Here’s a trick that would be nice to pull off.
The 2018 Audi A4 2.0T quattro S tronic sedan has gotten bigger – and weighs less!
A4’s cabin, which seats up to five adults, is noticeably bigger allowing for more hip, leg and headroom for everyone. And the trunk benefits as well – golf clubs and a Sun Mountain pushcart now fit easily without having to fold down a seat.
But the part I like best is the A4 lost weight. Significant weight. Up to 242 pounds, depending on the engine version. The body is the lightest in the competitive field thanks to an intelligent mix of materials and lightweight design.
Powered by a 2.0-liter, TFSI, four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, the A4 generates 252 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.
That’s more than enough power to maneuver around traffic, pass on inclines and carve corners while simultaneously benefiting from an EPA estimated 34-miles-per-gallon fuel economy down the highway.
But that’s not all Audi engineers have up their collective sleeves. The new generation A4 benefits from a groundbreaking synthesis of technology and aesthetics to enhance its already bestselling vehicle family.
A4 comes in three trim levels, the base premium ($40,000), premium plus and prestige ($52,000). My tester, of course, was prestige – which added $9,500 to the bottom line. Other options included a cold-weather package ($500) and natural gray oak inlays ($350).
The exterior creates an elegant, athletic vibe. A4 benefits from flowing design with concise lines and a broad, single-frame grille. My tester received a Moonlight Blue metallic coat of paint that virtually glowed in the summer sun.
The prestige package will float your boat with 18-inch, five-spoke dynamic design wheels, aluminum high-gloss window surrounds, Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated auto-dimming power-folding side mirrors, alarm system with motion sensor, parking system with multi-view camera, virtual cockpit with Google Earth navigation, adaptive cruise control and dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows – to name a few.
The A4 has always included a lengthy list of standard accoutrements. New for this year are Xenon headlights, keyless engine starting, Bluetooth interface, Audi drive select and a seven-inch MMI color display. Other goodies include a smartphone interface, 3D sound and phone box with wireless charging and Audi connect services.
In addition to the adaptive cruise control, the A4 include numerous other high-tech safety features to keep your family safe. Highlights include low-speed collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic stabilization control.
A4 is hard to beat – but don’t take my word for it. The car was named 2018 “Luxury Car of the Year” by Cars.com at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Cars.com editors praised the Audi A4 for its “balance of sport, luxury, function, amenities, quality and comfort” in the compact luxury sedan category.
Base Price: $40,500
Price As Driven: $52,400
Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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