The five-seat A4 receives prominent styling updates for 2013, with the majority focused on the car’s front end. It’s offered only as a sedan, as the former Avant wagon has been dropped in favor of a new Allroad wagon, which is based on the A4 and covered separately in the Cars.com Research section. Audi also offers a performance version of the sedan dubbed S4, also covered separately. The A4 faces competition from the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
New for 2013 The A4 gets a redesigned front bumper along with a new grille, hood, headlamps and LED daytime running lights. There’s also a restyled rear bumper. On the inside, the Multi Media Interface controls have been restyled and there are new chrome accents. The newly available Audi Connect telematics system uses 3G cell phone technology to enable Google Maps satellite-image overlays, real-time gas prices, weather information, news and Wi-Fi service for up to eight devices. Exterior The A4’s styling bears a family resemblance to the larger A6. The sedan has a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. Exterior features include:
Standard glass sunroof
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels; 18- and 19-inch wheels available
LED daytime running lights
Available swiveling headlights
Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
Interior Like other Audi models, the A4 has adopted the German automaker’s Multi Media Interface, a system similar to BMW’s iDrive and Mercedes-Benz’s Comand systems. It controls functions such as the navigation system, stereo and vehicle settings. In the A4 and other Audis, MMI uses 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 and iPod connectivity
Under the Hood All models have a turbocharged 2.0-liter gas four-cylinder engine. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi’s continuously variable automatic transmission. Quattro all-wheel drive is available and comes with a choice of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. In this application, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system 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, turbo four-cylinder engine with 258 pounds-feet of torque
Uses premium gas
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:
