First Drive: 2009 Audi A4
Audi invited us to Elkhart Lake, Wis., this past weekend to check out the American Le Mans series at Road America on Saturday. (Ingolstadt, Germany’s, two R10 racecars ended up clinching a one-two finish, incidentally.) Oh, there was also a new 2009 A4 on hand to drive around local roads all day — a European version, to be sure, but aside from a few cosmetic changes, it’s mechanically identical to the one hitting U.S. showrooms this fall.
Drive we did. A full review is in the works, but at first blush the redesigned A4 is worth a look in a segment jam-packed with excellent cars. It isn’t as dynamic at the limits as a BMW 3 Series or an Infiniti G35, but for most people it certainly ought to be playful enough — and as a daily driver it stands out above both.
We’ll post a full gallery shortly, but suffice it to say the A4 doesn’t look radically different from its predecessor. It’s significantly larger but retains the same mammoth grille and clean side profile. The headlights drop last year’s scalloped frames for a more consolidated design, but there’s now a strand of optional LEDs that snakes its way around the main bezels and ends at the inboard turn signals. Wicked cool.
Inside, the wraparound dashboard looks similar to that of the related A5/S5 coupe. Even in our all-black test car, the cabin felt warm — certainly a step beyond the 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class – and considering the fact that German sport sedans do inviting interiors like Kevin Costner does acting, it’s nice to see Audi take the lead. The company’s MMI system is standard. It works a screen that sits top and center in the dash, and if you have to go the knob-based route, this works eminently better than BMW’s iDrive. There are plenty of shortcut buttons, and I found the well-marked “return” key especially helpful for undoing some of my mistakes.
General control quality is not as impressive — and yes, I’m in the minority of auto writers who think this. I like my buttons to have a solid, cushioned feel — like you’ll find in most Acura and Lexus models — and finish quality notwithstanding, Audi’s often feel brittle.
I had no such beef with the drivetrain. Our test car had a 265-hp V-6, a six-speed auto and Quattro AWD; there’s also a 211-hp turbo four with a stick or automatic, which Audi says will make up the majority of sales. The six puts out decent power, though it’s more in the realm of Cadillac’s direct-injection CTS than a 335i or G35 — to wit, it’s quick but not exhilarating. Power builds progressively, and north of 4,000 rpm the engine sounds terrific.
Our tester had a new Audi Drive Select program that alters suspension, steering and drivetrain settings from comfortable to sporty levels. It’s the sort of feature many competitors confine to their high-performance variants. In the most aggressive setting, ADS gives the A4 a playful character, but the car still lacks the outright balance of a 3 Series or G. The steering cooperates nicely in tight corners, but the chassis feels noticeably nose-heavy, so the front wheels easily kick wide while the rears stubbornly hold the line. All told, the A4 feels more balanced than the new Acura TSX, but that’s faint praise at best.
Here’s real praise: Many sport sedans stick you with cramped seats, Lilliputian cargo areas, subpar gas mileage and convoluted electronics. The new A4 doesn’t. Its trunk is Buick Lucerne-sized, and the folding backseat is executed better than most family cars’. Four adults could fit comfortably, and the four-cylinder is the only one among the immediate competition that’s capable of 30 mpg on the highway. (Caveat: It recommends premium, but so does almost everything else.) All things considered, that puts it easily back in the running.
Stay tuned — we shot a couple videos of the car that we’ll post later this week.
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For the price of the A4, I would gladly buy a 09 TL, 3 series, C-class, G35, or even an ES over the A4. It's not that the A4 is bad, it's just that there's better options for the price. If I was a brand snob, I'd likely be driving a 3 series or C-class instead of the A4, and if I was budget conscious and wanted the most performance for my money, I'd get the TL or G35 over the A4.
