Audi has a strong lead as a brand that marries many of the best features customers are looking for in a typical automobile, including a powerful engine, all-wheel-drive capabilities, style, and luxury. While you’ll certainly pay a bit more for an Audi than you would a Volkswagen, the saying, “you get what you pay for” certainly applies in this case.
Specializing in premium sedans, wagons, hatches, and SUVs, Audi has risen to become a strong competition to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Like Lexus and Infiniti, it is considered by many to be the luxury companion to Volkswagen. With such a wide array of vehicles available, Audi is on its way to becoming the brand to beat in many of the most popular segments.
The 2018 Audi A4 is available as a sedan or a wagon, but we’ll just be covering the sedan model in this article. You can also upgrade your powertrain in the A4 by choosing the S4 or RS4 models, but those won’t be discussed here either. These are all options you’ll want to consider if you approve of the sedan A4, but as you’ll soon see, the features you’ll get on even the basic trim level make the four-door A4 a great buy in and of itself.
Performance Specifications
When choosing a trim level, customers can pick from either the 2.0 TSFI ultra, which is front-wheel-drive, or the 2.0 TFSI, which is all-wheel-drive. Both engines are 2.0-liter four-cylinders, but the ultra is only capable of 190 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel-drive models are tuned to 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. All models can be purchased as either a seven-speed dual clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
All 2018 Audi A4 models are available in the following colors:
- Brilliant Black
- Florett Silver
- Glacier White
- Gotland Green
- Ibis White
- Manhattan Gray
- Matador Red
- Monsoon Gray
- Moonlight Blue
- Mythos Black
- Scuba Blue
- Daytona Gray
Fuel Efficiency
Kelley Blue Book gives the 2018 Audi A4’s fuel efficiency as 27 city and 37 highway EPA-estimated mpg for all models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of 190 horsepower. Those models equipped with the 252-horspower 2.0-liter engine rank in at 24 city and 34 highway mpg for all-wheel drive automatic transmissions, and 24 city and 33 highway for all-wheel-drive manual transmissions.
Fuel efficiency numbers like this rank the 2018 A4 at sixth on Kelley Blue Book’s list, behind hybrid options like the Tesla Model 3, the Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid, and the Toyota Avalon Hybrid. That’s pretty good fuel efficiency for a marque that doesn’t offer a hybrid option for the A4 platform.
erkanatbas / Shutterstock
Entertainment and Safety Features
The 2018 Audi A4 wins big awards for its safety features. Named a “2018 Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS, the A4 was also awarded a five-star overall rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. Safety features on the 2018 A4 include Audi pre-sense basic and Audi pre-sense city, vehicle exit, rear cross traffic assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
Customers can choose from one of three trim levels offered on the 2018 Audi A4.
Premium models will receive a seven-inch infotainment screen, Audi’s sound system with 10 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and Bluetooth. Other features include keyless entry, a rearview parking camera, leather seats, heated front seats, a sunroof, LED daytime running lights, and a dual exhaust with chrome tips. Premium models start around $36,000.
For $3,200 more, you could be cruising in a Premium Plus model, which includes everything the Premium model has and more. Shift paddles, a trunk storage package, LED auto headlights with auto leveling, and LED taillights are just a few of the perks customers will receive on this model. For those who like their audio systems, you’ll enjoy the Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker sound system featured on the Premium Plus model.
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line, choose the Prestige model, which includes an upgraded 8.3-inch infotainment screen. Customers will also enjoy a parking system with a top-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, leatherette covered center console and door armrests, LED taillights and rear fog lights, and aluminum trim around the exterior windows.
This ninth-generation sedan from Audi is a great option if you’re wanting the best of many worlds. You’ll get a decently-speedy engine, comfort and tech features galore in the cabin, and it’ll sip gas as much as a hybrid — so your pocketbook won’t suffer at the pump.
How the 2018 Audi A4 Compares
Edmunds picked the Audi A4 as one of the “Best AWD Sedans” for 2018. Experts raved about the “cutting-edge” safety and technology features and loved the execution of the interior styling. Use of the infotainment system is easy due to the smartly-placed buttons. However, Edmunds experts didn’t like the lack of feedback from the steering wheel and noted some initial hesitation after planting the gas pedal. If you are looking for more power, though, customers should check out the S and RS models.
Other similar vehicles on the market include Volvo’s S60, S80, and S90, the Buick Regal and LaCrosse, Acura’s TLX, Volkswagen’s CC model, the Chevrolet Cruze, and the Chrysler 200. More luxurious options include Mercedes-Benz’s CLA-class and the BMW 3 series, along with the Cadillac ATS. Jaguar and Lincoln also offer luxury models, along with Hyundai and its new off-shoot, Genesis. Consider these models if you’re in the market for a new luxury sedan.
While many of these vehicles offer their own blend of reliability, luxury, power, and style, Audi and BMW fight for the middle ground. It’s hard to compare the utility of a 200 or Cruze to the comforts that come standard on the available Acura sedans. Cadillacs have almost always been associated with couch-like seating and that extra touch of luxury, but the three German giants (BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz) still have the market cornered on that near-perfect blend of high-quality materials, powerful powertrains, edgy styling, and a justifiable price.
Pros
- Strong combination of style, luxury, affordability, and speed
- Lots of tech features and creature comforts
- Turbo engine
Cons
- Potentially high maintenance fees
- Better power available on higher-priced trims (S and RS models)
- Small rear seat
- There is currently one recall on this vehicle
The 2018 Audi A4 is a great buy if you’re looking to spend a bit more for comfort, safety, and that little something extra. Check out the powerful S4 and RS4, too. Test drive an Audi today and you’ll see why their motto is “technology through innovation.”
Ed Aldridge / Shutterstock
Loading ...