2016 Audi A4

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Rating8.2

Ranked #6 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$35,900 - $40,100
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Isolated, Comfortable Cabin.

Poor Fuel Economy.

Prestige Trim no longer Available.

Good Infotainment Tech.

Underpowered Engine.

Impeccable Reliability.

Average Cargo Space.

Specs & Features

$38,000

price

220 hp @ 4450 rpm

horsepower

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

torque

TBD

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 Audi A4 offers a compelling package of dynamism, sophistication and utility. Starting at an MSRP of $35,900, the 2016 model year Audi A4 offers an extremely comfortable cabin and good levels of practicality. With its aesthetically pleasing design that beautifully blends the straight lines and the curves to give the car a very singular look, the A4 creates its own niche and thus stands as a car with a personality.

Buying Advice

If you’re planning on getting a 2016 model year Audi A4, we highly recommend taking home the 2.0T Premium Plus trim, in the FWD configuration. The Premium Plus gets you a lot more for your money than the base Premium trim. Additionally, while AWD can improve overall driving performance and quality, FWD will help you save fuel in the long run. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

In a competitive segment that gets tighter every year, the Audi A4 hits the sweet spot. The 2016 Audi A4 faces stiff competition from rivals such as the 2016 BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Volvo S60. In this review of the 2016 model year Audi A4, we discuss the good and the bad, and help you conclude whether getting an A4 home would be a sound investment. 

Features
9.9/10

The 2016 Audi A4 sedan is offered in two trims, 2.0T Premium, and the 2.0T Premium Plus. The 2016 A4 comes at a price of $35,900 in the FWD configuration and $37,000 for the AWD variant. Audi offers a 220 hp 2.0L Inline-4 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the AWD version and 6-speed manual transmission with the FWD variant. The top-end 2.0T Premium plus tops out at $41,100 with the AWD configuration. 

Trim

2.0T Premium

2.0T Premium Plus

MSRP (FWD)

$35,900

$38,250

MSRP (AWD)

$37,000

$40,100

Key features

17-inch Alloy Wheels

2.0T Premium Features, plus:

 

Automatic Xenon Headlights

Heated Front Seats

 

Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control

Electrochromic Rearview Mirror

 

6.5" Display + MMI Infotainment System

Optional Mirror Memory

 

10-Speaker Sound System

Optional Blind Spot Monitor

 

Panoramic Sunroof

Premium Speaker System

 

LED Tail Lights

Heated Steering Wheel

 

Automatic Wipers

18-inch Alloy Wheels

We recommend

If you’re planning on getting a 2016 model year Audi A4, we highly recommend taking home the 2.0T Premium Plus trim, in the FWD configuration. The Premium Plus gets you a lot more for your money than the base Premium trim. Additionally, while AWD can improve overall driving performance and quality, FWD will help you save fuel in the long run. 

Engine and Performance
8.0/10

Under its hood, the 2016 model year Audi A4 offers a fairly potent 2.0L Inline-4 engine that churns out 220 hp along with 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine feels refined and punchy, but ends up being a little underpowered when compared to its rivals. The FWD variant comes with a CVT as standard, while the AWD variant offers a choice between either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

While the CVT is great for city driving, the 8-speed automatic transmission works wonders on the highway. The overall powertrain is highly optimized, and delivers the right amount of power with the perfect responsiveness. There’s minimum NHV, but the engine might get a tad noisy when you’re pushing it really high up the rev band. 

Models

Audi A4 2.0T 

BMW 328i 

Mercedes-Benz C300

Volvo S60 T5 

MSRP

$38,000

$38,350

$38,950

$36,800

Engine

2L i4

2L i4

2L i4

2L i4

Transmission

8-speed A/T

6-speed M/T

7-speed A/T

8-speed A/T

Horsepower

220 hp

240 hp

241 hp

240 hp

Torque (lb-ft)

258

255

273

258

0-60 MPH

6.6 sec

5.8 sec

6.5 sec

6.0 sec

Quarter mile

14.9 sec

14.1 sec

14.9 sec

15.1 sec

60-0 (ft.)

N/A

116

131

N/A

The 6-speed manual transmission feels natural and makes the rider feel connected to the car while the 8-speed automatic allows quick gearshifts and thus feels smooth and responsive. When taken for a quick spin, the Volvo S60 takes the crown, as it takes just 6.0 seconds to reach 60 mph. The BMW 328i closely follows it by taking 5.8 seconds. The A4 takes 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph and thus lands at fourth place.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2016 Audi A4 offers fairly average fuel economy, with competitors offering slightly more value in this font. The 2016 Audi A4 manages to return 22 MPG in the city, and a decent 32 MPG on the highway. This helps the sedan return a combined gas mileage of 26 MPG. The Audi A4 also offers a sizable 16.1 gallon fuel tank, which helps the sedan deliver fairly respectable driving range, and increased distances between refuels. 

