2023 Audi A4: Classy German Competence

What do our experts think of the 2023 Audi A4? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here. 

What’s New for the 2023 Audi A4?

Continuing its long run of understated luxury competence that goes back nearly 30 years, the 2023 Audi A4 is part of a series that these days includes an Allroad station wagon variant that we look at here and hot rod S4 sedan. But the standard A4 is an Audi staple that offers the German automaker’s signature brand of peerless cabin design, planted handling, and top-notch luxury.

Heavily revised in 2020, updates over last year’s A4 include newly standard LED headlights and the addition of a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system to the Premium Plus range. A new Black Optic package brings black-finished exhaust tips and Adaptive Cruise Control has been added to the Convenience package.

2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com

2023 Audi A4 – audiusa.com |  Shop 2023 Audi A4 on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $41,395

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

AWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

24 City / 33 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

That Audi cabin

45 TFSI models are quick

Sweet sounding B&O stereo

Few standard driver aids

Fairly expensive

Doesn’t WOW you

Competent luxury

2023 Audi Specs

Trims & Pricing

Premium – $41,395
Premium Plus – $46,495
Prestige - $51,695

2023 Audi A4 Powertrain

2023 Audi A4 2.0L I4 - carsforsale.com
2023 Audi A4 2.0L I4 - carsforsale.com

Every 2023 Audi A4 comes with a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 and mildly hybridized 12-volt system under the hood paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic spinning all four wheels via the Quattro AWD running gear. That motor in base form makes 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and is known as the 40 TFSI, which is short for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection.

Any of the three trims can be optioned with the 45 TFSI setup, which takes the same powertrain and turns up the boost to make 261 horses and 273 torques. This explainer article walks through the differences between a drivetrain and powertrain.  

2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com
2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com

Adding between $700 and $2,100, depending on trim line, the 45 TFSI is what Audi formerly classified as their S Line. Along with more zoot, this punchier setup lowers the fully independent suspension by 0.9 inches at all four corners, increases the brake rotor diameters by an inch, and comes with 18-inch rims.

The A4 is a poised handler in any form, but the 45 TFSI gear dials that up a notch. It also drops the 0-60 mph time from 6.3 seconds to 5.2. For the money, it is a worthwhile upgrade for those that enjoy a bit of pep in their daily commute step.

2023 Audi A4 Fuel Economy & MPG

In base 40 TFSI form, the 2023 Audi A4 is rated for 24 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. Opting for the more powerful 45 TFSI setup only drops highway mileage by one. That is right in line with a Volvo S60, which we compare to the Audi here, that achieves 25/33 mpg in city/highway driving with a powertrain that splits the difference output-wise between Audi’s two offerings.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

Audi receives regular praise for the elegance of the cabins across their lineup, which certainly applies to the 2023 A4. Real wood trim is standard and looks rich in its dark walnut hue. The leather is fitted to nicely sculpted seats and can be optioned with Dinamica suede-like inserts that add a more premium feel.

Triple-zoned automatic climate control means both front passengers and the potential three rear passengers have some say in their comfort. As is the case with any vehicle in this segment, that rear bench doesn’t truly accommodate three adults happily as there are only 36 inches of legroom.

As such, the A4 spends more money up front with standard heated seats, available seat ventilation, and the choice of beige, black, gray, or a handsome Okapi Brown leather color. Ambient lighting is included but you can upgrade to a premium version that adds backlighting to the door panels for an even fancier style. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, which is helpful for loading longer items and the trunk itself is rated for 12 cubic feet, which is right in line again with the Volvo S60.

Entertainment & Technology

2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com
2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com

All 2023 Audi A4s come with a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen sprouting from the center stack. Wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is nice as are the dual USB ports and voice control of the system. Audi Virtual Cockpit, a configurable 12.3-inch instrument panel screen, is included on the Premium Plus and above as is a serious 19-speaker audio system from Bang & Olufsen.

The top-spec Prestige trim brings a head-up display (HUD), built-in navigation, and a 6-month subscription to Audi Connect Plus. This connectivity system has features like traffic light timing, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration.

Safety Features

Both IIHS and NHTSA award the Audi A4 their highest ratings of Top Safety Pick+ and five stars, respectively, but the advanced driver aids come up a bit short. The only standard systems are forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and high beam assist.

To access adaptive cruise control, the surround view monitor, lane keeping system, and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert requires a package or premium plus model. Considering the premium positioning of the A4, it would be nice to see options for systems like night vision and semi-autonomous driving assistance.

2023 Audi A4 Trims & Pricing

2023 Audi A4 Premium - audiusa.com
2023 Audi A4 Premium - audiusa.com

Premium – $41,395

Base Premium 2023 A4s come with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, and heated side mirrors. A sunroof is included along with three-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The 10-inch infotainment display houses Apple and Android mirroring software, and a $2,500 Convenience package offers ACC, front and rear parking sonar, and a heated steering wheel.

2023 Audi A4 Premium Plus - audiusa.com
2023 Audi A4 Premium Plus - audiusa.com

Premium Plus – $46,495

The mid-pack A4 Premium Plus comes with Audi’s Advanced Key that features a hands-free trunk function and keyless entry. Inside, the center console and doors are improved with leatherette coverings and technology upgrades include a wireless phone charging pad, full digital gauge cluster, and 19-speaker stereo from Bang & Olufsen. Ventilated front seats and Black Optic styling are available via package.

2023 Audi A4 Prestige - audiusa.com
2023 Audi A4 Prestige - audiusa.com

Prestige – $51,695

Audi’s trick Matrix LED headlights come on the Prestige trim line that also features laminated front side glass and heated rear seats. Navigation, a HUD, and parking assistance are all on hand here as well. Like the other two models, selecting the 45 TFSI setup brings more power, illuminated door sill covers, and more aggressive bumpers with enlarged air intakes up front.

Warranties

Audi’s 4-year/50,000-mile warranty term applies to the basic vehicle, powertrain, and roadside assistance. This is on par with Volvo, but BMW matches that and offers three years of complimentary maintenance, while Audi offers none. Meanwhile, Genesis meets BMW on the included maintenance plan and embarrasses all the legacy luxury brands with 10 years of powertrain coverage.

What we think

2023 Audi A4 - audiusa.com

2023 Audi A4 – audiusa.com |  Shop 2023 Audi A4 on Carsforsale.com

The 2023 Audi A4 is an excellent example of the classic German luxury sedan. Not too flashy, proper amounts of luxury, and that Audi brand cachet. The 45 TFSI powertrain is plenty potent and there is of course the S4 for those who want more spice.

While customers can find plenty of the latest technology, they are going to pay dearly for it so don’t miss our latest new car incentives writeup. And therein lies the question mark for a car like this – is it worth the money? If I was committed to buying an A4, I’d go for the Premium Plus 45 TFSI to access the burly stereo, fancy gauge cluster, and punchier motor. But have you seen the Genesis G70 3.3T?

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Niel Stender

Niel Stender grew up doing replacement work on his 1990 Cherokee and 1989 Starion, so it’s not surprising that he would put his mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Hampshire to use in the car world as a vehicle dynamics engineer. Now engineering sentence structures, his writing infuses his auto experience with his time in marketing and his sales experience. Writing about cars for close to a decade now, he focuses on some of the more technical mechanical systems that are found under the hood and throughout a vehicle.

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