2012 Audi A4
Starting MSRP $32,500–$36,400
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National August 9, 2011Vehicle Overview
The A4 was last redesigned for the 2009 model year and comes in sedan and wagon (called Avant) body styles. Audi also offers a performance version of the sedan as the S4, covered in a separate report in the Research section. The five-seat A4 faces competition from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
New for 2012
Premium versions of the A4 add 10-spoke 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Premium Plus models feature S line exterior styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a memory feature for the driver's seat and a power liftgate on wagon body styles. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Prestige gains adaptive headlights and a blind spot warning system.
Exterior
The A4's styling bears a family resemblance to the larger A6. The sedan has a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, and two circular exhaust outlets poke out from below the rear bumper. Exterior features include:
- Standard glass sunroof
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Available 18- or 19-inch wheels
- Available swiveling headlights
- Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Available LED daytime running lights
Interior
Like other Audi models, the A4 has adopted the German automaker's Multi Media Interface. MMI is a knob-based control system that shares similarities with BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's Comand system. It controls functions such as the navigation system, audio system and vehicle settings. In the A4 and other Audis, MMI features a knob controller and buttons on the center console for navigating menus and making selections from a dashboard screen. The available navigation system includes HD radio. Interior features include:
- Standard automatic air conditioning
- Standard leather upholstery
- Available upgraded stereo
- Available keyless entry and start
- Available Bluetooth connectivity and iPod cable
Under the Hood
All models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi's multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Other sedans have Quattro all-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The Avant wagon comes only with all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission.
Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system in this application has a torque split of 40/60, front to rear. This rear-biased design gives the A4 dynamics that are closer to a rear-wheel-drive car in addition to enhanced traction on both dry and slippery surfaces. Mechanical features include:
- 211-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 pounds-feet of torque
- Uses premium gas
- Available Quattro all-wheel drive
Safety
Available safety features include Audi Side Assist, which informs the driver when another vehicle is next to the A4, and a backup camera. Rear side-impact airbags also are available. Standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist
- Front-seat side-impact airbags
- Front and rear side curtain airbags
- Electronic stability system with traction control
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | October 15, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | August 9, 2011 |
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