Audi A4

In the small luxury sedan world, you have the Big Three — the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 — and everyone else. Of the vaunted trio, the 2021 Audi A4 is our favorite. It offers an opulent interior just like the C-Class and the driving dynamics promised — but not quite fulfilled — by the latest 3 Series. Even better, it does this while typically costing thousands of dollars less.

Last year, Audi updated the A4 with its latest MMI interface that includes a larger infotainment screen and new touchscreen capability. Audi has included even more goodies on the 2021 model. The four-cylinder engine has an additional 13 horsepower and includes a 12-volt mild hybrid system. The 12-volt component should make the engine stop-start system a bit smoother in operation and also slightly reduces fuel consumption. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive powertrain is now standard equipment, as are lane departure warning and wireless Apple CarPlay.

We certainly recommend checking out the A4 if you're in the market for a small luxury sedan. Its numerous strengths, few faults and affordable price tag — along with Audi's preference for continuous updates — add up to an appealing package that must be driven to be appreciated.

Which A4 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Audi A4 is a small sedan sold in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Each comes with your choice of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry-level 40 TFSI produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the 45 TFSI (also called the S line) ups the output to 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard.

PremiumThe Premium is the least expensive model in the lineup, but it's far from bare-bones. It's loaded with:

• 17-inch wheels (40 TFSI only)
• 18-inch wheels (45 TFSI only)
• LED headlights
• Sunroof
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Three-zone climate control
• Front sport seats (45 TFSI only)
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• 10.1-inch touchscreen
• Wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

Options for the A4 Premium include:

• Convenience package
• Keyless ignition and entry
• Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver-seat memory settings
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
• Satellite radio
• 18-inch wheels

Premium Plus The Premium Plus adds:

• Convenience package
• 18-inch wheels
• Power-folding mirrors
• Digital gauge cluster
• Armrests covered in faux leather
• Rear USB ports
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the A4 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)

The Premium Plus can be further outfitted with:

• Ventilated front seats (paired with front sport seats on the 40 TFSI's Warm Weather package)
• Navigation package
• Navigation system
• Audi connected services
• 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system

Prestige The range-topping Prestige includes:

• Sound-reducing front side windows
• Configurable ambient lighting
• Ventilated front sport seats
• Heated rear seats
• 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
• Navigation system
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

All A4 trims can be ordered with:

• Black Optic package (45 TFSI only)
• Black-painted wheels and exterior trim
• S line interior package (45 TFSI only)
• Aluminum interior trim
• Leather/faux suede combination upholstery
• 19-inch wheels (45 TFSI only)
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Rear side airbags