The much-loved Audi A4 hits 2017 with an all-new look that is a bit more angular and athletic-looking than the previous model. The trapezoidal "Singlegrame" grille dominates the front end, while more defined wheel arches grace the sides and a distinctive shoulder line begins at the hood, runs the length of the A4 and ends at the tail. The new A4 is made of aluminum-hybrid construction and is 99 pounds lighter than the outgoing car (66 pounds on quattros).
A new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder powers the A4. It makes 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It runs through a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic transmission and powers either the front wheels or all four when equipped with Audi's famous quattro all-wheel-drive system. Quattro benefits from a locking center differential and wheel selective torque control, which ensures that the wheels that need the most power receive it.
Audi drive select provides four modes for total control: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. Each mode gives the driver control over shift points, along with steering assistance and damper control.
The A4 is available in Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige trims. Standard exterior amenities include auto-leveling xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable heated mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and heated windshield washer nozzles. Inside, three-zone automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather seating with eight-way power adjustability, one-touch up/down power windows, aluminum inlays, power sunroof, and ambient LED lighting are all standard. Standard technology includes Audi's MMI infotainment system with a seven-inch color display, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, cruise control, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers and lights, and a 10-speaker stereo system.
The Premium Plus adds 18-inch wheels and S line appearance items like different front and rear bumpesr, body-color sills, and a rear diffuser. The S line treatment continues inside with stainless steel door sill inlays, while the front seats are heated and feature driver-side memory settings. A 19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo, SOS telematics system, and front/rear parking sensors are also part of the Premium Plus trim.
The top-of-the-line Prestige trim builds on the Premium Plus with all the goodies from Audi's Technology Package, including MMI navigation with voice control and an 8.3-inch screen, Audi Connect, Audi Pre Sense accident mitigation, and Audi Virtual Cockpit, which places an intuitive, 12.3-inch fully digital display front and center and allows the driver to toggle between views of the gauges, entertainment and navigation controls, and a host of other functions.
Options for the base A4 include a Sport Package with improved suspension and a Convenience Package, with power heated mirrors, power seats and SiriusXM satellite radio. For the Premium Plus the Technology Package is available, as is a Cold Weather Package with heated seats front and rear. Finally, adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, and traffic sign recognition are part of the Driver Assistance Package available on Prestige trims.
Standard safety features on all A4s include front, front-side and Sideguard head curtain airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction controls, and a tire-pressure monitor. Rear side airbags are optional across the A4 lineup.
Attractive, Purposeful Styling
Interior Quality
Powerful Engine
Quattro
The Audi A4 is redesigned for 2017. The exterior carries sharper, sportier lines and a revised grille, though the whole shape is in keeping with the rest of the Audi lineup. The interior has been redone as well, with impressive materials, new technologies like Virtual Cockpit, and an upgraded MMI. A new 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes 252 horsepower, up 32 from the unit it replaces, and it is mated to a new 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission in both front- and quattro all-wheel-drive configurations. Audi estimates the A4 will run 0-60 mph in less than six seconds, and it returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Pricing starts at $37,300.
The Audi A4 has rightfully earned its place among elite entry-level luxury sport sedans. Styling is always fresh and ahead of the curve, while interior material quality is second to none. Factor in an improved, spritely 252-horsepower engine and the excellent quattro all-wheel-drive system, and the A4 begins to set itself apart from challengers from Europe and Japan.
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