Models

Audi A4 2.0T 

BMW 328i 

Mercedes-Benz C300

Volvo S60 T5 

MPG (city)

22

22

25

25

MPG (hwy)

32

34

34

37

MPG (combined)

26

26

28

29

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

16.1

15.8

17.4

17.8

Comparing the competition, the Volvo S60 offers the best fuel economy, measuring 29 MPG combined. In the city, the Mercedes-Benz C300 and the Volvo perform equally well. On highways, the Volvo stands as the clear winner, while the Audi A4 falls on the opposite end of the spectrum. Additionally, the 2016 Volvo S60 comes with a large 17.8 gallon fuel tank, which helps the Swedish sedan deliver an impressive driving range. 

Interior
7.0/10

With a dated look, the interior looks a few years behind, but still manages to keep up with present times. The interior feels a little serious with standard leather upholstery but looks sophisticated. The crisp gauges and the red nighttime illumination adds a touch of modernity to it. The seats offered with the 2016 Audi A4 feel comfortable, plush, and extremely well bolstered. 

There’s no dearth of comfort features in the cabin, with Audi offering several other convenience features in the form of options and packages. All in all, the 2016 Audi A4’s cabin feels extremely comfortable and well put together, and offers a far better experience than most vehicles in this segment and price range. 

Models

Audi A4 2.0T 

BMW 328i 

Mercedes-Benz C300

Volvo S60 T5 

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.)

36.9/55.5/41.3

40.3/55.1/42

37.1/N/A/41.7

39.3/57.0/41.9

Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.)

37.5/54.3/35.2

37.7/55.1/35.1

37.1/N/A/35.2

38.3/55.2/36.5

Cargo capacity with rear seats up(cu.ft.)

12.4

13

12.6

12.0

With plenty of room in the front and the rear, the A4 proves to be quitespacious and roomy. The rear seats are also comfortable and spacious with enough room to fit adults with ease. Cargo space, on the other hand, is a little less in the A4 as it offers just 12.4 cu.ft. On the other hand, the BMW 328i provides a class-leading cargo space of 13 cu.ft. Some highlight interior features offered with the 2016 Audi A6 include:

  • Power-Adjustable Seats. 
  • Heated & Ventilated Front Seats. 
  • Leather Upholstery. 
  • Metallic Interior Inserts. 
  • Front Cup Holder. 
  • Driver Foot Rest.
  • Leather Steering Wheel. 

2016 Audi A4 Infotainment 

The 2016 Audi A4 comes with a host of impressive infotainment features, which help it in setting itself aside from most tech-deprived competitors in this segment. The 2016 Audi A4 offers an impressive 8.0-inch infotainment screen mounted atop the dash. You get an impressive 10-speaker sound system with the base A4, while going for the Premium Plus fetches you the compelling Bang & Olufsen audio kit. 

Bluetooth Audio Streaming is offered as standard, while you also have the option of plugging your device in via USB and Aux. Paying a little extra can also get you some premium options such as a Hard Disk storage, and WiFi hotspot. Some of the key infotainment features offered with the 2016 Audi A6 include:

  • 8.0-inch Infotainment Screen. 
  • 10-Speaker Sound System. 
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio. 
  • Audi MMI Technology. 
  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
  • Aux and USB Support. 
  • MP3 Playback. 
  • Optional Hard Disk. 
  • Optional WiFi Hotspot. 

Exterior
8.0/10

With a simple and handsome design, the 2016 A4 feels more diginied on the skin than on the inside. The straight lines blend elegantly with the curves over the wheel well, giving the car more sophisticated look like a well-dressed person. With minor styling updates, the A4 looks more at home. With a wide grille at the front that sits perfectly with its angular headlights and taillights, the A4 stands as a relaxed car that boasts an athletic personality underneath its stance.

Models

Audi A4 2.0T 

BMW 328i 

Mercedes-Benz C300

Volvo S60 T5 

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3649

3320

3417

3433

Length (in.)

185.1

182.4

184.5

185.6

Width (in.)

71.9

71.3

71.3

73.4

Height (in.)

56.2

56.3

56.8

58.4

Ground clearance (in.)

5.0

5.5

5.1

6.4

Wheelbase (in)

110.6

110.6

111.8

112.4

Among the competition, the 2016 model year Audi A4 actually measures the heaviest in the lotm while the nimble BMW 328i weights the least. The Volvo S60 measures the longest in the lot, while also being the widest car in this comparison. The 2016 Audi A4 hangs the closest to the ground, while the Volvo S60 comes with the greatest ground clearance. The Volvo also comes with the longest wheelbase, which measures a whopping 112.4 inches. Some highlight exterior features offered with the 2016 Audi A4 include:

  • LED Daytime Running Lights.
  • Advanced HID Headlamps. 
  • Chrome Grille Surround. 
  • 18-inch Alloy Wheels. 
  • Sporty Dual Exhaust Setup. 
  • Optional Decklid Spoiler. 
  • Mirror Turn Signals. 

