Up Close: 2009 Audi A4

We first saw Audi's next-generation A4 at last summer's Frankfurt auto show (read the original post here) but it wasn't until Detroit that Audi brought out a U.S.-spec model. At first glance, it seems to be one solid little car — the sport seats in the S-line version on the auto show floor were supportive but not stiff, and there's a bit more room in back than I remember in the previous A4. Credit some of that to the ceiling, which has slight indentations above passengers' heads before it meets the rear window.

The dashboard has the same contours as the A5, with a wide dome housing the navigation system and primary gauges. I'm not sold yet on Audi's buttons (cue the hate mail). They're finished in high-quality plastics and fit alongside one another with nary a gap, but they don't click down with the same cushioned feel that the controls in a Lexus or Mercedes might. While we're talking buttons, I'm glad Audi has added plenty of shortcut keys around the MMI knob, which should make it easier to use than some of the alternatives.

Comments

[Mart]

They did a great job making this look like a RWD car. That side view is awesome.

Having not sat in this or any latest Lexus or Merc I cannot judge, but i thought Audi were renowned for making the best quality interiors in the business. It's the one thing that has kept them competitive! I'm surprised to see Mercedes ranked higher considering their somewhat shaky last few years.

[Nic]

Great alternative to the new A5 for a fraction of the cost with four doors, and with quattro AWD

[JM]

Audi/VW does make the best interiors. 0 hard plastic, preat look to them. in VW's, its worth the 1 or 2K extra over the bland interiors from Toyota, Honda and GM. with Audi, it already runs for less than MB and BMW, making Audis the perfect luxury cars...

for perspective;
CR reported a few months back that the $80K Lexus LS460L had a few panel gaps and misalignments.

they also reported the same in the MB E-Class.

[trainer]

Audi does make beautiful interiors - a great place to sit while you wait for the tow truck.

[Adam]

Looks great! Audi makes the best looking cars in the business. As for reliabilty issues, my mom's 2001 Audi A4 has not had a single problem. Meanwhile my 02 Accord's transmission failed at 80K miles...

[Jay]

This car looks better than anything else in its class. Soft lines, yet sporty, with-that-get out-of-my-way-front-end will sell well. This used to be BMW before they got Bangle-ized. Only cheap shot: I hope they fixed the ride dynamics to rival BMW and MB. Previous rides were to choppy for a luxury car...

[Rob Gordon]

Audi's poor reputation for reliability is a thing of the past. My 2004 TT 3.2 DSG has been flawless. Consumer Reports ratings have also dramatically improved recently. The new A4 is a showstopper. In Europe it takes a minimum of 6 months to even get one. I am already on a wait list in the US to order one.

[Kathy D.]

Like Rob, I am also on a waiting list and can't wait to order my '09 A4. Audi Club North America is offering a Member Loyalty Program, $500, if you sign up 90 days before purchasing your Audi, which should work out great w/ the expected delivery date of the A4. audiclubna.org has all the info.

[Bobby H]

I ordered my Avant today. I skipped the S-Line pkg. because it has the dreaded alacantara seat inserts. Thank God that Audi has brought back sport seats !! We suffered through the B6 and B7 models with the base seats.

I opted for the fully loaded "Prestige" model. I also ordered NAV, and even the magnetic ride suspension.

[Scott W]

After test driving an S-Line A5, I too skipped the sport suspension or S-Line option blocks on my '09 A4 Avant order. I did tick the Audi Drive Select Package option with the 'Premium Plus" package. Since Premium Plus (Prestige)comes with 5-spoke 18 inch wheels, I am thinking Dynamic Mode will satisfy me, while Comfort Mode will satisfy the wife. Also, I couldn't pass up the B & O sound system in Premium Plus. Wonder what the price tag will be?

[nathan moerman]

I just bought one that was in stock.
Receiving it today/tomorrow. Cant wait!

[Lynn]

I put on average 25k miles per year and am concerned with reliability. I really want to purchase the 2009 A4 but am having cold feet. Anyone out there with this kind of annual mileage with good results driving Audi's?
I am scheduled to test on next weekend.

[Joe]

I am also curious about Audi reliability. The post from Lynn on 8/21/08 could have been a pretty accurate description of me as well. I put about 25K per year on my vehicle and have been considering buying the Audi A4. I like how they look and I test drove one and was really impressed. But, like Lynn, I too have the cold feet because of the reputation for reliability issues. I currently drive a Subaru Legacy (2005) and have little to no problems with it, and it gives me what I need. A sedan with a stick shift and AWD. I can get the same with Audi, plus a significant upgrade in interior, but the reliability thing makes me nervous.