2022 Audi A4 Sedan

When it comes to compact luxury sedans, it has always been the BMW 3 Series that sets the benchmark, while the Audi A4 hustles for a piece of the pie, too. However, as Bavaria's favorite brand has pandered to global trends of increased luxury and technology, the competition has all but caught up in the handling department. One of the best examples of this is the Audi A4 quattro, a car that has grown into a truly impressive piece of kit. While it and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class both still have a little to learn in terms of true driving enjoyment, 2022's Audi A4 is more attractive than ever, despite only coming with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and all-wheel drive. Is the A4 now one of the true segment leaders, or should you consider something else?

The Audi A4 quattro features handsome styling with LED headlights, contoured fenders, and a power sunroof. Models with the more powerful 45 TFSI engine feature an S line kit that is used to make the looks more aggressive, but all A4s come with dual-exit exhaust tips and LED taillights. Top trims get signature DRLs and even Matrix-design LED headlights, depending on how much you want to spend. 17-inch wheels are standard on the base model, but 18s and 19s are available too.

The A4 has one up on the BMW 3 Series with slightly longer dimensions. From end to end, the A4 measures 187.5 inches in length with a wheelbase of 111 inches. Height is 56.2 inches, but available sport suspension can lower the ride height by almost an inch. Width is 72.7 inches with the mirrors folded in and 79.6 inches when they're extended. The base curb weight figure is 3,417 pounds and it goes up to a maximum of 3,627 on the 45 Prestige.

Just two no-cost color options are offered for the base A4 in Brilliant Black and Ibis white. Metallic options cost $595 extra and include Terra Gray, Florett Silver, Glacier White, Manhattan Gray, Mythos Black, and one vibrant shade in Navarra Blue. If you get the 45 TFSI engine option, fewer choices are available. Ibis White remains, but Turbo Blue becomes the other no-cost option. Five metallics are offered for $595, among which the shades unique to 45 models are Tango Red and Daytona Gray pearl. The other three shared with 40 models are Glacier White, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue. However, Terra Gray, Florett Silver, Manhattan Gray, and Brilliant Black are not available on the 45s.

The A4 is exclusively an all-wheel-drive model, whether you opt for the 40 or the 45 TFSI. The lesser 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is good for 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque while the 45 offers 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 40 completes the 0-60-mph sprint in 6.3 seconds and the 45 cuts that time down to 5.2 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 130 mph for both. Unlike some rivals, a manual transmission is not available. Instead, all versions of the 2022 Audi A4 come with a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic, but considering how well this unit operates, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The base version of the A4 makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter turbo four-pot, while the higher-output engine returns 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This gives it more power than the 255-hp unit in the BMW 330i, but the Bimmer has more torque. The base version is not too bad, although you can feel the weight of the car holding it back from feeling truly rapid. In the 45 TFSI version, that eagerness to surge forward is far more apparent, and it's plenty to make drives on back roads fun. Throttle response is good, and the car has smooth power delivery, but you can definitely feel the lack of upper-range power as you progress towards the red line. Fortunately, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is a good companion for the engine, and shifts quickly and smoothly. Take manual control via the steering-mounted paddles, and the experience is no worse, with sharp changes and no jerkiness to ruin your mood. When cruising, the engine disappears into the background, and the transmission's shifts are barely noticeable. However, pushing the car does result in some noise emanating from the engine, which filters through to the cabin.

The A4 is perfectly engineered for the segment in which it competes. It manages to balance both a comfortable and well-poised chassis setup with enough ability to make twisty roads fun to drive. It takes corners with aplomb, exhibiting minimal body roll and only showing signs of understeer when you really overcook it. The steering also weighs up nicely when you attack such corners, but some may find the lightness of the steering disconcerting when cruising on straight freeways. Nevertheless, the car accelerates, turns, and stops well, with only a rear-wheel-drive BMW offering more fun in the corners. Over corrugated tarmac or big bumps, the A4 is just as brilliant, soaking up imperfections with ease and never feeling harsh or floaty. Thanks to standard quattro all-wheel drive, the A4 is great at accelerating from the line and also gives drivers security when traveling over wet or icy roads. Overall, the A4 is not a Rolls-Royce or a Porsche, but for the segment it competes in, it stands out for trying to achieve the qualities of both these upper-class brands with style.

Official EPA estimates for the 2022 A4 sedan are 26/34/29 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Thanks to last year's addition of a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system, these gas mileage figures are noticeably better than the pre-hybrid model's 24/32/27 mpg. With a 15.3-gallon gas tank, the 2022 A4 should be able to comfortably exceed 440 miles of range with mixed driving.

