11 Pros and Cons of an Audi A4 & Why (Not) To Buy One (2024)
As anyone in the market for a new car knows, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Having driven the Audi A4, I’ve gained some insights I’d like to share. My observations and feedback from Audi A4 owners have helped shape this list.
These are the 11 pros and cons of the Audi A4:
- Pros
- Great balance between being compact and practical.
- It’s comfortable to drive.
- High-quality interior.
- Quattro all-wheel drive.
- Safety features.
- Available as a sedan or estate.
- German engineering.
- Cons
- Lower resale value.
- High price tag.
- High maintenance costs.
- Not as inspiring to drive as its competitors.
So, whether you’re currently in the market for a new vehicle or just curious about this German compact executive car, read on for some in-depth insights!
7 Pros of the Audi A4
Here are seven pros of the Audi A4!
1. Great balance between being compact and practical
As any car owner knows, finding a vehicle that has the perfect balance between being compact and practical can be challenging.
You want something big enough to be comfortable and practical but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to drive.
The Audi A4 strikes that perfect balance.
It’s not too small like the Audi A3, so it still has plenty of room for passengers and cargo. But it’s not as large as the Audi A6, so it’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and you won’t have to deal with the bulkiness of a larger car.
The Audi A4 can even be used to tow trailers!
2. It’s comfortable to drive
The Audi A4 is one of the most comfortable cars in its class.
Its ride is smooth, and its cabin is well-insulated from outside noise due to using a good amount of sound-dampening material.
The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The controls are easy to use and ergonomically designed so that you can keep your eyes on the road.
All of these factors make the A4 a pleasure to drive!
Hidden feature: Did you know that on the Audi A4, you can open or close all windows automatically with your key fob? You can find more tips and hidden features of the Audi A4 in this article!
3. High-quality interior
The high-quality interior is one of the things that makes the Audi A4 stand out.
It feels solid and well put together. The materials are top-notch, the infotainment system has a sharp display, and everything has a high-end look and feel.
There’s no rattling noise, no matter how hard you go over bumps or how poor the road surface is.
You can enjoy the music or conversation in the cabin without being interrupted by annoying background noise. It’s one of the many small details that make the A4 feel like a premium car.
All these factors combine to create an impressively high-quality interior!
4. Quattro all-wheel drive
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is one of the most technologically advanced systems on the market.
It uses a combination of sensors and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute power to the wheels that need it most.
This helps to improve traction and stability, especially in slippery or wet conditions.
The system can also selectively brake individual wheels, further improving handling and control. And if you want a car that’s even more focused on conquering all terrains, you may even consider getting an Audi A4 Allroad!
Overall, the Quattro all-wheel drive system is a significant selling point for the Audi A4, and it’s one of the reasons that the car has earned such a strong reputation for performance and safety.
5. Safety features
Besides the Quattro system, the Audi A4 has several other advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
These features can help to prevent accidents and keep drivers and passengers safe on the road.
And if you want to upgrade your A4 or add more features to it, you can always consider getting some great accessories for the Audi A4!
6. Available as a sedan or estate
Another pro of the Audi A4 is that it’s available as a sedan or estate.
So, everyone can choose the one that best suits their needs!
The sedan may appeal more to customers who value a traditional executive car look. At the same time, the estate may be more appealing to customers who need more cargo space.
7. German engineering
The last pro of owning an Audi A4 is that it is a product of German engineering.
German engineering is known for its precision, quality, and attention to detail.
This means that you can expect your Audi A4 to be a reliable and well-built car that will last many years!
Tip: If you’re interested in the best engine for the Audi A4 B7 generation, check out this article!
4 Cons of the Audi A4
There are also cons to getting and driving an Audi A4; let’s check them out!
1. Lower resale value
If you’re looking for a vehicle with a high resale value, an Audi A4 is probably not the best choice.
Luxury cars tend to have low resale values, and the A4 is no exception.
One of the main reasons for this is that Audi models are typically leased rather than purchased outright. As a result, many used Audi models are often on the market, which drives down prices.
