2017 Audi A4

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Rating8.3

Ranked #2 in 

Compact Sedan
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$34,900 - $48,000
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Generous feature list

Turbo-lag evident

Based on a new platform

Premium yet practical cabin space

Handling dynamics let down by lack of steering feedback

Much more powerful turbocharged engine

Quick acceleration

Specs & Features

$37,850

price

190 hp @ 4200 rpm

horsepower

236 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

torque

7-Speed Auto-Shift Manual w/od

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2017 Audi A4 is the entry-level offering from the Ingolstadt-based luxury automaker. All-decked up and new this year, the A4 is riding on a whole new platform, which makes it, even more, lighter than the previous iterations. In collaboration with the new platform, the standard 2.0L turbocharged engine of the A4 has been spruced up for putting up better performance figures, and also inadvertently better fuel economy figures. Also included is a range of hi-tech features, both on the interior and safety front, standard from the base trim. Also available in a new 2017 S4 variant, it is fully performance-focused. The 2017 Audi A4 starts from an MSRP of $34,900.

Buying Advice

On thorough examination, you'll find that the top model Prestige only has a few extra features that the Premium Plus doesn't have. So keeping in mind the higher starting price of the 330i (around 38k) and the number of features offered, it makes sense to drop your dough on the Premium Plus instead of the Prestige trim. Needless to say, the AWD Quattro system is the way to go no matter which trim you choose due to its excellent driving dynamics and endless amounts of grip.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Audi has definitely uplifted the A4's cred even further, by giving it a revised turbo-four engine. With a new respawned design language and a multitude of latest features, the Audi A4 is smarter than ever. Safety advancements have been the craze this time around, and the A4 is certainly not backing off with the new Driver Assistance package available.

This time, the A4 gets a simple yet spooled-up engine- a 2.0 TFSI unit that makes 252 hp. The previous A4 Ultra is pretty much the “look at me, I'm saving the planet” version while the revised TFSI is more like the “look at me, I should probably get fined for this” version. Now, with these changes in place, the 2017 Audi A4 certainly gives the Mercedes Benz C-Class, the BMW 3-Series, and the Lexus IS 300 a run for their money for sure.

Features
9.0/10

Counting out the dreamy S4, the 2017 Audi A4 comes in a total of 3 trims, namely the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, with prices starting from $34,900 for the base Premium trim, and goes all the way up to $45,900 for the top-end trim. Standard across the trim lineup is a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine. Also available is an optional AWD setup, for a hefty premium. The trim structure is as follows-

Trim Premium Premium Plus Prestige
MSRP (FWD) $34,900 $41,100 $45,900
MSRP (AWD) $39,400 $43,200 $48,000
Key Features 17-inch wheels 18-inch wheels HD radio
  Forward collision mitigation system Automatic xenon headlights additional interior ambient lighting
  adjustable drive settings (Audi's Drive Select) sporty exterior styling flourishes a surround-view parking camera system
  Tri-zone climate control system  19-speaker Bang and Olufsen surround sound system  
  Leather upholstery with power front seats Front and rear parking sensors  

What we recommend

For the price of $41,100, the Premium Plus is our go-to trim out of the three, as you get above and beyond what your money's worth. Apart from the standard features on offer in this trim, Audi also offers you numerous packages, namely the Technology and the Convenience package. Best of all, apart from the minute interior and exterior styling differences that these packages bring in, for all the audiophiles out there, you also get the best 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen surround-sound audio system, which has hooked us on to it completely.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2017 Audi A4 returns 25 MPG in the city and 33 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This when combined with a 15.3-gallon fuel tank is able to stretch out to 505 miles on the go. This is with the FWD system. Whereas, when opted with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the 2017 A4 returns 24 MPG in the city and about 31 miles to the gallon out on the highway.

Model 2017 Audi A4 2017 BMW 3 Series 2017 Lexus IS 300 2017 Mercedes Benz C-Class
City (MPG) 25 23 19 24
Highway (MPG) 33 35 26 34
Combined (MPG) 28 28 21 28
Fuel Capacity 15.3 gallons 15.8 gallons 17.4 gallons 17.4 gallons

Rumors have also been buzzing about an A4 turbodiesel to bless the lineup, but that has been put on hold for the time being. The "Ultra" model, is on a whole different role altogether, with MPG ratings of 27 and 37 both in city and highway respectively. Nevertheless, even in its base version, the 2017 A4 is outright the most fuel-efficient luxury saloon in the segment.

Interior
8.0/10

The subdued cockpit makes the A4's digital displays stand out in even higher contrast: on most models, a wide, high-resolution display switches dynamically from navigation to instrumentation while a center panel follows duplicates and augments that information -The Car Connection

With the right mix of outright modern tech features and a practical interior layout, the 2017 Audi A4 enters this year, with a revised cockpit. Able to seat 5 adults comfortably, the A4's longer wheelbase allows it to have a bigger cabin space. Material quality used inside has been on point. With respect to the last year's model, the 2017 A4, with an all0new platform has an inch more of headroom and 2.6-inches more of front shoulder room.

