Cars

Is the 2025 Audi A4 Worth It? Full Review & Test Drive

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Is the 2025 Audi A4 Worth It? Full Review & Test Drive

The 2025 Audi A4 continues its legacy as a premium compact executive sedan that strikes a fine balance between luxury, performance, and technology. As one of the most enduring names in the German automotive lineup, the A4 has evolved steadily over the years. But with fierce competition from the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and rising interest in electric vehicles, many buyers are asking: Is the 2025 Audi A4 worth it? In this comprehensive review and test drive analysis, we’ll dive into every aspect of the new A4—from its design and engine options to its cabin experience, safety features, and overall value proposition—so you can make an informed decision.

Exterior Design: Refined, Not Radical

The 2025 Audi A4 doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to design, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, Audi has opted for a subtle evolution of the signature A4 silhouette, refining details for a more modern and athletic presence. Up front, the Singleframe grille is slightly wider and bolder, flanked by redesigned LED Matrix headlights with dynamic turn signals. These new lighting elements not only improve visibility but also give the car a sharper, more alert look.

Along the sides, crisp character lines run from the front fenders to the rear haunches, emphasizing the car’s low center of gravity. The 18-inch alloy wheels (standard on Premium Plus and above trims) add a sporty flair, while flush door handles contribute to improved aerodynamics. At the rear, updated LED taillights with dynamic indicators and a more sculpted bumper enhance the car’s visual width and sophistication.

Despite the tweaks, the A4 still maintains a reserved elegance. It won’t turn heads like a Lamborghini, but it exudes quiet confidence—perfect for professionals who value understated luxury over flamboyance.

2025 Audi A4 exterior design front view

Interior: Premium Craftsmanship Meets Modern Tech

Step inside the 2025 Audi A4, and you’re immediately enveloped in a cabin that feels both refined and futuristically advanced. Audi’s obsession with fit, finish, and high-quality materials shines here. Soft-touch surfaces, real aluminum or wood inlays (depending on trim), and tight panel gaps all contribute to a sense of solidity and luxury.

The centerpiece of the interior is the updated MMI (Multi Media Interface) infotainment system, now running on the latest MIB4 platform. The standard 10.1-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, with crisp graphics and haptic feedback on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and wireless, a welcomed upgrade from previous years.

Audi has reduced the number of physical buttons in favor of a minimalist, touchscreen-heavy layout. Some users may miss tactile controls, but the system’s voice command functionality and natural language processing help bridge the gap. The optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus digital gauge cluster is a standout, offering customizable views, navigation integration, and even performance metrics.

Passenger space remains consistent with prior models. Front occupants enjoy excellent headroom and bolstered sport seats, while rear passengers benefit from generous legroom—especially for a vehicle in this segment. Trunk capacity is a competitive 12.6 cubic feet, with a hands-free power lift (on higher trims) making loading groceries or luggage a breeze.

Performance and Engine Options

The 2025 Audi A4 continues with a familiar yet effective powertrain lineup, focusing on efficiency and responsive performance. All models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine, but there are two primary output levels depending on the trim:

Both engines are mated to a smooth-shifting 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which sends power to the standard quattro all-wheel drive system. This setup provides excellent traction in adverse weather and confident handling on curvy roads. The A4’s adaptive suspension (optional on Premium Plus, standard on Prestige) further enhances ride comfort and dynamic capability, adjusting damping in real time based on road conditions and driving style.

Driving the 2025 A4, especially the 45 TFSI model, is a pleasurable experience. Throttle response is immediate, and the engine delivers power in a linear fashion. The steering is precise, though some drivers may find it slightly over-assisted in Comfort mode. Switch to Dynamic mode, and the steering firms up, throttle mapping becomes more aggressive, and the transmission holds gears longer—perfect for spirited driving.

While the A4 isn’t marketed as a performance sedan like the Audi S4 (which returns with a turbo V6 in 2025), it offers more than enough power for most drivers. It excels as a daily driver that can also be fun on weekend backroads.

