Traditionally, sedans make for the ideal family car, but that doesn’t automatically mean they should be bland, uninspiring, or ordinary. Audi sedans are known for their contemporary, sophisticated, and elegant styling, and with a long list of variants to choose from, there’s a sedan for everyone. With choices ranging in size from demure to daring, the Audi sedan range in the USA covers all the bases while going up against competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
The Best of the Audi Sedan Range
Starting with the smaller A3 models and moving all the way through to an extended wheelbase lounge-on-wheels, the Audi range is not just limited to standard luxury sedans. The lineup also comprises spicier S and RS variants, as well as hybrid versions of the A8. For those who want the best of Audi, it’s the German automaker’s performance sedans that hit all the right notes and hold the widest appeal. The roster looks as follows:
- A3, S3, and RS 3: As a compact sedan, the A3 has always offered a reasonably attractive starting price, good engine performance, accurate handling, and a delightful ride. A new model is being released for 2022, and while the back seat has traditionally been a little cramped, there are larger options available for those who have more people to carry. The A3 also comes in S3 and RS 3 flavor for those who want a little more gusto, with the latter using 394 hp to sprint to 60 mph in under four seconds.
- A4 and S4: One size up, the A4 and S4 sedans supply a little more space and luxury than their smaller siblings. With decent gas mileage figures, excellent ride and handling, and a comprehensive list of standard features, the regular A4 may still be a little boring for some. For those who want something more than just the compliant, consistently pleasant drive of the A4, the S4 has a lot more power on tap - 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, to be exact. The latest models have superb grip and accurate steering that make them loads of fun to pilot.
- A5, S5, and RS 5 Sportback: The Sportback styling of these sedans offers the benefits of a four-door coupe with the practicality of a hatchback. Although the sloping roofline eats into the headroom at the back, there’s loads of cargo space in the trunk. And with a mild-hybrid system added for improved gas mileage, the A5 has a lot going for it. The standard A5 can be had with either a 201-hp or 261-hp powertrain, while the S5 makes use of a turbocharged V6 with 349 hp. But with 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque under the hood, the RS 5 will race from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 3.8 seconds. Having undergone a recent cosmetic redesign, the 2021 Sportback pays homage to the iconic Sport quattro from 1984, boasting a bespoke black singleframe grille, widened wheel arches, and styled side skirts underscoring the four doors.
- A6, S6, and A6 e-tron: Two engine options are available for the regular A6 sedan. Both are brilliant but the base engine offers frugal fuel economy figures to sweeten the deal. The interior is pristine and the ride quality is plush - but it’s not particularly thrilling to drive. Choose the S6 and this improves substantially. As if that wasn’t enough, the automaker has teased an e-tron version with an expected range of over 435 miles. We’ll wait with bated breath to see if it comes to fruition.
- A7, S7, and RS 7: As far as super-sedans go, the A7 Sportback, A7 Hybrid, S7 Sportback, and RS 7 make for a very comprehensive range. Strong engine options, gorgeous cabins, a pillowy ride quality, and loads of convenience features are standard from the regular Sportback, with improvements in power outputs as you move towards the top-tier sports variants that are the S and RS. In hybrid guise, the A7 has 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and manages EPA gas mileage rates of 69 MPGe - a brilliant balance of performance and saving at the pumps.
- A8 L and S8: Of all the Audi luxury sedans, the full-size 4-door A8L is the largest in the range and offers the most in terms of features. It has the most commodious interior of any Audi sedan, too, thanks to a broad 123.2-inch wheelbase. Focused on delivering a smooth and refined driving experience, the sedan features either a turbocharged V6 or twin-turbo V8 in A8L guise, as well as a plug-in hybridized turbo V6. The S8 dials this up even more with 563 hp and 590 lb-ft from under the hood, all-wheel steering, and a purposed rear differential, this sedan gets to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
- e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT: All-new for 2022, the e-tron GT is a four-door all-electric sedan that shows off coupe styling, with the RS version being the more powerful and much pricier variant. Exterior styling is reminiscent of the A7, just modernized and much sexier, while the interiors will be leather-free in an attempt to go carbon neutral. While pricing should begin just under $100k, the top-spec RS e-tron GT requires an additional outlay of around $40k on top of that.
Price List of Audi Sedan Models
Model |
Power |
Engine |
Base Price |
Audi A3 Sedan |
201 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$34,800 |
Audi A4 Sedan |
201 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$39,900 |
Audi A5 Sportback |
201 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$43,900 |
Audi A6 |
261 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$55,900 |
Audi A7 Sportback |
335 hp |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
$69,200 |
Audi A8 |
335 hp |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
$86,500 |
Audi e-tron GT |
469 hp |
Electric |
$102,400 |
Audi S3 Sedan |
306 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$45,800 |
Audi RS3 |
401 hp |
2.5L Turbo Inline-5 Gas |
$58,900 |
Audi S4 Sedan |
349 hp |
3.0L Turbo V6 Gas |
$51,900 |
What to Consider Before Buying Audi Luxury Sedans
While shopping in the premium automotive segment guarantees a certain caliber of quality, there are always a few downsides to consider:
Pros
- Exceptional performance and handling qualities
- Contemporary and comprehensive infotainment systems
- Extensive standard and optional specification sheets
- Sophisticated yet athletic exterior aesthetics
- Modern, well-appointed, and ergonomic cabins
- Range of hybrid and all-electric vehicles in the lineup
Cons
- Pricing is expensive but appropriate for the segment
- Mediocre to subpar fuel economy returns
- Trunks are typically small in sedan variants
- Rear seats are often tight for larger adults in Sportback styles
- Additional options and packages get really pricey
FAQs
What is the fastest 4-door Audi sedan?
With an impressive 0 to 60 mph sprint time of just 3.5 seconds, the RS7 is by far the fastest of all Audi sedan models. This is thanks to a 591-hp, 590-lb-ft 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine nestled below the hood. The e-tron GT RS will outdo this next year, shaving 0.4 seconds off the sprint time.
What is the best Audi sedan in terms of fuel efficiency?
With the best possible mpg figures of 29 in mixed driving scenarios and 68 MPGe as recorded by the EPA, the A7 Hybrid is the most frugal of all Audi sedans.
What’s the price of the Audi Sedan that’s most popular in the US?
The A6 midsize executive model is highly favored in America for its well-roundedness and affordable price in comparison to direct rivals. The 2021 Audi A6 sedans have a starting MSRP of around $55k. Resale value isn’t very strong for the manufacturer so used variants could cost notably less.