With firm bolstering, the seats are adequately comfortable. While the front seats get 12-way electric adjustments, the rear ones get 8-way too. Going up the trim ladder, Audi also offers you sport seats. Heated and ventilated seats are also standard in the top Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Quite evidently so, the 2017 Audi A4 has the best interior of all. Coming to the competition, with the biggest wheelbase of 111.8-inches, the Mercedes Benz C-Class, has the biggest cabin space of all. 

Model 2017 Audi A4 2017 BMW 3 Series 2017 Lexus IS 300 2017 Mercedes Benz C Class
Passenger Capacity 5 5 5 5
Front (Head/ Leg/ Shoulder room) (in) 38.9/ 41.3/ 55.9 40.3/ 42.0/ 55.1 38.2/ 44.8/ 55.9 37.1/ 41.7/ 55.3
Rear (Head/ Leg/ Shoulder room) (in) 37.4/ 35.7/ 54.5 37.7/ 35.1/ 55.1 36.9/ 32.2/ 53.4 37.1/ 35.2/ 55.5

The 2017 Audi A4 comes equipped with the following interior features :

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Heated and ventilated seats
  • Sunroof
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • Power front and rear seats
  • Driver-seat memory settings
  • Heads-up display

2017 Audi A4 Infotainment System

The 2017 Audi A4 gets a modern and slick virtual cockpit, that houses a massive 12.3-inch multifunction instrument cluster along with a 7-inch infotainment system, with standard navigation. Replacing all of the traditional buttons, the infotainment system is pretty intuitive and easy to use. Filled up to the brim with the latest tech, the 2017 A4 is quite easily the stand-out car from this segment. The driver-focused multifunction cluster is backed by the latest tech interface and is everything you'd want from a luxury saloon. 

Some of the infotainment features on offer are-

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system
  • Audi Connect online services
  • Navigation with voice controls
  • 4 USB ports

2017 Audi A4 Cargo Volume

The 2017 Audi A4 has the best-in-class cargo capacity of 13.0 cu. ft, which in hindsight is pretty big for an entry-level luxury saloon. Moreover, the 2017 A4 also gets a 40/20/40 rear seat folding function, which paves way for even more cargo space. Interior storage spaces are also plenty, for greater flexibility while carrying things.

Model 2017 Audi A4 2017 BMW 3 Series 2017 Lexus IS 300 2017 Mercedes Benz C Class
Trunk Volume (ft3) 13.0 13.0 10.8 12.6

The Audi A4 is no more a compact car like the previous iterations. The Lexus IS 300, has the shortest wheelbase of the bunch, and that is well reciprocated to its cargo capacity front.

Exterior
8.0/10

The new A4 is a looker, but not visually revolutionary - Forbes

The award-winning Audi A4 will reportedly get a major makeover, both in the front and back. For 2017, the Audi A4 gets full revised LED headlights, flowing across through the sides of Audi's infamous grille. Now despite the redesign, the 2017 A4 seems quite rudimentary in its appeal, with straight character lines flowing across the sides.

Boxy in its appeal, the 2017 Audi A4 gets 17-inch wheels as standard with new patterns, whereas the top-most trims get 18-inch ones too. It's definitely a pretty thing to look at. The front overhang is plenty, courtesy of the built-up fenders and. Chiseled in its appearance, the sleeper 2017 Audi A4, also has a longer wheelbase, depicting a good interior cabin space. Lighter than the majority of the competitors, the A4 shows its prowess in acceleration times too.

Model 2017 Audi A4 2017 BMW 3 Series 2017 Lexus IS 300 2017 Mercedes Benz C Class
Length (in) 186.1 182.8 184.3 184.5
Width (in) 74.1 72.5 71.3 73.0
Height (in) 56.2 56.3 56.3 56.8
Wheelbase (in) 111.0 110.6 110.2 111.8
Ground Clearance (inch.) 6.2 5.5 5.1 5.9
Curb Weight (lbs) 3483 3370 3737 3417

The 2017 Audi A4 comes loaded with the following exterior features-

  • LED High beam assist
  • Black Optic package
  • Xenon Plus headlights
  • Sunroof with sunshade, power tilt, and slide features
  • Chrome tip exhausts
  • Hands-free liftgate
  • Rain-sensing intermittent wipers
  • Power folding mirrors
  • 17-inch rims

Safety
8.0/10

Audi has certainly upped its safety game with the A4 sedan for the year 2017. The German automaker has introduced a new Driver Assistance package, which adds in the latest driver assistance tech available. The majority of the safety features are standard in the base trims, while the top-most trims get the more advanced tech. Coming onto the crash tests, NHTSA has given the 2017 A4 "5 on 5" stars for its crashworthiness, while the IIHS has awarded it a "Good" rating altogether.

The standard safety feature includes:

  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Blind-spot detection
  • Auto-leveling headlights
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control

Competition
9.0/10

2017 Audi A4 vs 2017 Lexus IS 300

Straight out of the bat, we can see from the given figures above, Lexus loses out to the 2017 A4 in the performance front by a mile, even with a roaring V6 at the helm. Lexus might be the most intriguing sedan of all, as the IS 300 does have a recipe for success, but somewhere or the other misses out on hitting the mark completely.

