2017 Audi A4 Gets New, Cheaper Base Model
CARS.COM — In an apparent play to compete against entry-level versions of other sport sedans, Audi has dropped the starting price of the A4 by $2,400 for 2017. A new entry-level version dubbed the A4 Ultra hits dealerships this fall starting at $35,850, including destination.
Related: 2017 Audi A4 Review
Available in Premium and Premium Plus configurations, the 2017 A4 Ultra comes only with front-wheel drive; Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive (pictured in the regular A4) isn’t an option. The Ultra has considerably less power than other versions of the A4 but gets an impressive 31 mpg in EPA combined city/highway mileage. That’s about 11 percent better than the more-powerful 2017 A4 2.0T with front-wheel drive.
The 2.0T designation for more-powerful versions of the A4 is something of a misnomer, as the A4 Ultra still gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. It’s a variant of the more-powerful engine that trades output for efficiency, and it pairs with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The A4 Ultra’s output, at 190 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque, is a considerable drop from the A4 2.0T’s 252 hp and 273 pounds-feet. Audi says it slows the Ultra’s zero-to-60-mph sprint to 7.1 seconds — hardly pokey, but enough of a difference versus the snappy A4 2.0T (5.7 to 6.1 seconds depending on driveline, per Audi’s estimates).
Revised cylinder compression and valve timing in the Ultra’s engine help bump EPA-estimated gas mileage to 27/37/31 mpg city/highway/combined, up 3 mpg combined versus the front-drive A4 2.0T’s 25/33/28 mpg. That’s impressive for the segment, given most luxury sport sedans (excluding diesels and hybrids) top out in the high 20s for combined EPA mileage. Like many competitors, however, the A4 requires premium gas.
Even with the price drop, the A4 Ultra isn’t ultra-cheap. Sport-sedan bargain hunters can find base versions of the Acura TLX, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50 and Volvo S60 for hundreds or even thousands less. But you’d be hard-pressed to find as many standard features. Standard features on the A4 Ultra include eight-way power front seats, leather upholstery, a moonroof, three-zone automatic climate control, a backup camera and Audi’s forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.
For another $3,800, the A4 Ultra’s Premium Plus trim adds racier styling with larger wheels, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, heated seats, keyless access, power-folding mirrors and more. Audi says its virtual cockpit system, MMI touchpad controller and a navigation system are also optional.
