 and its new hybrid setup. For 2020, the A4 non-hybrid with Quattro all-wheel drive is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 highway, and we expect similar ratings —
If not a little better – for a 2021 model. Although we didn’t test the 2021 A4 on the road to real-world highway fuel economy, the last A4 Quattro we evaluated returned 37 mpg during this test.
For cabin interior, comfort and cargo
The modern-looking A4 cabin does a good job of balancing form and function with high-quality materials and easily accessible technology features. As on most Audis, the dashboard design is clean and streamlined – a piece of modern art. Most of the A4’s buttons and switches are exactly where you need them and feel big when you use them. The rear seat is among the most spacious in its class and features beautifully shaped cushions.
As with many sedans in the luxury entry class, the A4 is convenient but not roomy; Choose the A4 Allroad if you need plenty of storage space. The A4’s rear seat folds into a handy 40/20/40 split, making it easy to accommodate taller items such as skis. We managed to cram five handbags into the trunk, but were disappointed with the small storage boxes and A4 compartments.
Information, entertainment and communication for the Audi A4
The A4’s infotainment system consists of a central 10.1-inch screen that is controlled by a rotating knob in the center console. Features are generous and include Apple CarPlay / Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a voice command. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-car Wi-Fi are included in various option packages, as is the more powerful Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker audio system. The impressive digital display called the Audi Virtual Cockpit is optional, and we highly recommend it.
Safety and driver assistance features
Achieve A4 first-class crash test scores –
Five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety –
But many of the driver assistance features are limited to expensive upper trim levels. However, features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are only available on the more priced Premium Plus and Prestige levels. Key safety features include:
Standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Warning
Standard Lane Departure Warning
Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are available
