2021 Audi A4

Available with two engine configurations A4 perfectly combines sporty characteristics without ruining the level of comfort. On top of that, the all-new upgrades are making it a strong contender against rivals such as Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, and Genesis G70.

Audi A4 is available in three trim levels i.e. Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Furthermore, each trim is sub-categorized into two versions 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI (specifically called the S line), and both come with different engine configurations. With prices ranging from $39,100 to $50,445, these trims can cover a vast variety of buyers. The base trim aka ‘Premium’ is not bare bone, and comes standard with a sunroof, forward collision mitigation system, lane departure warning system, Wired Android Auto, and Wireless Apple Carplay. The Premium Plus adds up an armrest covered in faux leather for maximum comfort, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control. Lastly ‘Prestige’ amps the experience by adding Sound reducing front-side windows, a premium audio system, and more interesting technology. Different optional features for each trim are also available giving buyers a vast level of customization while buying the A4.

Which Trim should you buy?

Although every trim of Audi A4 seems special, according to us the best option to go for is the base ‘Premium’ trim. This trim is affordable, and comes loaded with some top features as well. The safety features are excellent as well, and can be upgraded through the available optional packages as well.

The 2021 Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0 Litre Turbocharged inline-4 cylinder paired with a 12-volt hybrid system. The whole combination manages to produce 201 horsepower and a torque output of 236 lb-ft. Although this engine is available only in 40 TFSI versions, it has improved upon last year's 188 horsepower engine. Elimination of rear-wheel drive means an all-wheel drive is standard through the lineup, which gets power through a 7-speed manual transmission.

Even though the engine output has been improved, don't expect any jaw-dropping acceleration from the A4. In Fact, it takes 6.7 seconds for the A4 to go from 0-60 mph and finishes a quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds which is unimpressive. However, the car has improved significantly in terms of the overall driving experience, and the driving is now smooth and silky. It might struggle a bit while passing vehicles on highways, but for daily usage it is perfect. If you are not satisfied with this configuration, you should opt for the 45 TFSI which comes with a 261 horsepower 2.0 Litre Turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine plus a 12-volt hybrid system.

When compared to its rivals, the Audi A4 40 TFSI falls behind the others. The BMW 3 Series takes the lead by being quickest in the 0-60 mph acceleration at 5.4 seconds, followed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 5.6 seconds. Even the Genesis G70 is a bit faster than the A4, at 6.4 seconds. It'd be great if Audi just makes the more powerful four-cylinder engine (currently in 45 TFSI) standard throughout the lineup. The G70 has the highest top speed at 145 mph as well.

How well does the 2021 Audi A4 handle?

The 2021 Audi A4 offers excellent handling that never fails to impress. Despite having different driving modes, It is almost magical how Audi has managed to achieve this in every mode. Each mode offers a different level of performance and the handling has remained on par throughout. The steering wheel stays on point, or should we say light weighted. As for the suspension system, the standard ones feel great and easily eliminate low to medium bumps. but the $250 sport suspension available upgrade enhances the overall experience. On top of that, the removal of rear-wheel drive feels like an excellent decision by Audi because all-wheel drive offers perfect control on sophisticated terrains. 

Braking Performance

Engine power alone does not result in a smooth driving experience. It's the control over power that is equally important. For that a competent braking system is a must. Audi has loaded the A4 with 13.3 inches front wheel vented discs and 13 inches rear disc brakes which come with a regenerative braking system. This system transfers the kinetic energy of a vehicle in potential energy to slow down the vehicle. Not to forget the 3,417 pounds of curb weight, which means a lighter body benefits the overall control over the vehicle. So no matter where, tight spots or sharp corners, the competent braking system is going to work efficiently. Perhaps this is why A4 can stop from 60-0 mph in a short distance of 99 feet. 

From the above table, it is pretty clear that the BMW 3 Series offers the biggest sized brakes at 13.7 inches front and 13.6 inches rear. But because of its lighter weight, the Audi A4 takes the lead here by stopping within the shortest possible distance. Not even Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class come close. In fact, the C-class takes the most distance to stop at 124 feet.

It is often experienced that slower engines usually result in better fuel economy and the same can be said about the 201 Horsepower four-cylinder engine of the Audi A4, as it offers a mileage of 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highways, and 27 mpg when combined. These stats are good but not impressive or anything. In fact, this is where we think the question of having a 12-volt hybrid system comes in, there’s not much improvement. Sure the 15.3 gallons fuel tank is decent in size but the resulting range you get is nothing spectacular. However, if you opt for 45 TFSI then the more powerful engine offers a mileage of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highways. This is a significant improvement over the base engine. The Audi offers a combined range of 413 miles.

When compared to its rivals, Audi A4 surpasses Genesis G70 by offering better fuel economy but falls behind both Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series. The BMW offers a combined mileage of 30 mpg, whereas the C-class offers a combined mileage of 27 mpg. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also offers a much bigger fuel tank capacity. The most range offered is on the C-class as well, beating the BMW by 1.8 miles.

Audi is known for making excellent interiors with top-tier levels of quality and the same can be said about the 2021 Audi A4. As for the design we must mention that where Mercedes tries to keep it classic and BMW is going more modern, Audi tries to keep the balance. As a result, you get a simple but attractive interior design that is loaded with premium quality materials (such as genuine wood). The cabin is fully spacious with an ample amount of space for occupants. Especially the room for rear row occupants which is one of the biggest in its class. 

