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.
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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?