Audi A4 (B9, 2016 - 2024) review – the last A4 for now
Still not the driver’s car of the class, but the A4 was strong in all other areas
The Audi A4 has been a staple of the compact executive car class since its introduction in the 1990s but has gone off-sale with the last of the B9 generation in 2024. It's been replaced from 2025 onwards with the Audi A5 saloon and Avant.
The B9 Audi A4 was launched in 2016 with a range of TFSI and TDI engines, available in saloon, Avant estate and allroad guises. The B9 used an advanced aluminium-hybrid MLB Evo architecture, saving over 100kg by comparison to its predecessor. It also introduced Virtual Cockpit and smartphone mirroring to the A4. The B9 A4 was comprehensively updated in 2019, with revisions to the interior and exterior styling, some drivetrain updates, and improved levels of technology and equipment.
That the updates made the A4 more involving to drive isn’t as clear cut, though the big news with the 2019 A4 was that in performance S4 trim, the old petrol V6 made way for a diesel alternative. A controversial decision perhaps, but one that actually suited the character of the car very well, and improved its long-distance, high-speed usability, as well as offering plentiful shove thanks to a hearty helping of torque.
The B9 RS4 didn't go diesel however, using across the B9 generation a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine Audi co-developed with Porsche. The facelifted A4 received 48V mild-hybrid technology across the range to help ease emissions. New tech appeared inside for the too, taking some inspiration from the larger A6 and A7 models, with a larger infotainment screen but dispensing with the tactile rotary touch controller.
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These changes didn’t suddenly make the A4 a class-leading driver’s car, but detail changes behind the scenes did improve the A4’s road manners – and if ultimate handling and performance is less a concern than day-to-day usability, quality, or even just Audi’s badge appeal, the A4 still impressed.
Audi A4 – in detail
- Engine, transmission and technical details – A range of petrols and diesels, offered with manual, auto and dual-clutch transmissions, and front- and all-wheel drive. S4 diesel-powered for the facelift, but no worse for it.
- Performance and 0-60 time – S4 took a small performance hit in its move to diesel, but has a walloping mid-range. Other engines do the job, and all are smooth and refined.
- Ride and handling – Competent but uninspiring, though ride quality was a step improved. S4 surprised with an engaging chassis.
- MPG and running costs – S4’s 40mpg looks pretty good, and less sporty models offer even more.
- Interior and tech – Old and new cabin not too dissimilar. Facelifted car improved with standard virtual cockpit and crisp infotainment screen, worsened by lack of tactile rotary controller.
- Design – Broadly handsome, but some of the redesigned details seemed like change for the sake of change.
Specs, rivals and successor
At the entry level was the A4 saloon in 35 TFSI and 30 TDI diesel in Technik specification. Technik replaced the old SE trim line but offered much more equipment for the money. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels and climate control remain as before, but Technik added kit such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Virtual Cockpit, heated front seats, LED headlights and a reversing camera as standard, over the old SE.
The launch line-up then climbs through a more powerful 40 TFSI and 40 TDI in Sport trim. S line trim is then followed by Black Edition trim, each coming with nominal bumps in price when new. The Vorsprung was more than £10k on top of the eqvuilalent Black Edition. That’s a hell of a lot, but it did include niceties such as adaptive sports suspension, matrix LED headlights, Nappa leather-trimmed sports seats, Bang & Olufsen sound, and numerous other features.
The B9 A4's tenure was a good time for small saloons. Key rivals included the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE. The usual differentiations stand – the 3-series continues to be the choice for keen drivers, the Merc the choice for extra plushness.
There’s something to be said for the Alfa Romeo and Jaguar in this class though. While they lacked the build integrity of the German cars, both were sweet to drive, the Alfa always light, agile and responsive, and the Jaguar pliant and involving. The Alfa continues to be our pick as the most enjoyable in this class to drive.
As above, Audi's place in this class is taken by the new A5, which confusingly usurps the A4 thanks to a now defunct naming strategy. What was set to become the A7 saloon and A7 Avant, in line with this change, has now been switched back to A6. The 'odds ICE, evens electric' strategy is more or less dead, though the A4 could yet return as Audi's small electric saloon rival to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
