2022 Audi A4 Sedan Review: Poised And Precise
When it comes to compact luxury sedans, it has always been the BMW 3 Series that sets the benchmark, while the Audi A4 hustles for a piece of the pie, too. However, as Bavaria's favorite brand has pandered to global trends of increased luxury and technology, the competition has all but caught up in the handling department. One of the best examples of this is the Audi A4 quattro, a car that has grown into a truly impressive piece of kit. While it and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class both still have a little to learn in terms of true driving enjoyment, 2022's Audi A4 is more attractive than ever, despite only coming with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and all-wheel drive. Is the A4 now one of the true segment leaders, or should you consider something else?
2022 A4 Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 187.5 in | 111.0 in | 56.2 in | 72.7 in | 61.9 in | 61.2 in | 3,682.0 lbs |
2022 A4 Sedan Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The A4 is perfectly engineered for the segment in which it competes. It manages to balance both a comfortable and well-poised chassis setup with enough ability to make twisty roads fun to drive. It takes corners with aplomb, exhibiting minimal body roll and only showing signs of understeer when you really overcook it. The steering also weighs up nicely when you attack such corners, but some may find the lightness of the steering disconcerting when cruising on straight freeways. Nevertheless, the car accelerates, turns, and stops well, with only a rear-wheel-drive BMW offering more fun in the corners. Over corrugated tarmac or big bumps, the A4 is just as brilliant, soaking up imperfections with ease and never feeling harsh or floaty. Thanks to standard quattro all-wheel drive, the A4 is great at accelerating from the line and also gives drivers security when traveling over wet or icy roads. Overall, the A4 is not a Rolls-Royce or a Porsche, but for the segment it competes in, it stands out for trying to achieve the qualities of both these upper-class brands with style.
2022 A4 Sedan Interior
2022 A4 Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Hybrid/Electric Components | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 8 Years / 100,000 Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Audi A4 Sedan A Good Car?
In review, the Audi A4 is very good at being good. It doesn't excel, and it doesn't disappoint greatly in any meaningful regard. It handles well and feels good to drive but is not as exciting as a BMW. It has an average trunk capacity and a clean but simple cabin. Its looks are neither offensive nor heart-stirringly gorgeous. It has good specs as standard, but too many options can become pricey. On that note, why is satellite radio optional but a ten-speaker sound system is standard? Overall, the A4 is just plain good. This is a car that you buy when you want to be sensible. It will do everything you ask of it with poise and precision so long as you respect its limits. Basically, this is the car to get when you want the approval of your significant other. It's neither a wastefully opulent car nor a Scrooge-like cheap one. In this segment, that's pretty much ideal.
2022 Audi A4 Sedan Comparisons
2022 Audi A4 Sedan vs BMW 3 Series Sedan
Audi's biggest problem in this segment is, and always has been the BMW 3 Series. However, for the budget-conscious, the Audi is far more appealing than the Bimmer. The cost of the Audi A4 starts at $39,100 while the BMW 3 Series asks for at least 41,450 of your greenbacks. In base format, both come with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, with the Bimmer producing 255 horses compared to the Audi's 201. It also produces more torque with 294 lb-ft. Upgrading to the more powerful version of the A4 will give you 261 hp under your right foot, but the Bimmer comes as either a RWD or AWD car while the Audi is only available with quattro. The Audi has a smaller trunk too. For those who want more fun, the Bimmer is also available in M340i guise, with a 3.0-liter turbo straight-six B58 engine sending 382 hp through the wheels. However, this inflates the price significantly. Overall, the A4 is a sensible and capable sedan, but the Bimmer has a bigger trunk and is much more fun to drive.
2022 Audi A4 Sedan vs Genesis G70
A much more affordable alternative than either German option is the Genesis G70. It starts at just $37,525, below the Audi A4's price - but there are reasons for this. The 2.0-liter turbo in this car sends a strong 252 horses to the rear wheels, but it's thirstier and the RWD model returns five mpg less than the Audi on the EPA's combined cycle - with the comparable AWD model being 6 mpg worse. It also has a smaller, 10.5 cubic-foot trunk. Additionally, it only comes with dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch display and less headroom and legroom in the back. The infotainment system is also not on par with those in its German counterparts. Still, a 3.3-liter, twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque is an exciting proposition, especially when it costs less than 50 grand. That said, we still prefer the A4 overall. As a driving companion, the Genesis is a better prospect, but the A4 is far better overall.