2023 Audi A4 Sedan Review: Sure-Footed Executive Excellence

The compact luxury segment has always been dominated by the German giants, with the BMW 3 Series traditionally leading the way, but the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 have been closing the gap, with the 2023 A4 Sedan showing off handling prowess that, together with a comfortable, tech-rich cabin, shows why this is an attractive option in the segment. Thanks to its standard quattro all-wheel-drive system, the A4 is one of the most balanced sports sedans money can buy, and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood delivers enough oomph for some fun. This looks like 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and a 5.2-second sprint to 60 mph when you tick the box for the 45 TFSI engine. The base model makes 201 hp, but the trade-off is improved fuel economy. It doesn't hurt that the 2023 A4 is one of the most attractive sports sedans for the money, either. Is the A4 now one of the top choices rather than just an interesting alternative to the best?

What's the Price of the 2023 Audi A4 Sedan?

In base Premium form, the A4 goes on sale for an MSRP in the USA of $40,300 before a $1,095 destination charge. Opt for the more powerful engine option on this cheapest model and you'll add $2,100 to the price of the new Audi A4. The mid-level Premium Plus trim retails for $45,400, but the premium for the stronger engine is lower here, at $1,600. The top-level Prestige trim is the most expensive in the range and has a base price of $50,600. However, the more potent engine adds a cost of just 700 bucks on this trim. Fully loaded, Audi A4 prices can easily get to the $60k mark.

2023 Audi A4 Sedan Handling and Driving Impressions

Compared to its sportier competitors, the 2023 Audi A4 is extremely well balanced. It may not be as spry and athletic as a BMW or as plush as a Mercedes, but it strikes a perfect middle ground. The elegantly designed chassis handles corners with grace, especially with the added traction of the quattro drivetrain. When traveling at speed, the steering gains a fair amount of heft, though feedback never feels truly engaging.

The suspension does an excellent job of smoothing uneven surfaces and it never feels unsure on the road. It could do with a few more in-cabin comforts, as it doesn't feel as plush as a Merc or more expensive Rolls-Royce, but these can be added at extra cost. However, that's not really the segment this sports exec competes in, and for what it's designed to do, the A4 is superb.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Audi A4 Sedan A Good Car?

With all that the Audi A4 brings to the table, it makes a compelling case for itself. True, it may not be leading the pack in any one area, but it excels in each - it has enough power to feel lively and the necessary handling to harness that kick for a few thrills. It also boasts a well-tuned suspension that eats up bumps and a standard all-wheel drivetrain that grips slippery asphalt with ease. Audi also ensures that a decent list of features are included as standard, with the whole package wrapped in an attractive but unassuming exterior.

It would be nice if a few extras came standard rather than asking you to fork over even more cash, but we can't fault the sedan too much. And with a brilliant safety review from the IIHS, the 2023 Audi A4 is a must-see when you're shopping in this segment. It's both sensible and suave and should keep most buyers pretty happy.

What 2023 Audi A4 Sedan Model Should I Buy?

As is often the case, the Goldilocks model in the lineup is the one right in the middle. The mid-level Premium Plus trim is enhanced with a 12.3-inch driver info display, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, wireless charging, satellite radio, parking sensors, a hands-free trunk, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and vehicle exit warning, adaptive cruise control, and driver's seat and wing mirror memory functions. This model also has access to navigation and the Warm Weather Package with its ventilated front seats in 40 TFSI guise. Other options are available too, but we think these are all you need for a comfortable and capable compact luxury sedan.