Safety
8.0/10

Much like the rest of the Audi lineup, the 2016 model year A4 stands as an immensely safe passenger vehicle. The 2016 Audi A4 has been acknowledged by the NHTSA with a compelling 5-Star Safety Rating. Additionally, the IIHS has awarded the A4’s safety merit with an impressive “Good” score under most categories, which speaks volumes about the German carmaker’s commitment to safety. The A4 is offered with several standard features, and more can be opted for in the form of affordable packages. Some key safety features offered with the 2016 Audi A4 include:

  • ESP and ABS. 
  • Traction Control. 
  • Blind-Spot Monitor. 
  • LED DRLs. 
  • LATCH Anchors. 
  • Forward Collision Alert. 
  • Auto-Leveling Headlights.
  • Lane Departure Alert. 

Final Verdict

With its minimalistic design that still carries some cues from its predecessor, the 2016 A4 feels like a car from the past but with everything better. The A4 is perfectly dignified, sophisticated, and refined to be classified as a proper executive sedan. With a unique blend of luxury and practicality, the A4 makes its entry as a versatile luxury sedan with everyday capabilities in its DNA. While slightly underpowered than most of its rivals, the 2016 model year Audi A4 compensates for its lack of athleticism with unparalleled class, comfort and technology. 

Trims

    Premium
    $35,900 onwards
    • 17-inch silver painted aluminum wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
    • Front & rear fog/driving lights
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    Premium Plus
    $37,000 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 220 hp @ 4450 rpm hp
    • Torque: 258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 6.4 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$35,900- $40,100

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.17

Horsepower

220 hp @ 4450 rpm

Torque

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$31,695- $44,800

Gasoline

8

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,150- $47,800

Gasoline

8.29

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

200 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,215- $51,945

Gasoline

8.15

202 hp @ 6300 rpm

191 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,205- $34,680

Gasoline

8.49

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,950- $49,950

Gasoline

8.06

208 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,870- $43,035

Gasoline

7.93

306 hp @ 6400 rpm

277 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,700

Gasoline

8.05

255 hp @ 6400 rpm

236 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,325

Gasoline

7.68

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1650 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,495- $30,195

Gasoline

8.26

184 hp @ 5700 rpm

185 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2016 Audi A4

    Ranked #4

    6.6 sec15.5 sec130 mph
    5.6 sec13.8 sec-
    6.1 sec15.1 sec-
    6.56 sec--
    6.71 sec14 sec135 mph
    6.8 sec12.5 sec153 mph

    2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2016 Audi A4

      Ranked #4

      24 mpg31 mpg27 mpg16.1 gal.354.2/499.1 mi.
      26 mpg38 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.343.2/501.6 mi.
      25 mpg37 mpg29 mpg17.8 gal.- -
      2016 Mazda 6

      Ranked #2

      25 mpg37 mpg29 mpg16.4 gal.410/606.8 mi.
      23 mpg36 mpg28 mpg15.8 gal.379.2/568.8 mi.
      24 mpg35 mpg28 mpg17.2 gal.412.8/602 mi.

      2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2016 Audi A4

        Ranked #5

        185.1 in.71.9 in.56.2 in.5 in.110.6 in.
        2016 Mazda 6

        Ranked #1

        192.7 in.72.4 in.57.1 in.6.4 in.111.4 in.
        192.5 in.72.8 in.57.7 in.5.8 in.109.3 in.
        190.3 in.73 in.57 in.5.8 in.109.3 in.
        188.3 in.71.8 in.56.8 in.5 in.112.2 in.
        184.5 in.71.3 in.56.8 in.4.1 in.111.8 in.

        2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2016 Audi A4

          Ranked #4

          12.4 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.34 cu.ft.
          2016 Mazda 6

          Ranked #1

          14.8 cu.ft.99.7 cu.ft.120.8 cu.ft.
          12.6 cu.ft.88.2 cu.ft.53.2 cu.ft.
          13 cu.ft.62.5 cu.ft.15.2 cu.ft.
          13.8 cu.ft.90.2 cu.ft.15.9 cu.ft.
          13.2 cu.ft.113.9 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.

          2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2016 Audi A4

            Ranked #1

            33.5 cu.ft.12.4 cu.ft.34 cu.ft.73 ft.
            13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.-
            10.9 cu.ft.-10.9 cu.ft.-
            2016 Mazda 6

            Ranked #4

            120.8 cu.ft.14.8 cu.ft.120.8 cu.ft.-
            10.4 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.67 ft.
            -13.8 cu.ft.--

            2016 Audi A4 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2016 Audi A4

              Ranked #2

              -1058 lbs.3583 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3319 lbs.
              -1303 lbs.3170 lbs.
              -1166 lbs.3574 lbs.
              2016 Mazda 6

              Ranked #2

              -1047 lbs.3179 lbs.
              -1047 lbs.3583 lbs.

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