I LIKE THIS INTERIOR BETTER THAN THE C CLASS BUT THE EXTERIOR IS KINDA OF THE SAME I LIKE THE BENZ EXTERIOR BETTER AUDI HAS NICE QUAILTY INTERIORS
I agree with Cj. There are just better options out there in that price range. Japanese luxury gives you alot for your money and it's not gimmicky in anyway. In addition, they are more reliable than their German counterparts so it's a real bargain. By the way it was embarrasing when my new A6 ended up in the shop within a month of purchase and I couldn't drive it for a while. I suppose the only reason one would pay extra for buying German is because their vehicles have a little bit more of what one would call character and heritage etc. Nonetheless, I'm not so fond of Audi assembling their vehicles in Mexico for their American market. It's an ideal location for cost cutting, but it really takes a toll on quality and that affects consumers. Well that's unless you're super rich and can afford to buy a new car anytime, but then again would you really want to buy an Audi. By all means I have nothing against German cars. They really know how to engineer good vehicles, but in the end it all comes down to reliability, which is something I should have looked into first.
I feel Audi overpriced this A4, not even compared with the Japanese, but compared to their own German rivals. If I had a choice between 3/C or A4 I'd choose the 3/C and I think that's what most buyers would do. The A4 used to be the more affordable alternative to the other German entry level sedans, but now it's the same price as it's overpriced German competition. So now that they aren't trying to win the price war with BMW/MB, you'd think they'd at least take their performance beyond the 3/C (or at least match it). But no the $33,000 A4 has a whopping 211 hp. Wow (a totally unimpressed wow). For the same price I can get a 3/C with about 230 hp. Of course when you start to look at the Japanese competition, too, things begin looking even more bleak for the A4. I do believe the A4 will sell, but how much? I know it would have been an easier sale if it had 20 more hp, or if they lowered the price $2-3,000. It's still to premature to analyze sales, considering the new A4 hasn't even gone on sale yet, but I think Audi should have rethought it's plan for the A4.
RL,
Audi does not assemble anything in Mexico. Parent company VW assembles Jettas and New Beetles in their plant in Puebla.
Keith, sorry about that. You are right...it's in some other country, but I forgot which one...well other than Germany of course. Perhaps Brazil? I think...but yeah I need to get my facts straight next time thats for sure. hahaha
Sounds like they're still using the clicky-clicky power window switches found on the last-generation A4.
The Audi cars sold in U.S. are Germany assembled. Their VIN numbers always start with W, which stands for Germany. Maybe except the Audi Q7, I think they are assembled in Slovakia, but major mechanical parts such as engines are still German made. I think Audi did not achieve the brand recognition in U.S. like they did elsewhere in the world. Audi is considered as a premium brand elsewhere in the world that is as good as BMW and Mercedes, or even better. It is very easy to negotiate the price down for Audi than BMW and Mercedes, so even if Audi raise the price, you can still get it down easily.
CJ- You obviously haven't seen the tourque rating for the A4. It puts out 258 lb-ft. That is 58 more than the 328i. The A4 will be able to sprint to 60 in 6.5 seconds, which is four-tenths of a second faster than the 328i and three-tenths faster than the C300.
Most of these comments are from people that have obviously never even been in an Audi.
And I dont know what place in this country you live in, but in every place I have been in Audi is just as prestigious as BMW or Mercedes.
I haven't been a fan of the A4 up till now, due to its tiny back seat, questionable reliability and high price. However this new version is a real car, with lots more torque, and a 110 inch wheelbase with more back seat room than either the C class or 3 series. If they could hold the line on the price it could be an attractive alternative, but I hear the V6 Quattro will sticker for $45,000 and that's way too much for an A4. It makes the new Maxima look like a steal.
This new A4 reminds me too much of an American car. Other than a higher price the car has not improved any particular way. The outgoing TL is equally as good and a much better buy. You can get a 08 TL for $29k. A V6 A4 can't touch it. The new TL and Infiniti G would run circles around it. What ever happened to Audi being known as the affordable luxury German car company?
