2018 Audi A4

The carmaker has introduced a new Black Optic Plus package that sprinkles black and red finish inside. Additionally, the lineup has been added with more all-wheel-drive variants and we have witnessed a reduction in a number of models available with front-wheel drive. The cockpit looks way appealing and adventurous with high-resolution infotainment. As of now, no rival offer same level of high-end technology as the 2018 A4.

The Audi A4 is available in three trims. The A4 Premium ($36,000) gets heated front seats, Xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights and Audi Smartphone interface. On the other hand, the A4 Premium Plus ($39,200) gets full LED headlamps, Audi side assists with pre-sense rear and Audi advanced key-keyless. The A4 Prestige ($45,500) gets a Head-up display, Audi virtual cockpit, and latest touch-enabled MMI Navigation Plus. The optional package includes Sport, Sport Plus, Cold Weather and Warm Weather packages. The 2018 Audi A4 tops ion the Emissions as it emits just 5.7 tons/year of CO2. The other two rivals emit more than 6 Tons/year of CO2.

Trims	2018 Audi A4 Premium	2018 Audi A4 Premium Plus	2018 Audi A4 Prestige
MSRP	$36,000	$39,200	$45,500
Key Features	Heated front seats Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights Audi Smartphone interface Leather seating surfaces	Additional to Premium: Audi side assist with pre sense rear Full LED headlights Audi advanced key-keyless start, stop and entry 7-inch driver infotainment system Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound with 19 speakers	Additional to Premium Plus: Audi Virtual cockpit Head-up display MMI Navigation plus with touch Adaptive cruise control with stop and go Traffic jam assist

"Strong brakes and sharp handling also help make the A4 enjoyable to drive. But the A4's steering limits driver engagement." -- Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The Audi A4 competes for neck-to-neck in terms of performance with the close rivals like 2018 BMW 3-Series and the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The drivers who have driven the 2018 A4 love the ride quality and started liking the turbocharged 2.0-Liter four-cylinder engine with smooth transmissions. The Audi A4 comes with two engine options: 190 hp and 252 hp.

Models	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class
MSRP	$36,000	$32,955	$37,433
Engine Type	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
Displacement	2.0 Liter	2.0 Liter	2.0 Liter
Power @ RPM	190 @ 4200	180 @ 5000	241 @ 5550
Torque @ RPM	236 @ 1450	200 @ 1250	273 @ 1300

The powerful version is mated to an all-wheel-drive configuration while the lower power version comes with a Front-wheel Drive configuration. The engines easily take charge of the dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission. The top-end performance version of this sports sedan-the S4 comes with a turbocharged V6 engine and churns out 354 hp. We have compared the 2018 Audi A4 with the rivals and found out that the 2018 Mercedes C-Class generates more power and torque than the other two. Also, there is very less difference in the power output of the 2018 BMW 3-Series and the Audi A4.

Acceleration

Audi A4’s powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the best acceleration comparatively. The sports sedan is quick and amazingly smooth. The engine is quieter too irrespective of its quick acceleration. A 0-60-mph in 5.7 seconds is certainly better and quicker than the last generation A4s.

Models	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class
0-60 MPH	5.7 seconds	5.4 seconds	5.9 seconds
Quarter Mile	13.8 seconds	14.0 seconds	14.2 seconds
Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L	2.0 L

Braking and Handling

The firm pedal of the A4 makes you feel comfortable even on long journeys. In a panic-stop test, the sedan went from 60 mph to zero in 99 feet, which is very impressive. The results are highly remarkable. The steering feels quite numb and fails to engage driver like the competitors.

Models	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class
Front Brake Rotor Diam*Thickness (in)	12.4	12.3	13
Disc-Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Disc-Rear	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Brake Rotor Diam*Thickness (in)	11.8	11.8	11.8
Brake ABS System	4-Wheel	4-Wheel	4-Wheel

A4’s engine managed to offer an impressive mileage of 27 mpg in the city, whereas the rivals stood at 24. All Audi A4 versions are featured with automatic start/stop to save fuel up to some extent, while Audi’s all-wheel-drive configuration increases fuel economy by operating in front-wheel drive mode whenever required. Overall, on every terrain, the 2018 Audi A4 offered good fuel economy.

Models	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class
City (MPG)	27	24	24
Highway (MPG)	37	34	33
Combined (MPG)	31	27	27

“Long gone are the days when the A4 was a compact car. Take a seat inside and you might think you're in a midsize sedan, with sufficient legroom for four amply sized adults aboard. And even 6-footers will find enough headroom in back.”—edmunds.com

Seating and Comfort

The cabin is stylish and upmarket with more emphasis on the latest technology. The optional virtual Cockpit instrument cluster is certainly appealing and catchy, displaying navigation information with elegance. The premium materials used in the cabin makes it way classier than the Mercedes C-Class.  The good build cabin of 2018 A4 is an advantage.

