Audi is a nameplate that is renowned for high quality and unshakeable reliability. And the A4 is a great example of the German automaker’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
In the early 1930s, four small auto manufacturers merged to form the original Audi brand. These founders are represented in the iconic company logo of four interlocking rings.
In the 1960s, Volkswagen acquired Audi and gave birth to the modern brand. Today, Audi manufactures more luxurious versions of Volkswagens for consumers all over the world. Audi’s A4 model is always on the shortlist of the best small sport sedans on the market. This guide covers the different generations of the Audi A4 and which years are the best to buy.
Audi Models: The Basics
In line with most German auto manufacturers, Audi is very straightforward with their model names. All models are broken down into several categories by the size and purpose of each vehicle. The letter at the start of the model name represents the type of vehicle.
- A: Standard cars.
- Q: Standard sport utility vehicles (SUV).
- S: Sport models of standard cars.
- QS: Sport models of SUVs.
- RS: Hardcore Performance models.
- R: Supercar
- E: New all-electric vehicle platform (EV).
After each letter is a number that represents the body size of the vehicle. The number three is the smallest then four, all the way to eight, the largest. The only models that this does not apply are the TT, R8 supercar, and the new E-Tron platform.
A and Q models make up the bulk of the Audi stable. The letters S and RS are used to separate the more performance-oriented vehicles from their run-of-the-mill counterparts.
First Generation (1994-2001)
One of the best Audi A4 years is also the first. The original Audi A4 is commonly known as the B5, which refers to the Volkswagen platform on which the A4 is based. This small sedan was released in the United States in 1996 and was Audi’s first attempt to directly compete with the BMW 3-series. The B5 was well-received by buyers and critics for its restrained look and affordability.
Audi introduced a facelifted version of the A4 in 1999 with subtle styling changes inside and out, like new headlights and a redesigned gauge cluster. These are the more desirable models as they have more creature comforts than the older cars. This generation is not high-tech by today’s standard but has a more quality feel than American cars from the same period.
The B5 A4 is powered by either a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder or a 2.8L V6. The turbo engine has five valves per cylinder and produces 180 hp and 155 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite the V6 models having a full liter more displacement, it only produces 10 more horsepower than four-cylinder. The advantage, however, comes in the form of torque with a stout 207 lb.-ft.
This generation Audi A4 is available in a four-door sedan or five-door station wagon, named the Avant. The Avant offers 31 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats folded down but both have seating for five and comfortable interiors.
Audi’s legendary all-wheel-drive system comes standard on sport models to keep you safe in slippery conditions. This vintage A4 is a great option for young enthusiasts because of its low entry price and huge aftermarket support.
Second Generation (2002-2006)
The second-generation Audi A4 was released in 2001 with more rounded styling similar to the Audi A6. All gasoline-powered engines besides the base 1.6L saw a displacement increase that added mild power gains.
Most notably the V6 power units were replaced with a 3.0L all-aluminum constructed version to save weight and improve thermal efficiency.
The move to the B6 platform also saw the addition of a cabriolet to the line-up with a hydraulic-operated roof. The main benefit of this design is it can open or close it in just 30 seconds. This means if it starts to rain, you can get the top closed at a traffic light.
If you’re interested in an Audi A4 of this vintage, steer clear of the front-wheel-drive model. In Audi’s infinite wisdom, they replaced the perfectly fine automatic transmission with a CVT unit.
For those who are not aware, CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, and while they do have their benefits, they’re also known to be problematic. CVT is not just a problem for Audi either. This design is notoriously known for failure both mechanically and electrically, leading to infamous complaints from consumers. The all-wheel-drive option is the real reason people buy Audi’s in the first place, so keep that in mind.
Third Generation (2007-2009)
The third-generation Audi A4 is essentially just a heavily stylized version of the older B6 model where everything is better. Normally when car manufacturers do this it is called a “facelift” but Audi decided to pretend it was a brand new car.
In Audi’s defense, the B7 update does include more improvements than a standard refresh but it is a stretch to call it an all-new model.
A more aggressive design language improved the look of the A4 as well as a larger body giving it more presence. The body was strengthened to improve safety and handling but didn’t add too much weight.
More luxurious models feature high-tech bells and whistles such as navigation, heated front seats, and even Bluetooth connectivity so you won’t feel like you’re driving a modern horse and cart.
The addition of fuel stratified injection on the new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder saw a marked improvement over the B6 hitting the 200 hp mark with slightly improved reliability.
The grotesquely underwhelming CVT transmission stayed around in the front-wheel-drive models so they should still be avoided like the plague. The V6 power units received the same treatment and saw its stable of horses grow to 255.
The B7 is a real sweet spot for the Audi A4 because it’s new enough to have some creature comforts of the 21st century but maintains the classic driver feedback of older cars.
For this reason alone, 2006 to 2009 model Audi A4s are some of the best years for the Audi A4. Not to mention, the prices are stable at less than $15,000.
Fourth Generation (2010-2016)
The fourth-generation Audi A4 saw the model continue to grow in both size and luxury without compromising performance. Anywhere they could, Audi replaced heavy steel suspension components with aluminum ones, reducing overall weight and sharpening the handling.
A switch to the new modular longitudinal platform, or MLP, coupled with the suspension improvements, virtually erased the historic understeer of older nose-heavy Audis.
As always with the Audi A4, the four-cylinder all-wheel-drive model is recommended. This trim B8 A4 is powered by a 2.0L direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder producing 211hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This small family sedan is no slouch. Zero to 60 mph is dealt with in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of around 150mph.
Finally, Audi let go of the terrible CVT transmission, opting instead for a new seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.
Technically, it is not a true automatic as it has two manual transmissions mated together that are electronically controlled. This is a massive improvement to the responsiveness of the A4, giving it lightning-fast gear changes and more reliability.
In 2012, Audi facelifted the A4 adding subtle styling changes and removing the Avant from the American market. Instead, what we received was an Avant on stilts named the All-track.
To be clear, that is not meant to be derogatory. The added ground clearance does wonders for the station wagon, making it a serious contender against more expensive, less economical SUVs. Excellent examples of the best of the bunch all-wheel-drive four-cylinder A4 premium models can be bought well under $20,000 and are great value for the money.
Fifth Generation (2017-Present)
If you’re not interested in the used market then 2021 is the best A4 year for you. Audi’s new A4 is still a staple in the small luxury sedan market on par with the Mercedes C-class and BMW 3-Series. The standard 2021 Audi A4 has desirable features like an active all-wheel-drive system, Apple car play, and a refined interior.
The new A4 is driven by a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with two power levels. The base 40 edition produces 201 hp, while the 45 edition puts down 261 hp. A new 12v electric assist has been added that sounds great but only makes a measly 13hp on both models. In my opinion, this feels more like a gimmick to get around some kind of regulation than a real performance enhancement.
With the price starting at $38,000, the A4 is a good value for the money compared to the standard equipment from the competition. The options list is reasonably priced as well with the 45 powertrain upgrade only costing $1,300. A real sweet spot for the A4 is the Premium plus 45 that rings up at $46,145.
This model has loads of technology like a digital gauge display, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a heated steering wheel. If you’re looking for a quick, comfortable sedan, the 2021 A4 premium plus 45 is your best option if you can’t stand the BMW 4-Series.
Photos: Audi