The A4 has a simple but lovely interior. Base models get analog dials and a seven-inch driver info display, but mid- and top-level trims feature a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and driver info screen that looks brilliant. In the middle of the dash is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display while the vents separate the screen from physical knobs for adjusting the tri-zone climate control system. Leather upholstery adds style, but an available S line leather and Dinamica upgrade makes the cabin sportier. Space in here is good too, with all occupants able to sit comfortably. Additional features like standard heated front seats and a ten-speaker sound system round off a great cabin.

The A4 seats five individuals, but the middle of the rear bench is best suited to kids, especially if the other rear passengers don't want their legroom infringed upon. Headroom is good back here, even if you're around the six-foot mark, while the front occupants get standard eight-way power-adjustable seats. The driver has all controls in easy reach and has a good view of all corners of the car. Thanks to an adjustable steering wheel and added lumbar support for the driver, spirited maneuvers never leave you feeling aloof or out of control.

As standard, the base 40 model comes with Brown Walnut wood inlays while opting for the 45 engine will see you get Grey Oak natural wood inlays as a free option too. Color choices for the upholstery include Atlas Beige, Black, Okapi Brown, and Rock Gray. All of these come with Granite Gray stitching, except for Black, which comes with Rock gray stitching. A black headliner with unique black upholstery costs 500 bucks on the top- and mid-level trims with the 45 engine, and is not available elsewhere. An S line interior package is available for $500 on 45 Premium Plus and 45 Prestige models only and adds brushed aluminum inlays, leather/Dinamica seats, and stainless-steel pedals.

The A4 sedan is naturally not as capacious as a wagon, but it's not bad for the segment either. Although the BMW 3 Series offers more trunk space with 17 cubic feet, the A4's measurement of 12 cubic feet of volume is better than the Genesis G70 can manage. A couple of medium-sized suitcases can be squeezed in there with relative ease, but the 40/20/40-split-folding back seats can always be tumbled to accommodate any extra stuff you can't fit in the trunk.

In the cabin, each door gets a small pocket for storing a bottle of water or a wallet, while the glovebox and a smallish center armrest bin can take care of other pocket contents. An area ahead of the gear-lever houses your phone while four cupholders throughout the cabin ensure that everyone can stay hydrated.

The A4 is well equipped in standard form, with a seven-inch driver info display, forward collision alert with low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, keyless ignition, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, cruise control, heated mirrors, and a power sunroof. Also included are eight-way heated front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, and the obligatory rearview camera. Other available features include blind-spot monitoring with vehicle exit warning and rear cross-traffic alert, a 12.3-inch configurable driver info display, wireless charging, keyless entry, a hands-free trunk, navigation, adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, parking sensors, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, park assist, a head-up display, and Matrix-design LED headlights.

All Audi A4 sedans come with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Audi's intuitive and attractive MMI interface. Ten speakers are standard along with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and HD Radio. Available upgrades include SiriusXM satellite radio, two rear USB ports for charging, navigation, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Easy to understand and navigate, quick to respond, and with clear and stylish graphics, this MMI system is almost as good as BMW's iDrive, if not on the same level. In addition, the audio quality is great, even without the upgraded B&O setup, although bass fanatics may demand the pricier system.

Thus far, the updated Audi A4 seems to be an exemplary car in terms of reliability, having been subject to no recalls for the 2022 model year. Last year's model was recalled twice for a seatbelt locking retractor that may malfunction and for lock nuts on the rear axle that may fail.

In the event of any issues, the A4 comes with limited and powertrain warranties that provide coverage for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership.

The A4 excels when it comes to safety too, earning the maximum five stars overall in the NHTSA's crash ratings for the 2022 model year. The IIHS has subjected the 2022 Audi A4 to reviews for safety and it achieved the best possible overall score of Good in each crashworthiness test, as well as a Top Safety Pick award for the 2021 model.

As standard, the base A4 is equipped with lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, high-beam assist, forward collision alert with low-speed autonomous emergency braking, and six airbags. Two additional rear side thorax airbags are optional, but if you want front and rear parking sensors or Audi side assist with rear pre-sense, you need to order these as part of the Convenience Package that adds other features as well. The Premium Plus mid-range model comes with these features as standard, as well as active lane assist, a top-view 360-degree camera system, parking system, vehicle-exit warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prestige model adds a head-up display and traffic-sign recognition.

In review, the Audi A4 is very good at being good. It doesn't excel, and it doesn't disappoint greatly in any meaningful regard. It handles well and feels good to drive but is not as exciting as a BMW. It has an average trunk capacity and a clean but simple cabin. Its looks are neither offensive nor heart-stirringly gorgeous. It has good specs as standard, but too many options can become pricey. On that note, why is satellite radio optional but a ten-speaker sound system is standard? Overall, the A4 is just plain good. This is a car that you buy when you want to be sensible. It will do everything you ask of it with poise and precision so long as you respect its limits. Basically, this is the car to get when you want the approval of your significant other. It's neither a wastefully opulent car nor a Scrooge-like cheap one. In this segment, that's pretty much ideal.

