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Expert Rating

Audi A4

(2015 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

60
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
B

Safety Rating:

59
%
C

Eco Rating:

61
%
B

Reliability Rating:

46
%
E

Running Costs:

52
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

62
%
C

Used car score:

60
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

72
%
B

Safety Rating:

59
%
C

Eco Rating:

61
%
B

Reliability Rating:

46
%
E

Running Costs:

52
%
D

Summary


The Audi A4 is a compact executive model available as either a saloon or estate (called the A4 Avant). It sits between the smaller A3 saloon and larger A6 saloon and estate models. The current model was launched in 2015 and received a mid-life update in 2019. Production ended in 2024 and it will be replaced by the new Audi A5.

The top-spec A4 model is called the S4 and there is also a more off-road-capable model called the A4 allroad quattro. There is a high-performance model called the RS 4, which is based on the A4 but not included in this page. We will be building a separate page for this model, so check back soon.

The Audi A4 range has received generally positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although overall opinions varies from mild disinterest to strong enthusiasm. The A4 allroad quattro model tends to score slightly lower than the regular A4 models, while the top-spec S4 scores slightly higher from car enthusiast titles. The A4 gets consistent praise for its build standards and interior quality, but lags behind rivals for driving enjoyment and offers no hybrid or electric versions.

The Audi A4 has now ended production, and is the final last fossil-fuel-powered A4 model. Audi is splitting its models names – EVs will have even numbers, while combustion models will have odd numbers. So the replacement for this A4 will be the new Audi A5, while there will be a new electric A4 coming along in the next year or two.

As of August 2024, the Audi A4 range has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61% and a similar score as a used car. It earned decent media review scores and its CO2 emissions are low, with these results countered by historically poor reliability and high running costs.

Audi A4 highlights

  • Interior quality still sets the standard for the class
  • Enormous range should cover pretty muxh every need
  • Much better to drive than previous models
  • Competitive finance and leasing packages

Audi A4 lowlights

  • Can’t match a BMW 3 Series for driving dynamics
  • No electrified models available
  • Boot space, especially in estate version, not best in class
  • Allroad is quite expensive compared to regular versions

Key specifications


Body style: Medium saloon and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £38,985 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015
Last updated: Autumn 2019
Ended production: Spring 2024


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Motors.co.uk

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

Notes on safety rating

The Audi A4 was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used A4 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi A4 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A4 has a poor reliability score, according to workshop data from our commercial partner MotorEasy. This score applies to the current generation (2015 onwards) as well as previous models.

By far the most common problems reported for A4 owners relate to the engine – these are also expensive, with an average repair bill of about £1,300. Suspension and braking problems are also quite common, although usually much cheaper to repair.

Most concerningly, there are plenty of reports of gearbox problems with an average repair bill of more than £1,600. If you own an Audi A4 or are looking at purchasing a used one, it’s certainly worth considering a used car warranty that covers all these problem areas.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models42 mpgD28 – 46 mpgC – E
Diesel models50 mpgB38 – 60 mpgA – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models154 g/kmB139 – 226 g/kmB – D
Diesel models150 g/kmB124 – 197 g/kmA – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models28B20 – 50A – F
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£263C
Year 2£721C
Year 3£1,193C
Year 4£1,473C
Year 5£2,000C
Overall£5,650C

Running costs for the Audi A4 range are a rather mixed bag, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel economy is disappointing for petrol models but good for diesel-engined versions. Compared to the rest of the mid-sized saloon sector, the car’s service and maintenance costs are fairly average, and insurance costs likely are likely to be much cheaper than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, based on data from the UK’s insurance group assessor, Thatcham Research.

Recalls


Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Audi A4

As of August 2024, there have been 13 DVSA vehicle safety recalls issued between 2017 and 2022 for this generation of Audi A4 – too many to list individually here. These cover several different issues and affect different numbers of vehicles, while some recalls extend to other Audi models as well.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Audi dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used A4, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi A4 has received

2021

  • What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car for Comfort

2019

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car

2018

  • What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car
  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car

2017

  • What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car
  • Fleet World Honours – Best Compact Executive
  • Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car

2016

  • What Car? AwardsCar of the Year + Best Executive Car
  • Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car
  • Top Gear Awards – Best for Big Miles
  • Contract Hire and Leasing AwardsCar of the Year + Best Executive Car

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Audi A4, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alfa Romeo Giulia | Audi A5 Sportback | BMW 3 Series | BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé | Jaguar XE | Kia Stinger | Mazda 6Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | Polestar 2 | Skoda Superb | Subaru Levorg | Tesla Model 3 | Vauxhall Insignia | Volkswagen Arteon | Volkswagen Passat | Volvo S60Volvo V60

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Lease an Audi A4


If you’re looking to lease a new Audi A4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal

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The Audi A4 has always been a classy and desirable saloon, but it's let down by poor reliability and high running costs.Audi A4