+1
i agree with the above posts completely.
my wife's sold on the (admittedly) beautiful LED's in the front.
i bet they'll still sell well based on reputation and styling ...
While I agree with some of what you guys are saying on price, the 3.2 six cylinder in the outgoing A4 was a blast to drive and exceptionally fast, unlike Kelsey I think it offered more thrills than a CTS but I haven't driven the new one. The 2.0 was plenty of power for those just looking for a small luxury car. The steering in Audis is also a lot lighter than either BMW or MErcedes so I definitely see the allure for the non-enthusiast. I always enjoy when an Audi comes into the fleet because they're so unique compared to the BMW and MB lineup. That said I don't mind the BMWs or MBs either.
As for it not changing substantially that's what we'll find out in Kelsey's full review.
Turbo 4 cylinder? Light steering? LED headlight lashes? I've always known that the A4 was a chick car and now it's more obvious than ever. It's clear that the A4 is no longer in the same league as the G, 335, C, or TL. I predict the A4 will be leased out the waazoo as it's today's version of a Saab 9-3. An under performing overpriced chick car.
If I was looking for a four wheel drive car, between a choice of the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C300 4matic, I'd pick the A4.
for that price i would put my money into something more sensible like the genesis...i know ppl are gonna bash me but genesis is a well invested car....and i am ready to take a delivery of the v8 in two days...not saying a4 is a bad car but these cars are just too small to invest so much money in...and then they are not reliable in long term besides the japs.
The base A4 (which Edmunds drove)can be a chick car all it wants and its still better than the everyday 3 or C class. I'd take one in a heartbeat, but I'd rather have the S4 or class leading RS4 when it comes out. I have no problem putting 40k down on an A4 with the top level luxury and design that Audi puts into their cars. Ive driven the new A4 against the C, 3, and IS. The Audi is clearly the leader IMO. The 3.2 Quattro compared to the AWD versions of any of those cars mentioned just doesnt come close.
The Audi dislikers should also pay attention to gas mileage and sales figures. The A4 2.0T gets 21-30 v.s. the competition at 19-28 and 17-25 for the 328 and G35 respectively. I think commenters are underestimating a large chunk of buyers in this class who want better gas mileage. Additionally, Audi knows that the 2.0T is a better seller than the other engines, which is why they make more of them.
I tried finding automotive sales figures for the past few years but I could not. Maybe our intrepid editors and writers could point us in the right direction?
My wife and I like to drive curves and the fairways. Be it an auto or a golf ball. Prefer German made entry level luxury auto like BMW 3 series or MB C300 but put off purchase because of the difficultly to fit two sets of clubs in either of them. A test at the dealer's makes it a snap with the new 2009 A4. All great cars but only one with decent cargo space.
I've had two A4's, and been very happy with them. As the price and weight goes up, It does make me think twice though. I also modified the bejesus out of my current 1.8T, and now with BMW having a turbo in the 335, it might be a better bet... Still thinking between the BMW and an S5 now, but for the first time ever, the BMW might be a better buy. Too bad about only being RWD though.
Hicks.
All these negative comments and no mention of the proven Quattro AWD system. Sure, the A4 price is near equivalent to its competitors with less power, but isn't AWD worth anything to y'all? I am leaning more and more towards getting an A4 (from a 2006 330i) because of confidence AWD provides for Michigan winters. If I spend that kind of money, I want to drive my car everyday. Sure, competitors have AWD versions, but that's a $2k price increase for them too!
I personally love this car. I'm picking it up this week, premium plus pkg and navigation. I bought this car over the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, and Lexus IS. I've had a Mercedes for about a year now and I don't like it, it doesn't drive well in snow. Plus the gas is rediculous. I would rather pay more for the A4 than a BMW, MB, or Lexus that won't stand up to everything I need it to.
I test drove both a4 and 3 and i liked a4 far better than 3. nic3 interir, very light and excellent handling..for brand vale..Audi as or more well known than bmw and c in Europe and the rest of the world..