With turbocharged all-wheel-drive, Audi’s luxury-focused lineup has something for everyone.
With an impressive automotive heritage dating back to 1904, Audi has decades of making impressive vehicles. The company formalized its name in 1910 as the Audi Automobilwerke GmbH Zwick and the Audi Type A 10/22 hp Sport-Phaeton was produced that same year. Fast forward through some tumultuous times and Audi once again launched their operations post-war, this time from a town in a West German town in Bavaria called Ingolstadt.
Audi was concerned about their conservative image, thus a plan to adapt four-wheel-drive tech from a military vehicle eventually led to the world of rally racing and the creation of the Audi Quattro. With its turbocharged engine and full-time all-wheel drive and impressive center differential, the Quattro began to win on the track, and in showrooms, in the 1980s. This time period saw growth and a push for more luxury-focused cars intended to rival German automakers Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Modern Audi cars still rely on turbocharging and all-wheel-drive, but now have impressively appointed interiors to go with the performance.
Finding the right Audi car amongst all the great options can feel a bit daunting. Your criteria is likely made up of many factors, but two common ways to differentiate the large Audi car lineup are size and price. Audi offers a wide variety of options in their passenger car lineup, from the 2-seat TT and R8 to the limo-like A8. We will delve into each segment in detail and give you all the buying advice you’ll need to find just the right vehicle and then name our favorite Audi car!
Sedans
Some of the most popular Audi models have been built with four doors. Before the Audi Quattro began sliding around rally circuits across Europe, the Audi 80 And Audi 100 sedans were two of the company’s best-selling cars starting in the1960s and continuing through the 1980s. They also formed the basis for the Audi A4 and Audi A6 that we know today. During the mid-1990s, Audi launched the two sedans that became the cornerstone of their lineup. Around that time, we were also introduced to the full-size A8 sedan, and not long after the world met the smaller Audi A3. The A3 is a compact sports sedan that was not available in the United States until part of the way through its second generation in 2005 (Typ 8P). Each model also comes in “S” or “RS” trim if you want to up the performance ante!
All that to say, the A3, A4, A6, and A8 sedans, plus their S and RS performance-variants, deliver a great mix of size, luxury, and performance for any buyer looking rapidly move through traffic in style. So which should you choose?
Audi A3, S3 & RS 3
If you live in the city and want a compact luxury sedan that doesn’t take up a ton of room, check out the Audi A3. Dating back to the first 2006 generation cars, you’ll find a very reasonable average used car price of $4,964 to $6,997 according to our friends at KBB. Of note, the A3 only came in hatchback versions during the first generation. Most first-generation models came with Audi’s go-to 200 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive (one of the few Audis without standard AWD). The final year of the first-gen A3 was 2012, where you can find decent used options between $10,953-$13,604.
By 2013, the third generation A3 (Typ 8V) debuted in sedan layout in the United States, riding on Volkswagen Group’s new MQB chassis. Still featuring a 200 horsepower 2.0L engine and standard front-wheel-drive, you’ll find 2013 models in the $10,640-$13,391 range on the used market. The fourth-generation kicked off in 2020 and the latest A3 comes with a standard 184 horsepower engine and 2020 models have a used price range of $33,300-$36,500.
If you need roughly 50% more power, the Audi S3 came to the U.S. in 2015 with standard AWD and an upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been massaged to produce 292 hp. Look for used values of the debut S3 2018 model year in the $20,473-$24,062 range. In late 2017, Audi added the bonkers RS 3 sedan to the U.S. market. With a very impressive 400-hp turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder engine, and of course standard Quattro AWD, the RS3 is a beast. You can find that first year at a very reasonable $40,200 – $44,305 on the used market.
The overall drivetrain of the standard A3 is pretty solid, it is used in almost everything that Volkswagen and Audi make. However, keep an eye out for early 2006 and 2007 models, they have had reported engine light warnings tied to ignition coils, electrical connection issues at the throttle body, and others. Overall, reported issues tend to go down as model years get newer.
Audi A4, S4 & RS 4
If you want to ramp up your sedan’s size, the Audi A4 is a great choice. The original B5 first generation (1994-2001) came with a choice of 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines and FWD or AWD. The car evolved nicely across the B6 generation (Typ 8E/8H; 2000–2006) and B7 generation (Typ 8E/8H; 2004–2009), but a recent sweet spot is the B8 generation (Typ 8K; 2008–2016). With its impressive ride and well-crafted interior, take a look at the 2013 update to the A4. Powered by a 211 horsepower four-cylinder engine, it’s a great choice, but for larger passengers, the second row is a bit cramped.
Updated in 2016 for the B9 (Typ 8W; 2016–present) generation, the A4 is better than ever. Take a look at the 2018 Audi A4 for a nice well-rounded sports sedan. The latest A4 comes with a 188 horsepower turbo-four and seven-speed automatic transmission. Upper-trim models get 252 horsepower and all models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as of 2018. Prices range from $26,336 – $37,069 but you’ll get a lot of car for the money and can likely find one as Certified-Pre-Owned (CPO)!
For those looking for a bit more speed, take a look at the “S” lineup of A4 performance sedans. The S4 was originally conceived and sold as a hot-rod version of the Audi 100 (A6) sedan between 1991 until 1994. Early B5 S4 models (1997-2002) are quite inexpensive (2001 models, for example, range from $3,886-$6,075), or you take a look at the B6 S4 (2003-2005) and you’ll find a naturally aspirated V8 engine and pricing around $5,577-$9,300 for a 2005 model. The latest B9 iteration (2017–present) of the S4 represents some of the latest in Audi go-fast tech with a great 354 horsepower 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine and pricing on the 2018 model hitting the $40,677-$47,810 mark.
One of the original super-sedans has to be the Audi RS 4. The 2008 model year came with a 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 putting out 420 horsepower and you can find them on the domestic used market for around $18,988-$24,667. Just make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection.
Audi A6, S6 & RS 6
Moving up our Audi sedan list, next is the midsize “executive car”, the A6. Long known for its Autobahn speeds, the A6 delivers standard performance and luxury. As noted before, the A6 dates back to the mid-1990s with the C4 (Typ 4A, 1994–1997) and then the C5 (Typ 4B, 1997–2004) generations. However, take a look at the C6 (Typ 4F, 2004–2011) for a great mix of luxury and improved reliability. The 2010 Audi A6 sedan comes with a base 3.2L V6 engine that delivers 265 horsepower. You can also opt for a 310 horsepower supercharged V6 or a 350-horsepower V8 and expect pricing in the $8,227-$14,333 range.
Looking for a more modern A6? The C8 generation (Typ 4K, 2018–present) is the latest and greatest A6. You still get a wide variety of engine options, including a base 252 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 3.0L supercharged V-6 with 340 horsepower, or a 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 with an impressive 450 horsepower. Look for pricing in the $29,465-$43,391 range, which again is quite a bit of car for the money.
For performance-minded buyers, all generations of the “6” series come with an S6 and RS6 trim depending on the model year, each with more power and performance than A6. Take a look at the C7 generation (Typ 4G, 2012–2018) S6, which came equipped with a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. C6 generation RS 6 cars (2008-2010) also came with 450 horsepower and can be picked up for just $9,223-$10,984. But, buyer beware, that engineering may not wear well over time so budget a chunk of money for maintenance and get that inspection done. Modern RS 6 models now primarily come in wagon form. They are amazing but incredibly expensive.
Audi A8 and S8
Finally, the big boy, the top-of-the-range Audi A8. Available in standard and “L” (for “long-wheelbase”) versions, the A8 is a true full-size executive sedan. First-generation (D2, Typ 4D) were sold from 1994–2002. If you are looking for a modern A8, the third generation (D4, Typ 4H) was produced from 2009–2017 and has a host of amazing features and options. Take a look at the tail end of that generation for a great mix of content and price. The 2017 A8 came with a standard 3.0 TFSI six-cylinder 333 horsepower engine, or an optional 4.0L twin-turbo V8 good for 450 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque. Average prices for 2017 A8 are $42,320-$47,683, which is quite impressive for what you’ll be parking in your driveway.
While there is no RS 8 (the range-topping performance car is the R8, see below), you’ll still be impressed with the Audi S8. The latest generation kicked off in 2020, but if you can’t quite afford the $129,500 MSRP, take a look at older models. The 2016 model, part of the second generation, is another sweet spot for price and performance. Powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 with 520 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque, and utilizing an eight-speed automatic transmission, the A8 can truly allow you to arrive in style.
Wagons
If you want SUV practicality in a “long-roof” car layout, Audi has a long history of wagons to choose from. Generally speaking, there are quite a few “4” series and “6” series-derived wagons built from across a variety of Audi generations to choose from. Primarily powered by the same drivetrain as their A4 and A6 sedans and dubbed “Avant” (or wagon), Audi wagons are very cool.