In base Premium form, the A4 goes on sale for an MSRP in the USA of $39,900 before a $1,045 destination charge. Opt for the more powerful engine option on this cheapest model and you'll add $2,100 to the price of the new Audi A4. The mid-level Premium Plus trim retails for $44,600, but the premium for the stronger engine is lower here, at $1,600. The top-level Prestige trim is the most expensive in the range and has a base price of $50,200. However, the more potent engine adds a cost of just 700 bucks on this trim. Fully loaded, Audi A4 prices can easily get to the $60k mark.

The 2022 Audi A4 lineup comprises three trims, namely Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All of them share quattro all-wheel drive, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, but the engine is available in two states of tune for any of the three trims. In the 40 models, it develops 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and in the 45 models, 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, in both cases with the help of a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

The Premium trim comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels on the 40 model and 18-inchers on the 45 model. Both get LED headlights with high-beam assist. Premium also means analog gauges with a seven-inch driver-information display between them, ambient lighting, a 10-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, and keyless ignition. Safety features include six airbags, lane-departure warning, and Audi's pre-sense city system.

The mid-range model is the Premium plus and it adds to these features standard 18-inch wheels on both the 40 and 45 with 19-inch wheels optional, full-LED headlights and DRLs, and a hands-free trunk lid. Inside, there's a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and driver-information display, wireless charging, and leatherette on the center console and armrests. Additional safety features include adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, a 360-degree camera system, side assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and vehicle-exit warning.

Prestige is the flagship trim and adds matrix-design LED headlights with washers and animations, an interior lighting package, heated rear seats, navigation, gray oak wood inlays, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Additional safety features include a head-up display and traffic-sign recognition.

Models with the 40 TFSI engine feature the regular suspension, while those with the 45 TFSI engine get the sport suspension as standard.

The base model has access to a $1,800 Convenience package that adds SiriusXM satellite radio, keyless entry, Audi side assist with rear pre-sense, power-folding wing mirrors with memory, driver's seat memory, and a heated steering wheel. Parking sensors and a heated steering wheel are also included here. A Black Optic package is available for $500 and blacks out all exterior chrome trim. The Sport package that was available last year on the other two trims have been dropped. The Premium Plus gets access to the $1,300 Warm weather package that adds ventilated front sport seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, as well as the Navigation package that adds the MMI Navigation plus infotainment system and Audi Prime and Plus online services. Top-spec Prestige trim gets access to only the Black Optic package and the rear thorax airbags.

As is often the case, the Goldilocks model in the lineup is the one right in the middle. The mid-level Premium Plus trim is enhanced with a 12.3-inch driver info display, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, wireless charging, satellite radio, parking sensors, a hands-free trunk, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and vehicle exit warning, adaptive cruise control, and driver's seat and wing mirror memory functions. This model also has access to navigation and the Warm weather package with its ventilated front seats. Other options are available too, but we think these are all you need for a comfortable and capable compact luxury sedan.

Audi's biggest problem in this segment is, and always has been the BMW 3 Series. However, for the budget-conscious, the Audi is far more appealing than the Bimmer. The cost of the Audi A4 starts at $39,100 while the BMW 3 Series asks for at least 41,450 of your greenbacks. In base format, both come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, with the Bimmer producing 255 horses compared to the Audi's 201. It also produces more torque with 294 lb-ft. Upgrading to the more powerful version of the A4 will give you 261 hp under your right foot, but the Bimmer comes as either a RWD or AWD car while the Audi is only available with quattro. The Audi has a smaller trunk too. For those who want more fun, the Bimmer is also available in M340i guise, with a 3.0-liter turbo straight-six B58 engine sending 382 hp through the wheels. However, this inflates the price significantly. Overall, the A4 is a sensible and capable sedan, but the Bimmer has a bigger trunk and is much more fun to drive.

A much more affordable alternative than either German option is the Genesis G70. It starts at just $37,525, below the Audi A4's price - but there are reasons for this. The 2.0-liter turbo in this car sends a strong 252 horses to the rear wheels, but it's thirstier and the RWD model returns five mpg less than the Audi on the EPA's combined cycle - with the comparable AWD model being 6 mpg worse. It also has a smaller, 10.5 cubic-foot trunk. Additionally, it only comes with dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch display and less headroom and legroom in the back. The infotainment system is also not on par with those in its German counterparts. Still, a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque is an exciting proposition, especially when it costs less than 50 grand. That said, we still prefer the A4 overall. As a driving companion, the Genesis is a better prospect, but the A4 is far better overall.