Like its A3, A6, and A8 sedan sisters, the 2023 Audi A4 is clothed in a Brooks Brothers suit: it has a conservative design, is expertly fitted, and looks expensive—which it actually is. It has an air of sophistication mixed with sportiness, and that’s how it drives: with agility balancing luxury. Its four-cylinder, turbocharged engines are powerful and economical on gasoline. Its tight suspension tuning and standard all-wheel drive provide balanced handling and useful grip in inclement weather. Although the inside is well put together with high-quality materials and the attention to detail we anticipate from a high-end manufacturer like Audi, the style may use a little more flare. In fact, the relatively somber external style is comparable. competitors like the Alfa Romeo Giulia
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Audi offers the A4 in two strengths: 40 and 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 a juicy 261. Although we’d love a six-speed manual, a seven-speed automatic is the only transmission. The well-equipped A4 45 we drove scooted to 60 mph in a speedy 4.8 seconds, and its automatic quickly and smoothly changed gears. Precise steering, well-controlled body motions, and strong roadholding combine to make the A4 a sharp handler. Usually, cars with such deft responses require sacrifices in ride quality, but the A4 manages to soak up bumpy roads with aplomb. Steering feel, so important in a sedan with sporting overtones, is subdued at lower speeds and on the highway. However, almost as if by magic, the steering becomes pleasantly communicative when you push the car on twisty roads.
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2023 AUDI A4 ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The 2023 Audi A4 sedan is expected up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The model we ran on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, returned 33 mpg. For more information about the A4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
The 2023 Audi A4’s modern-looking cabin does a good job of balancing form and function with high-quality materials and easily accessible technology features. As in most Audis, the dashboard design is clean and simplistic—a piece of modern art. Most of the A4’s buttons and switches are right where you want them to be and feel substantial when you use them. The rear seat is among the most spacious in its class and features nicely shaped cushions. As with many of the sedans in the entry-luxury class, the A4 is accommodating but not capacious; choose the A4 Allroad wagon if you need more plentiful cargo space. The A4’s back seat does fold in a useful 40/20/40 split, making it easy to accommodate longer items such as skis. We managed to cram five carry-on suitcases in the trunk but were disappointed by the A4’s small storage bins
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
The 2023 Audi A4’s infotainment system consists of a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Features are generous and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, and voice command. Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-car Wi-Fi are included in various option packages, as is a more powerful Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers. A cool digital gauge display that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit is optional, and we highly
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The 2023 Audi A4 has many driver-assistance features, but they’re limited to costly upper trim levels. Features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, for example, are only available on the pricier Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. For more information about the A4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
recommend it.
PHOTOS