There is even the Allroad, which is a rugged trim level for A4 and A6 models. Based on the Avant models, the A6 Allroad dates back to 1999, while A4 Allroad began in 2009. Both are still available for the 2021 model year. The Allroad differentiates itself from the base model with a wider wheel track (accomplished through plastic wheel arch extensions) as well as higher ground clearance and adjustable air suspension. Check out the C7 generation 2017 A4 Allroad, with its 252 horsepower engine and an average price of just $28,442–$35,107, it’s a super cool wagon for everyday use.
Sportbacks
If an Audi sedan is too small, but a wagon is too big, consider the Sportback! Audi invented the term for a sloped hatchback version of their popular sedans. The coupe-like cars offer a nice level of style, plus added practicality with easier access to the cargo area via the hatch. Audi debuted the “Audi Sportback Concept” back in 2009 and the five-door fastback concept car was a preview of two upcoming models, the Audi A5 Sportback and the Audi A7 Sportback.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5
The Audi A5 Sportback debuted that summer in Europe but wasn’t available in the United States until the 2018 model year where it joined the existing coupe and convertible. Sharing a platform with the A4 sedan, the A5 Sportback has a similar amount of interior space. However, the frameless doors and sloping back give the car a coupe-like profile. The Sportback is powered by the same engine options as the A5, S5, and RS 5 including a base 252 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (A5), a 3.0L turbo V6 rated at 354 horsepower (S5), and a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 with an impressive 450 horsepower (RS 5). Audi still sells the A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, and RS5 Sportback for the 2021 model year with prices ranging from $41,800 to $75,400.
Audi A7, S7 & RS 7
Looking for a coupe-like profile on a midsize luxury car, check out the Audi A7, S7, and RS 7. Originally built as the “fastback” version of the C7-series Audi A6, the A7 is commonly referred to as a Sportback and is based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform. Its first generation (Type 4G8) runs from 2010-2018 but US models went on sale as 2012 model year vehicles. The sole engine choice for 2012 was the 3.0L 310 horsepower supercharged V6 engine also found in the A6 of the same model year. Used pricing for the 2012 model year is in the $20,296-$22,625 range. At the other end of the first generation, the 2017 A7 will run you around $35,579-$44,138. Looking for the latest second generation A7 (Type 4K8; 2018–present), well check out the 2018 Audi A7 which received an upgraded engine with 340 horsepower. However, pricing jumps to a significantly higher level ($43,200-$49,318).
Just like the A3, A4, A5, and A6, the A7 has a darker, performance-oriented, side. The early Audi S7 (2012–2017 for the first generation) came with a 420 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine and you’ll find pricing in the range of $23,916-$26,545 for 2013 cars, while later first-generation 450 horsepower 2017 S7 models land near $48,290-$54,947. The RS 7 (2013–2019) is an extreme, high-end, performance super-sedan, powered by a larger twin-turbo V8. Check out the 2014 model, which has the same base 560 horsepower engine as later models, and a $45,177-$49,564 price range. The current RS 7 will set you back $114,000 before options.
Coupes & Convertibles
Do you fancy your Audi in a sleek two-door layout? Fear not, there are several options. The long-running Audi TT has been joined in the lineup by the “5” series coupe and convertible plus the Audi R8 supercar. So if you want a bit more intimate interior or some top-down fun, check out these Audi coupes and convertibles. Inspired by the legendary Audi Quattro coupe, you can’t go wrong with a two-door Audi.
Audi TT, TTS & TT RS
Aside from the Audi Quattro, the most famous Audi two-door is undoubtedly the Audi TT. The name is derived from the British Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) motorcycle race and was first applied to an Audi of the same name back in 1998. The TT Mk1 (Type 8N) was produced from 1998–2006 and received immediate praise for its unconventional, yet timeless design. The tail end of that generation (2006) can be had for a paltry $8,426 – $11,214. However, if you are looking for a more modern interpretation of the TT, check out the TT Mk2 (Type 8J, 2006–2014) which received updated powertrains and new features. Early iterations are powered by a mix of engines ranging from 200-250 horsepower and can be found around a similar range, about $9,076 – $11,910.
The most recent TT is the TT Mk3 (Type FV/8S) that has been produced from 2014 to the present. A solid option is the 2018 model, which features a great mix of offerings from the base TT to the range-topping TT RS. Prices range from $37,009 for the TT to $61,217 for the amazing TT RS, with the mid-range TT S nestled in between. Engine output for 2018 included a standard 220 horsepower 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (base TT), a 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft (TTS), and finally 400 hp and 354 lb-ft. in the impressive 2.5-liter, turbo-five cylinder powered TT RS. Audi still sells the TT in coupe, TTS coupe, TT RS coupe, and TT cabriolet for 2021 at prices ranging from $49,800 to $72,500.