Models	Audi A4	BMW 3-Series	Mercedes-Benz C Class
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5
Front Head Room (in)	38.9	40.3	40.9
Front Shoulder Room (in)	55.9	55.1	55.3
Second Head Room (in)	37.4	37.7	37.1
Second Leg Room (in)	35.7	35.1	35.2
Second Shoulder Room (in)	54.5	55.1	55

2018 Audi A4 is no more a compact car. With much sportiness and technology upgrades, the sedan offers comfortable ride quality. While being inside, you may get a feel of sitting in a midsize sedan. The legroom in the rear is better than the 2018 BMW 3-Series. Even tall people can find comfort in the rear. All models for 2018 now come with leather upholstery as standard. 

Infotainment

2018 Audi A4 comes installed with an MMI infotainment system which is integrated with a 7-inch touchscreen, responsive voice commands and an intuitive central knob. There is a recent addition of handwriting recognition that lets you search direction quickly. Some of its other other infotainment features are:

• Memory Card Slot
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
• 180 Watts Stereo Output
• 10 Total Speakers
• USB Connection
• 1 Subwoofer(S)

Interior Features

The 2018 Audi A4 Sedan has the following interior features installed in it for the commuters:

• Audi Cargo Box
• USB Cables
• Audi Guard Protection Kit
• Audi Guard All-Weather Floor Mats
• Cargo Net
• Audi First Aid Kit
• Stainless Steel Pedal Caps
• Audi Guard Cargo Mat

Cargo

In terms of cargo size, the A4’s boot space is certainly best for the class. A4s 40/20/40-split folding rear seats allow extra room at the back in order to fit more stuff. The 2018 A4 has also got plenty of storage for keeping personal items and they are easy to reach out.

Cargo Area	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Trunk Volume (ft3)	13	13	12.6

“Though not especially adventurous, the Audi A4 is thoroughly modern and up-to-date outside and especially inside.”—thecarconnection.com

After inspecting the car closely, we found that there’s nothing in the exterior that has been left unchanged. The sports sedan is longer and wider, with more angular lines across the grille. The detailing is sharp with the character line running through the side profile. Unlike the old model where the tail lamps were weakly approached, the new A4 has got bold cuts to the trunk end.

Design and Styling

2018 A4s design looks evolutionary. The design lining beautifully connects the front spoiler and the rear bumper top, along with the Roofline. This enhances the sporty look and elongated silhouette of the sedan. In order to make the design more unified, the carmaker has made crisp shoulder lines towards the headlights.

Models	2018 Audi A4	2018 BMW 3-Series	2018 Mercedes-Benz C Class
Length (in)	186.1	182.5	184.5
Width (in)	72.5	71.3	71.3
Height (in)	56.2	56.3	56.8
Wheelbase (in)	111	110.6	111.8
Base Curb Weight (lbs)	3450	3295	3594
Track Width, Front (in)	61.9	60.3	61.5
Track Width, Rear (in)	61.2	61.9	60.9

Safety Features

The top variants get additional safety features such as high beam assist, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. As far as the warranty.

Here’s the list of all safety features and Airbags in 2018 Audi A4:

• 4-Wheel ABS
• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Daytime Running Lights
• Engine Immobilizer
• Rear Center 3-Point Belt
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Stability Control
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• 2 Front Headrests
• 3 Rear Headrests
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Auto Delay-Off Headlamps
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlamp
• Pre-Collision Safety System

The 2018 Audi A4 has received all five star by the NHTSA and in the IIHS evaluation, the car has received Top Safety Pick+ award for scoring good in all crash tests. All trim levels get standard automatic emergency braking as well as forward collision warning.

IIHS Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

 

Crash Prevention and Migration
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Acceptable
Child seats anchors (LATCH)	Good

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	4 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	4 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	5 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	4 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

Audi A4 vs BMW 3-Series

Both the sports sedan, the 2018 Audi A4 and the 2018 BMW 3-Series are close competitors. Both offers robust engine and similar interior space. When it comes to high performance, the BMW 3-series is more powerful than the Audi S4. Although, after multiple drive test, the Audi A4 turned out to be more satisfying than the two.

Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Only few luxury sports sedan matches the interior appeal of the Audi A4. When it comes to class, Mercedes is that one name that comes to our mind in first place. Mercedes-Benz has offered comfortable seats and premium materials in the cabin but comes with a long list of optional safety features. Audi A4, on the other hand, comes with a superior infotainment interface.

For over two decades, the A4 has been ruling the sports sedan segment like a boss. The A4 has epitomized Audi’s reputation for its excellent driving capability and solid designing. Adding features such as Virtual cockpit and the MMI infotainment interface has certainly uplifted the sedan’s portfolio. The new 2018 Audi A4 also offers improved Gas mileage.

In sports steering mode, the 2018 A4 feels adept and responds promptly. A4’s outstanding performance with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is enough to bring a smile on every person driving this sedan. With fun-to-drive handling, the car has scored very well in safety ratings as well. Car buyers who are seeking something more powerful may need to put up more cash and see other alternatives like high-performance S4 or BMW M3.