Fuel Efficiency: Competitive in Its Class

Fuel economy is a key consideration for many luxury sedan buyers, and the 2025 Audi A4 delivers respectable numbers. The base 40 TFSI model is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. The more powerful 45 TFSI sees a slight dip to 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

These figures are competitive with rivals. The BMW 330i (25/34/29 mpg) and Mercedes C300 (25/34/28 mpg) are in the same ballpark, though the A4’s real-world efficiency often matches or exceeds EPA estimates thanks to its intelligent start-stop system and aerodynamic design.

It’s also worth noting that Audi has not released a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the A4 for 2025, focusing instead on refining the internal combustion engine. While some may miss the fuel-sipping A4 TFSI e of previous years, Audi’s strategy may reflect shifting brand priorities toward fully electric models like the e-tron lineup.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Control

After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2025 Audi A4 45 TFSI Prestige, several key strengths stood out during our test drive. The car strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and control, making it ideal for long commutes, city driving, and highway cruising.

On urban streets, the A4 soaks up bumps and potholes with composure. The standard suspension is well-tuned, but the optional adaptive dampers on higher trims elevate the experience by reducing body roll and improving overall ride quality. Noise insulation is excellent—wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, allowing occupants to enjoy the standard Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system without cranking the volume.

During our test drive through mountainous terrain, the A4 proved surprisingly agile. The quattro system distributed power seamlessly between the front and rear axles, maintaining grip even on wet pavement. The car’s 50:50 weight distribution enhances stability, and the responsive steering inspires confidence when carving corners.

One area where the A4 doesn’t quite match the BMW 3 Series is in steering feel. While accurate, the electric power steering lacks the analog feedback that driving enthusiasts cherish. However, for the average buyer who prioritizes comfort and ease of use, this is unlikely to be a dealbreaker.

Braking performance is strong, with large ventilated discs up front and minimal fade during repeated hard stops. The brake pedal offers a firm, linear feel, making it easy to modulate during daily driving.

Technology and Driver Assistance Features

The 2025 Audi A4 is packed with cutting-edge technology, both for entertainment and safety. The MIB4 infotainment system supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your car’s software stays current without visiting a dealership. Natural voice control allows you to adjust climate settings, navigate, or play music using conversational phrases like “I’m cold” or “Find the nearest coffee shop.”

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is seamless, with wireless connectivity standard across all trims. The optional head-up display projects speed, navigation arrows, and adaptive cruise status onto the windshield, reducing the need to glance down at the instrument panel.

On the safety front, the A4 comes standard with Audi Pre Sense, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Higher trims add a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:

During our test, these systems worked impressively well. The adaptive cruise held the set distance reliably, even in stop-and-go traffic. Lane keeping assist gently nudged the car back into the center of the lane without feeling intrusive. While not a full Level 2 autonomous system like GM’s Super Cruise, the A4’s tech reduces driver fatigue on long trips and enhances safety in everyday scenarios.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Audi A4 is available in three main trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Each offers a distinct value proposition depending on your budget and desired features.

1. Premium ($41,500)

The base Premium trim is well-equipped for its price. Standard features include:

While it lacks some luxury touches, the Premium trim delivers excellent value for buyers who want core Audi luxury without extras.

2. Premium Plus ($45,800)

The step up to Premium Plus adds significant comfort and tech features:

This trim is the sweet spot for most buyers, offering a perfect blend of performance and technology.

3. Prestige ($50,200)

The top-tier Prestige trim is for those who want the full Audi experience:

For around $50K, the Prestige trim competes directly with loaded versions of the BMW 340i and Mercedes C300, offering comparable luxury and features.

Competitors: How the A4 Stacks Up

To determine whether the 2025 Audi A4 is worth it, it’s essential to compare it against its key rivals:

Audi A4 vs. BMW 3 Series

The BMW 330i and 340i remain strong competitors, known for their engaging driving dynamics and sporty interiors. While the BMW offers sharper steering and a more driver-focused cockpit, the A4 counters with superior interior materials, quieter cabin, and better standard AWD. The BMW also lacks standard all-wheel drive in base configurations, whereas quattro is standard on all A4s. For tech lovers, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and MIB4 system feel more modern than BMW