Audi A5, S5 & RS 5
As referenced previously, the super handsome Audi A5, S5, and RS 6 first debuted in two-door coupe and convertible layouts which continue to this day. The first generation ran for an impressive nine years (2007–2016). Like the Sportback above, the most recent generation of the two-door Audi (2016 to present) came with a base 252 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (A5), a 3.0L turbo V6 rated at 354 horsepower (S5), and a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 with an impressive 450 horsepower (RS 5). Once again, the 2018 iteration is a great spot to start, with A5 models ranging from $31,237-$42,970 and S5 models ranging from $43,688-$53,724. If you want to buy new, Audi will sell you a new two-door A5 coupe, A5 cabriolet, S5 coupe, S5 cabriolet, and RS 5 coupe at prices from $44,000 to $75,100.
Audi R8 & R8 Spyder
We wrap up this rundown of Audi’s amazing car lineup with one of the most impressive modern-day cars, the Audi R8. Back in the mid-2000s, Audi set out to make a supercar for everyday use. The design came from the Audi Le Mans Quattro concept car from 2003, while the actual production car was originally based on the Lamborghini Gallardo (and presently the Lambo Huracán). Even though it’s based on an Italian exotic, the mid-engine R8 delivers on the promise of an easy-to-use two-door car. The first generation R8 (Type 42) was available with either a V8 or V10 engine.
The updated second-generation car (Type 4S) arrived in 2015 with a brand new all-electric e-Tron model sold alongside the V10 5.2 FSI and the V10 plus. In 2016, a convertible “Spyder” model arrived and since then a high-performance V10 plus Spyder as well as a V8 RWS model have been added to the lineup. R8 ownership isn’t cheap, even a 2008 model will set you back $109,000-$118,000. Brand new 2021 R8 models will run you an eye-watering $142,700 for the R8 coupe, and $154,900 for the R8 Spyder.
And the Best Audi Car is…
You didn’t come all this way for nothing. It’s time to pick the best Audi car. There are a lot of amazing contenders for this prize, and it wasn’t easy. As stated early in the article, everyone has different criteria, thus no Audi car will be perfect for everyone. However, the one that best mixes style, performance, and practicality is…the Audi S5.
For many, the A3, TT, and R8 may be too small, and the A6, A7, and A8 are both likely too big. That leaves the A4 and A5 and associated variants. Built on the same platform as the A4, the “5” series delivers the best mix of style and substance. Within that lineup, the S5 trim provides just the right amount of performance for the dollar. Sure, the RS 5’s amazing 2.5L engine is quite impressive, but so is the S5’s powerful 3.0L V6 engine. With direct injection as well as a twin-scroll turbocharger (2017+) to reduce both weight and overall price, it’s a great option. Let’s take a quick walkthrough S5 pricing on several popular model years to see what’s what.
- 2008 – prices ranging from $13,930 – $16,019
- 2009 – prices ranging from $15,581 – $17,772
- 2010 – prices ranging from $15,407 – $17,502
- 2011 – prices ranging from $16,662 – $18,823
- 2012 – prices ranging from $19,311 – $21,592
- 2013 – prices ranging from $20,243 – $24,359
- 2014 – prices ranging from $23,392 – $27,440
- 2015 – prices ranging from $26,082 – $30,083
- 2016 – prices ranging from $31,200 – $35,045
- 2017 – prices ranging from $33,396 – $40,506
- 2018 – prices ranging from $43,688 – $53,724
- 2019 – prices ranging from $44,759 – $61,678
So, that’s quite a spectrum. If your budget can handle it, the 2018+ Audi S5, part of the B9 second generation is quite impressive. The updated 3.0L turbocharged V6 is rated at 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and even comes with an EPA-Rated Fuel Economy of 21 city/30 highway mpg (20/29 mpg for the S5 convertible). However, if you are looking more in the sub $40,000 range, the 2017 Audi S5 and its 333 horsepower 3.0L supercharged V6 engine is quite good. Plus, you could still get one mated to a six-speed manual transmission or you could opt for Audi’s optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit.
Regardless of your need, from coupe to convertible to four-door Sportback (2018+), the Audi S5 delivers just the right amount of performance and luxury.
Photos: Audi