Exterior looks wise too, following the A4's update this year, we are more attracted toward the A4, rather than the Lexus. The interior of the IS 300 is extremely peculiar, with contrasting material usage and a relatively practical interior setup to go with its aggressive exterior silhouette.

2017 Audi A4 vs 2017 BMW 3 Series

If all the entry-level luxury sedans turn out to be completely sober for you, the BMW 3-Series is the way to move forward. Focused on delivering what the driver wants, both these sedans are absolute aces in this regard. Audi, for that matter, has given the A4 a much more spruced-up engine, along with the inspired agile handling dynamics.

Having said that, BMW knows how to keep its rivals on their toes, and thus, the 3-Series is the fastest car in its segment. Coming onto the interior, BMW has a nice layout altogether, but not as much as the one the 2017 A4 houses, with the latest set of advanced technological features. Our pick of the lot would definitely be the Audi A4.

Final Verdict

The 2017 Audi A4 has undergone a magnitude of changes this year, the primary of which is the new sharper and lighter platform upon which it is based on. Leading from the front in the entry-level luxury segment, the 2017 A4 has also got numerous feature updates, both in the safety and interior front. Moreover, the turbocharged engine also gets an update, which alone should convince you to buy the 2017 A4. Sharper and better in its appearance, the Audi A4 is our pick of the lot, and so it should be yours too.

Trims

    Ultra Premium
    $34,900 onwards
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM/HD/Satellite-Prep
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Heated mirrors
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Rain Sensing Windshield wipers
    • Remote keyless entry
    Ultra Premium Plus
    $34,900 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Navigation system
    Premium
    $37,300 onwards
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Audi's MMI infotainment system w/ 7-inch central display
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Automatic xenon headlights
    • Forward collision mitigation system
    • Leather upholstery
    • Sunroof
    • Tri-Zone climate control
    Premium Plus
    $37,300 onwards
    • 19-Speaker B&O surround-sound audio system
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Led headlights
    Prestige
    $37,300 onwards
    • Hd radio
    • Head-Up display
    • Interior ambient lighting
    • Surround-View parking camera system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$34,900- $48,950

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.33

Horsepower

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

Capacity

5

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$32,000- $44,900

Gasoline

6.72

206 hp @ 6800 rpm

182 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

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Gasoline

7.11

276 hp @ 5250 rpm

306 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

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$31,200- $49,250

Gasoline

8.33

186 hp @ 4400 rpm

221 lb.-ft.

4

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$47,600- $67,600

Gasoline

8.02

252 hp @ 5000 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

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$31,200- $48,400

Gasoline

8.47

186 hp @ 4400 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

-

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$33,450- $49,900

Gasoline

7.61

180 hp @ 5000 rpm

200 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

5

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$27,065- $36,540

Gasoline

6.82

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

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Gasoline

7.55

272 hp @ 5500 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

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$45,995- $70,795

Gasoline

7.45

268 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

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2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2017 Audi A4

    Ranked #6

    5.7 sec14.4 sec130 mph
    4.7 sec--
    2017 Audi S3

    Ranked #1

    4.7 sec13.6 sec155 mph
    5 sec13.6 sec-
    5.2 sec13.6 sec155 mph
    5.4 sec13.9 sec142 mph

    2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2017 Audi A4

      Ranked #3

      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg15.3 gal.413.1/566.1 mi.
      41 mpg38 mpg40 mpg13.5 gal.574/532 mi.
      28 mpg40 mpg33 mpg14.5 gal.406/580 mi.
      28 mpg34 mpg30 mpg10.8 gal.-
      45 mpg61 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.- -
      24 mpg36 mpg29 mpg14.8 gal.355.2/532.8 mi.

      2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2017 Audi A4

        Ranked #12

        186.1 in.72.5 in.56.2 in.7 in.111 in.
        195.5 in.72.2 in.57.2 in.6 in.114.6 in.
        195.2 in.78.2 in.57.4 in.4.1 in.116.5 in.
        2017 Audi A6

        Ranked #3

        194.2 in.73.8 in.57.8 in.7 in.114.6 in.
        194.1 in.73.4 in.58.2 in.8 in.112.2 in.
        193.9 in.73.4 in.58.1 in.5 in.112.2 in.

        2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2017 Audi A4

          Ranked #9

          13 cu.ft.87.7 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.
          14.7 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.15.9 cu.ft.
          10.4 cu.ft.91 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.96.5 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
          11.1 cu.ft.96.4 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.
          14.2 cu.ft.108 cu.ft.70.2 cu.ft.

          2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2017 Audi A4

            Ranked #1

            33.5 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.73 ft.
            -15.7 cu.ft.--
            -19.1 cu.ft.-76 ft.
            13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.-
            81.6 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.-
            -10.8 cu.ft.--

            2017 Audi A4 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2017 Audi A4

              Ranked #4

              --3450 lbs.
              2017 Audi A3

              Ranked #1

              7700 lbs.1102 lbs.3428 lbs.
              3500 lbs.890 lbs.3619 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3739 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3373 lbs.
              -959 lbs.3483 lbs.

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