MSRP: $38,390- 47,940
8 /10
Rating
Pros
- Punchy sub-2000rpm torque
- Quattro grips in corners
- 10.1-inch screen leap
Cons
- Rear legroom economy-class
- Top trims feel overkill
- No spare tire
2020 Audi A4 review with Vyocar
It’s the epitome of polished, tech-savvy efficiency, but you’ll constantly wish you’d sprung for the Avant wagon for actual usability.
Overview
Having spent weeks reviewing it, I’ll say this: the B9 generation’s mid-life makeover is more than just lipstick. That reworked Singleframe grille and sharper contour lines give the side view a muscular, broader stance, especially at the rear fenders, and yeah, it’s 24mm longer and 5mm wider than the 2017 model year predecessor, freeing up legit interior space. Under the hood, the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder packs a punchy 248-hp punch, paired with a buttery seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD). The mild-hybrid (MHEV) system? Nifty for fuel-efficient stop-starts but won’t rewrite performance specs. Inside, the cabin slays with user-friendly digital infotainment, Matrix LED technology headlights (bye, manual toggling, automatic high beam rules), and legit active safety features. Compared to the Audi A3, cargo room’s still the downside next to the Avant wagon or high-riding Allroad, but for a stylish, balanced mid-size sedan that nails ride comfort and sophisticated tech.
What’s New for 2020
Don’t expect a revolution for Audi’s bread-and-butter sedan this year, but the refresh serves up worthwhile styling and tech bumps. Outside, the exterior gets sharper visual tweaks: a new, wider grille that looks like it hit the gym, redesigned bumper elements, and fresh wheel designs. Honestly, it’s more aggressive without trying too hard. Inside’s where you feel the updated vibe: they finally ditched last year’s 7.0-inch display (good riddance, postage stamp) for a slick standard 10.1-inch infotainment screen perched on the dash. Base models get heated front seats and three-zone automatic climate control now, no more backseat thermostat wars. My test units also had the sweet optional ambient lighting (mood lighting for your commute) and the flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles, which just feels right. They even threw in power-adjustments for the driver’s seat as standard equipment. Still no sunroof standard though, typical. Overall, better tech and new looks make this 2020 Audi feel properly current.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Pick
In the mid-range, the Premium Plus is the sweet spot. It balances tech, comfort, and price without asking for your kidneys. You get push-button start, a smartphone-charging pad, and a sharp display setup that doesn’t look like a discount tablet glued to the dash. Oh, and the SiriusXM and satellite radio setup is smooth, even if you’ll probably still end up Bluetooth-streaming everything anyway. There’s memory settings for the driver’s seat, too, which feels oddly luxurious for something you’ll mostly use once and forget about.
Every trim runs with the same 248-hp turbo four-cylinder setup, and all-wheel drive is there if you need grip over glam. Rear passengers aren’t left totally abandoned either, with rear-seat USB charging ports making sure nobody has to play rock-paper-scissors over the last bar of the phone battery. It’s not just about flair, this thing’s got function where it matters.
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is your standard engine across most trim levels, dishing out a plentiful 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque that kicks in way down low (sub-2000 rpm). Forget turbo-lag – it’s tractable right off the line. Mated to the slick seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro AWD (standard now, thankfully), it hustles to 60 mph in a quick 5.6 seconds in the Prestige trim I tested. That mild-hybrid system? It’s subtle, mainly helping with smooth stop-starts and a tiny fuel economy bump, not adding power. Steering is precise but a bit light on feel – classic Audi clinical precision. The ride quality on the standard springs is splendidly balanced, soaking up bumps on bumpy roads without getting choppy, though you feel coarse-chip road noise more than in some competitors, especially when you compare it with the Lexus ES 350 for cabin quietness. Drivers looking for a sharper edge might also consider the Hyundai Elantra N. Push it on a twisty road, and the grippy Pirelli P Zero tyres (part of an optional handling package) and sharp body control make it a confident, if not wildly exciting, handler. Want a growl? You’ll need the S4 and its V6 engine. This powertrain is about smooth, swift efficiency, not exhaust pipes shouting “look at me!”. It gets the job done with German-educated aplomb.
Fuel Efficiency and Real World Testing
Let’s be real: the mild-hybrid system isn’t a hybrid in the traditional sense, but Audi’s technology—like energy recovery and idle-stop—nudges fuel optimization nicely. In my real-world testing, that 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with the smooth-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission averaged 24 mpg in grumpy city traffic (endless stop-and-go), but hit 32 mpg on open highway stints. Mixed driving? Expect around 27 mpg, kissing the EPA-estimated combined estimate. Quattro all-wheel drive dings drivetrain efficiency slightly, but light throttle inputs keep it responsive, and highway cruising feels oddly quieter. For comparison, the Volkswagen Arteon offers a similar turbocharged setup with notable highway refinement. The start-stop feature is less jarring than rivals, and a full tank nets you 420 miles of overall range, stellar practicality for a daily driver. Consumption figures won’t shock you, but fuel economy’s predictable. Not a sipper, just smart.