Leather upholstery is standard and you get heated front bucket power-adjustable seats on the base trim, which can be further upgraded to ventilated sports seats and heated rear seats. The beautiful sunroof provides apt lighting inside the cabin and the climate control system is competent. In short, everything inside A4 seems to be placed thoughtfully and has good ergonomics. As for the trunk capacity, 12 cubic feet is a decent size that can easily carry a few bags. Especially if you are planning for a trip. However, you might feel a shortage of storage spaces inside the cabin.

The Audi A4 offers a spacious cabin, but the rivals offer a more spacious interior. Both the Genesis G70 and the BMW 3 Series offer more space for first-row occupants. However, the A4 offers the biggest room for rear-row occupants in its segment. On the other hand, both the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class surpass A4 by having a bigger trunk volume. Below are some of the key interior features on the Audi A4:

• Heated front Sport bucket seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Heated rear seats
• Ventilated front seats(on higher trims)
• Illuminated locking glove box
• Day-night auto-dimming rearview mirror

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Audi’s MMI infotainment system is exceptionally good. A 10.1-inch touchscreen comes with a clear resolution that feels smooth and responsive. A rotary knob is also available below for controlling the display. Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard across lineups. On base trim, you get voice activation, USB ports up front, and Audi Care connect. On higher trim USB ports for rear seats, a Navigation System, and WiFi support are available. The standard audio system is decent but upgrading to Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 19 speakers is a must. Opting for Audi’s virtual cockpit which replaces the standard gauge cluster with a 12.3-inch screen is an excellent choice. As the driver won’t have to constantly turn his/her head toward the center console for additional info. Below are some of the key infotainment features offered:

• 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wired Android Auto support
• Wireless Apple CarPlay support
• Audi Virtual Cockpit
• SiriusXM
• Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 19 speakers

Since its major redesign in 2020, the Audi A4 looks stunning from the outside. The sharp corners on the A4 enhances its sporty looks. The front face with a hexagonal grille and matrix-style LED headlights look hypnotizing. The front bumper has got sharp bends with metallic silvery overlines to compliment the exterior chrome trim, and on the sides smooth curves can be found with seamless design. The rear design compliments the front face by having somewhat the same style.

We love the alloy wheel designs no matter what size as they all look very premium. As standard 17-inch wheels are available, but as you go higher on trim 18 inches and 19-inch wheels (45 TFSI only) are available. A black optic package is available for every trim which gets you black-painted wheels and black exterior trim providing a stealth look.

When compared to its rivals, Audi A4 is lighter, and longer than the others. Even the 5.2 inch of ground clearance is decent for its segment. The BMW is the heaviest of all, standing in at 3560 lbs. It has the second most length as well. The Genesis is the widest of all, at 72.8 inches. It is just 0.1 inch wider than the A4. In terms of height, the BMW and the Merc have the most height at 56.8 inches. All the cars have a wheelbase of 111 inches in general, but the BMW has the most at 112.2 inches. Below are some of the key exterior features:

• Matrix style LED headlights
• 19-inch wheels
• Body-colored front and rear bumpers
• Black grille with chrome surround
• Speed-sensing rain detecting variable intermittent wipers with heated jets
• Sunroof

Just like every other aspect, Audi focused completely on making the A4 a safe vehicle. Based on the Volkswagen Group B platform, the 2021 A4 is around 200 pounds lighter than last year's model. The A4 received full star ratings in crash tests by NHTSA. Even IIHS rewarded the A4 with ‘Top Safety Pick’ award for the year 2021. Audi has loaded various driver assistance features, but on base trim only the forward collision mitigation system, traction control, and lane departure warning system are available. This is a problem as buyers will have to pay for a convenience package that adds more features such as a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure mitigation system. Below are some of the key safety features:

• Forward collision mitigation system
• Lane departure mitigation system
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Front and rear parking system
• Adaptive cruise control

2021 Audi A4 vs 2021 Genesis G70

When stacked against Genesis G70, Audi A4 offers a better-controlled driving experience, better cargo capacity, bigger brakes, and better fuel economy. But Genesis surpasses Audi by offering a faster engine, more space for front-row occupants, and of course a more affordable price tag.

2021 Audi A4 vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

When compared with BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 only offers a lightweight body which when combined with suspension provides a smooth driving experience and can be controlled more easily. On the other hand, BMW 3 Series just decimates A4 by exceeding in almost everything else as it is faster, offers better fuel economy, and more cargo capacity. 

2021 Audi A4 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class is easily one of the top dogs in this segment, so when compared against Audi A4. Audi excels by offering a better spacious cabin, lighter body, and excellent braking power. Mercedes-Benz on the other hand surpasses A4 by offering a more powerful engine which is also faster, better fuel economy, and the best possible range in this class.

The Audi A4 is already an amazing vehicle but these new upgrades made it more appealing than ever before. Oozing with stunning exterior and interior visually and fully loaded with technology. It offers an impressive cabin that is both spacious and comfortable. Yes, the base engine is unimpressive but can be easily fixed by opting for the 45 TFSI version. So if you can pay a little more for an enhanced engine or have no problem with the base engine then yes we think you should consider buying the 2021 Audi A4.