In addition, Audi models can be expensive to repair and maintain, contributing to lower resale values. (Although Audi offers packages like Audi Care to take care of your maintenance.)
So if you’re looking for a vehicle that will hold its value over time, an Audi A4 is probably not the best option.
2. High price tag
The Audi A4 is a luxury car with a high price tag.
The base model starts at around $40,000, and the price increases depending on the options and trim level (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige).
Some optional extras, such as the Bang & Olufsen sound system or RS wheels, can be pretty expensive.
The same goes for getting any of Audi’s sports packages like the ‘S Line’ or getting the more powerful Audi S4.
Even the most minor details can add up to a high cost – if you want all the bells and whistles, you will have to pay for them.
So, if you’re looking for a bargain, the Audi A4 is probably not the car for you. However, it can still be an excellent choice if you’re willing to pay for quality.
3. High maintenance costs
Not only is the initial cost of the car expensive, but the ongoing maintenance costs can also be relatively high.
You must keep up with the scheduled maintenance if you want your A4 to stay reliable, including replacing parts like brake pads, rotors, tires, oil, and spark plugs.
Additionally, owners of the Audi A4 reported that electronics in the dashboard are sensitive to failures and that the plastic finishing in the front tends to chip after around six years.
All of these Audi A4 maintenance costs can add up quickly.
Before making a purchase, also consider researching the A4’s known engine problems and know that using premium gas is highly recommended (which, again, increases running costs.)
4. Not as inspiring to drive as its competitors
Although the Audi A4 is a competent and well-rounded car, it lacks the excitement and passion that its competitors offer.
For many drivers, the A4 simply doesn’t provide the same thrill as behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class.
Even the Jaguar XE, often praised for its comfort and luxury features, delivers a more engaging driving experience.
Part of the problem is that the A4 feels a bit too safe and predictable; it’s a great car to drive, but it doesn’t inspire confidence or excitement as other models do.
Is buying an Audi A4 worth it?
The Audi A4 is a popular luxury car with much to offer. It has a comfortable, high-quality interior with plenty of space, and the exterior is stylish and sleek.
On the other side, it can be quite pricey, and some people may not think it’s worth the money.
Ultimately, whether or not buying an Audi A4 is worth it depends on what you’re looking for in a car and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you want a luxurious car with all the bells and whistles, then the A4 may be worth the price tag. But if you’re just looking for a reliable and efficient car, other options may be more affordable.
Tip: Bought an Audi A4? Here are nine must-have accessories for it in 2024!
FAQs about the Audi A4
Do you have any more questions about the Audi A4? If so, take a look at these FAQs:
Is the Audi A4 a reliable car?
There is no easy answer when it comes to the question of whether the Audi A4 is reliable. Several factors must be considered, including the model year, maintenance history, and driving habits. Overall, however, the Audi A4 is a reliable vehicle.
Is the Audi A4 good for long drives?
When it comes to long drives, comfort is key. Fortunately, the Audi A4 is designed for just such occasions. The seats are spacious and well-cushioned, and the cabin is pleasantly quiet, even at high speeds. In addition, the A4 has plenty of storage space for all your gear.
What is the Audi A4 comparable to?
The Audi A4 is often compared to other luxury cars in its class, such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class.
Is the Audi A4 better than the Audi A5?
If you’re looking for a more traditional sedan, then the A4 might be better than the Audi A5. However, if you’re looking for something with a little more style and personality, the Audi A5 is better than the Audi A4.
Is the Audi A4 a good family car?
The Audi A4 is a popular choice for families, and it’s easy to see why. With its spacious interior and wide range of features, the A4 is a great all-around car. The A4 also has a strong safety record, with good scores in crash tests and a long list of standard safety features.
Conclusion
After researching the Audi A4, we compiled a list of pros and cons.
On the plus side, the A4 is a comfortable and well-crafted car. It drives smoothly and has a variety of safety features. It may also be equipped with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, giving it traction in almost all road conditions.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. For one thing, the A4 can be quite expensive to maintain. In addition, it is not as inspiring to drive as its competitors.
Overall, the Audi A4 is a solid choice for those in the market for a luxury daily driver.