Interior and Comfort
Step into the cabin, and it’s immediately clear Audi hasn’t skimped. Forget entry cars with cheap plastic – you’re greeted with soft‑touch surfaces, real brushed aluminum inlays, and leather upholstery (optional but worth it). The S line interior package adds stainless‑steel pedal caps and larger side bolsters on the well‑cushioned, powered‑adjustable seats (with memory settings, thankfully). Even the heated steering wheel feels like a warm handshake on a cold morning. Rear‑seat space? Fine for adults aboard shorter trips, but 6‑footers might feel like they’re in economy class back there – rear legroom isn’t this four‑door sedan’s superpower. Storage is smart: deep door pockets, a 12‑volt outlet, and two USB ports handle your odds and ends. The star? That 10.1‑inch touchscreen perched high. It’s a huge leap from the old MMI dial (RIP, rotary knob), making entertainment info and navigation genuinely user‑friendly. Add the optional ambient interior lighting with ten different colors, and night drives feel like a lounge. Wind and road noise stay impressively minimal, thanks partly to laminated glass, creating a legit hushed cabin on the highway. Just expect some Germanic firmness over sharp bumps – it’s controlled but never plush.
Cargo & Practicality
Let’s be blunt: the sedan’s 460-litre trunk capacity is just Good, not great. Audi quotes 460 litres, which honestly feels about right for regular luggage – you’ll fit a couple of large suitcases or the weekly moving haul, but it trails rivals like the BMW 3 Series (480 litres). The opening is moderately sized, so bulky items are a wrestling match. Need extra space? The 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats folded down are a lifesaver, freeing up a useful 1495 litres total. It’s not the Avant wagon (that offer has 495 litres standard!), or the high-riding Allroad, but it works. Inside, cubit storage is decent: cubits in the doors, a net in the boot, and a 12.0-volt connector. Safety features include full LATCH anchor sets on the outboard rear seats and top-tether points – crucial for child seats. The glaring downside? No spare tyre, just a $1500 space-saver spare kit if you want real peace of mind. For a complete system, it’s functional but reminds you a wagon costs more for a reason.
Tech & Connectivity
Okay, let’s geek out on the tech. The biggest news for 2020 is the outgoing rotary dial MMI system getting tossed, good riddance. It’s supplanted by a slick 10.1‑inch touchscreen perched high on the dash (MIB 3). This thing is a refinements study; the graphics are sharp, menus are easy to navigate, and it’s way faster than the previous 7.0‑inch setup. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly, hallelujah, no finicky cables! Base trims get a basic stereo, but step up to Premium Plus or Prestige for the optional Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system (either a 10‑speaker or face-melting 19‑speaker arrangement). Trust me, it’s worth the charge for true eargasm. While rivals like the Acura TLX offer their own tech suites, the optional Virtual Cockpit (12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster) remains a class leader, letting you swap analogue readouts for full-screen navigation or audio information. Connectivity is solid: Bluetooth, USB ports (front and rear), HD Radio, and streaming audio via the Audi smartphone app. The only nitpick? Some safety settings buried in on‑screen menus can feel less user-friendly than physical buttons. Overall, it’s a myriad leap forward, providing a best-in-class infotainment experience. The optional Virtual Cockpit (12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster) remains a class leader, letting you swap analogue readouts for full-screen navigation or audio information. Connectivity is solid: Bluetooth, USB ports (front and rear), HD Radio, and streaming audio via the Audi smartphone app. The only nitpick? Some safety settings buried in on‑screen menus can feel less user-friendly than physical buttons. Overall, it’s a myriad leap forward, providing a best-in-class infotainment experience.
Safety
Safety isn’t sexy, but Audi nails the basics. The 2020 model aced its crash safety tests, snagging an IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a full 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. That means top marks in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests – basically, it’s built like a tank wrapped in a sophisticated suit. Standard kit is decent: you get automatic emergency braking (Audi Pre Sense City) that spots imminent collisions with cars and pedestrians, plus a rearview camera, LED headlights, automatic high beams, tyre pressure monitor, and eight airbags. Stepping up to Premium Plus or Prestige unlocks the good stuff via the Assistance package: adaptive cruise control (works smoothly, not jerky), active lane assist (gently nudges you back), blind spot monitoring (side assist), and rear cross traffic alert (lifesaver in parking lots). Want hands-free parallel parking or a surround-view camera? That’s the parking system plus add-on – handy, but pricey. My gripes? Front parking sensors and exit warning (stops you dooring cyclists) are optional even on higher trim levels.
Bottom line: crashworthiness is excellent, but the best driver assistance features require opening your wallet. Safety shouldn’t be pay-to-play, but hey, it’s a luxury sedan.
Warranty and Maintenance Plan
You get a four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty, which is pretty standard across luxury vehicles in this price range. The manufacturer’s program also offers a 12-month/unlimited-mile CPO warranty if the car qualifies, which means it has to pass a 125-plus-point inspection and be purchased under their certified pre-owned plan. But unlike Lexus or BMW, there’s no comprehensive five-year coverage, and Mercedes-Benz throws in more sweeteners for certified models.
Maintenance plans? That’s where things get a little stingy. A three-year/60,000-mile service package is available, but it’ll cost you $2050 up front. Add $2720 if you’re looking at the 40 TDI or diesel variants, and you’ll quickly realize you’re paying luxury money for basic care. The petrol options aren’t much better, especially if you’re planning to keep it until the coverage expires. And let’s not forget the $3190 tag on the allroad, which feels a bit much for what’s essentially routine service at 20,000-mile intervals.
I did my research and even looked at rivals like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, and honestly, they make this package feel a bit underwhelming. You must either be obsessed with staying certified, or ready to gamble on used cars with expired perks. The plan is available for Audis across the board, but it’s priced like gold, $1710 for just two years on some pre-owned vehicles, and that’s after the original warranty has ended. If you’re looking at older models, even the additional one-year coverage is not enough to feel protected.
More images of the 2020 Audi A4
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