I get asked about the Audi A4 almost daily.
And honestly?
I understand why.
It's sitting right in that sweet spot where luxury meets practicality.
Where you can pull up to a business meeting without looking like you're trying too hard.
But also not like you've given up on life.
The A4 isn't just another executive car.
It's Audi's bread…
I get asked about the Audi A4 almost daily.
And honestly?
I understand why.
It’s sitting right in that sweet spot where luxury meets practicality.
Where you can pull up to a business meeting without looking like you’re trying too hard.
But also not like you’ve given up on life.
The A4 isn’t just another executive car.
It’s Audi’s bread and butter.
The car that pays the bills so they can build mad things like the RS models.
But here’s what most people don’t realise…
The A4 has been quietly revolutionising the compact executive segment for decades.
Think about it.
BMW had the 3 Series locked down.
Mercedes had their C-Class doing its thing.
Then Audi rolled up with the A4 and said “hold my beer.”
I’ve sat in hundreds of cars.
The A4’s interior isn’t just good for its class.
It’s good full stop.
Materials that feel premium without the premium price tag.
The MMI infotainment system?
Actually works like it should.
No fighting with laggy screens or menus that make no sense.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
The A4 lineup isn’t just one car.
It’s a whole family.
Want efficiency?
Want performance?
Let me be straight with you.
Every executive car reviewer will tell you the same thing.
“They’re all good, just pick your badge preference.”
That’s lazy.
Here’s the real deal:
BMW builds driver’s cars.
The 3 Series handles better.
Fact.
But the A4 is more refined.
More comfortable on the daily grind.
Choose the BMW if you live for B-roads.
Choose the A4 if you value comfort and tech.
Mercedes went all-in on luxury with the latest C-Class.
Interior’s lovely.
But reliability?
Let’s just say I wouldn’t want to own one out of warranty.
The A4 splits the difference perfectly.
Luxury feel without the complexity headaches.
Everyone talks about list prices.
Nobody talks about what it actually costs to run.
Here’s the breakdown:
35 TFSI petrol:
40 TDI diesel:
A4 sits in groups 25-40.
Not cheap.
But not BMW M3 money either.
Pro tip: The 35 TFSI Sport sits in group 25.
Sweet spot for reasonable premiums.
Audi service intervals are 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Service costs average £300-500 depending on what’s needed.
Major services every 20,000 miles run £600-800.
Not cheap.
But predictable.
Stop overthinking this.
Most people get paralysed by choice.
Here’s my shortlist:
This is the one.
Enough power for overtaking.
Good enough economy.
Sport trim gives you the kit without going overboard.
If you’re doing 20k+ miles a year.
This is your weapon of choice.
Economy that actually matters.
S Line because life’s too short for poverty spec.
When you want A4 practicality.
But also want to embarrass hot hatches at traffic lights.
0-60 in 4.4 seconds tells its own story.
No car’s perfect.
The A4’s pretty solid.
But there are a few things to know:
Early 2.0 TFSI engines drink oil.
Not a leak.
Just burns through it.
Check oil levels religiously.
Especially on higher mileage examples.
Diesel Particulate Filter problems.
Mainly on cars doing short journeys.
Solution? Give it an Italian tune-up monthly.
Long motorway blast clears it right out.
Touch screens fail.
Usually around 60-80k miles.
Replacement costs £1,000-1,500.
Factor this into your budget on higher mileage cars.
Starting around £32k for base spec.
But nobody buys base spec.
Realistic money for a properly specced car? £40-45k.
2-3 years old:
5-6 years old:
The Avant isn’t just an estate.
It’s the cool A4.
Same engines.
Same tech.
But with proper luggage space.
Boot space jumps from 460 litres to 495 litres.
Doesn’t sound like much.
But it’s the shape that matters.
Long, flat load bay that actually fits stuff.
Perfect for families who refuse to admit they need an SUV.
Generally yes.
Audi’s build quality improved massively after 2015.
Early maintenance is key.
Skip services and it’ll bite you later.
Depends on your use case.
Low mileage: 35 TFSI petrol High mileage: 40 TDI diesel
Fun factor: S4 if budget allows
Simple maths.
Under 15k miles per year? Petrol.
Over 15k miles per year? Diesel.
Diesel’s only worth it if you’re using that efficiency.
Properly maintained?
200k+ miles isn’t unusual.
Key is staying on top of servicing.
These engines respond well to care.
On used cars? Usually yes.
Better residuals make up for higher purchase price.
Plus you get the visual upgrades that matter.
Sport hits the sweet spot.
S Line if you want the look.
Black Edition if money’s no object.
Avoid base SE unless budget’s really tight.
The A4 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone.
It’s not the sharpest handling.
It’s not the most luxurious.
It’s not the cheapest to run.
But it’s really good at being really good.
It’s the car for people who want quality without drama.
Performance without bankruptcy.
Status without shouting about it.
If that sounds like you?
The Audi A4 probably belongs on your driveway.