2017 Audi A4 | CarGurus Test Drive Review

The redesigned 2017 Audi A4 sets new standards in the entry-luxury sport sedan segment. Granted, I evaluated an expensive example of the car, decked out with Prestige trim ($46,850 including the $950 destination charge) and every option except the Sport Package, 19-inch wheels, wood dashboard inlays, and rear side-impact airbags, bringing the price to $54,275. Therefore, my test vehicle’s extra-cost Quattro all-wheel-drive system, adaptive damping suspension, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, Audi Virtual Cockpit instrumentation, and summer performance tires certainly played key roles in delivering a significant “Wow!” factor. Still, much of what impresses most about the new A4 is baked right into the most basic versions.

It might not be the most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder you can get in an entry-luxury sport sedan, but its exceptionally broad horsepower and torque curves combined with uncanny refinement levels make the direct-injected 2.0-liter engine used in the new A4 my favorite. Imagine putting yourself into a 4-wheeled slingshot, and you’ll have a good idea of what it’s like to drive the new A4 when it is equipped with the optional torque-vectoring, Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which comes with a self-locking center differential.

Presenter: Christian Wardlaw
Producer: Dan Sharp

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Sedans & Hatchbacks

[ATWortman]

I have had my A4 for one week. It took about 10 minutes to learn how to put the transmission in park instead of reverse. Have not made the mistake you mention -- not even once.

[cameraz]

Please! I got used to the shifter in no time. Just train yourself to press the P for Park button when parking. It's not that difficult to do. I do it without thinking now. Nice review, by the way.

[marcelloluzi]

Mercedes has had awkward stalk mounted shifters for years and BMW has been using the Park button on their awkward shifter for years. Not sure how this could be any worse. Seems like the A4 has the best solution of the three.

[fabian]

I’m on my second B9 and I’m loving it. Fantastic all rounder

[shaivius]

I've had my A4 for about 2.5 months now. I admit that the shifter was a bit confusing for the first week. Especially compared to the Acura that it replaced. But after that...I'm totally use to it and isn't a problem at all.

[anotherbyteinc]

im going to get this, because my iq is over 100 and a transmission isn't too hard for me to figure out

[Amor_Fati_]

He is complaining about the shifter!? BMW has the same approach, but nobody says anything about that... Lol

[jamiroquaifan]

The transmission is great. It's not stupid, you are. The P even lights up to tell you you're in park and the virtual cockpit also displays a P within the rev counter.

[crimsonstang]

I hate when reviewers say that it looks just like the previous generation. It really doesn't at all. The new BMW 3-Series looks more like the 2016 than the 2017 A4 and the 2016 A4.

[Pillow_t]

@10:44 why is the guitar player going THAT HARD ON US!?!? OMG hes SHREDDING!!!!

[RedGrubb]

You get use to the electronic gear selector. Or if it really is just tripping you up, you can just press the ignition button and it will go automatically to park and even engage the emergency brake

[VinceUrban]

Loved the video and thank you for your review! I just bought the 2017 Audi A4 with the Premium Plus, Technology and Sport packages and it's an amazing car. I will admit, the shifter did take some getting used to but now that it's been a few weeks, I don't mind the design at all. It's fun to drive, looks sharp and is competitively priced with the mid-level package.

[MrLeonidas]

Take it easy on the shifter comment dude.It took me 20 minutes to get used to it

[jerryomalley]

The transmission shifter is hardly a deal breaker. In fact, learning to depress the park button isn't counterintuitive-just different. It became habit after several days. And the cars performance and technological sophistication is impressive .

[johnspecht]

Just bought one. I was used to the shifter the first time I got in the car. I love it.

[architecturehappy]

Haha, fantastic review besides your fixation on the shifter. I’ve driven a few cars with it and never had an issue, A4, A6, Allroad. I actually like it more since it’s less obtrusive in the cabin, feels roomier and makes for a great area to put your wrist while controlling MMI. Finally a reviewer who talks about the DRIVING, with examples and doesn’t just read the damn spec sheet. Can’t wait to buy this car used in a year or so.

[marianam.]

I love the adjectives you used to describe the cars strengths and weaknesses.

[arsinc]

hmm..first comment i've ever left on youtube....had 2 Acura TLs...didn't like the tlx...went shopping and found the a4...4 months ago...just love it!!! Has more torque than the TL'S and is just so much fun to drive in sport mode--love the sport seats--so comfortable and never realized there was any issue with the shift lever p vs. r...great review otherwise.

[corradomr]

Test drove the A4. No issues for me with the shifter. Car was smooth and refined and although the styling is conservative, the S-Line trim spices things up a bit.

[gpbuck]

I love the simpleness of the Shifter Forward for reverse, and back for Drive. I wouldn't doubt that in the future all cars will be this way. Simple.