THE MOST AFFORDABLE GERMAN SEDAN WITH MORE THAN 250 HORSEPOWER

In 2024, the sedan segment is as extensive as ever, with countless manufacturers offering seriously competitive models, making the decision on which one to buy much more difficult. More recently, the sedan segment has begun to lose some popularity to SUVs, but that by no means suggests that the quality of new sedans has diminished. Compact sedans are still the most affordable new cars on the market.

Out of all the brands competing in the segment, Audi has been at the forefront for years. Despite not falling into the most affordable category, Audi offers both standout performance and luxury with the long-standing A4. Starting production all the way back in 1994, the Audi A4 has managed to remain a top choice for the brand's customers.

While performance is usually reserved for larger sedans, the 2024 A4 manages to cross the 250 horsepower mark and is more affordable than its direct rivals from Europe and the United States. Here's a closer look at the familiar Audi A4, combining performance and modernism at a solid price tag.

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The 2024 Audi A4 Starts At $44,100 For The 45 TSFI Trim

As with the majority of new Audi models in 2024, the A4 is offered in multiple trims, with the sedan broken down into Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige variants. To reach the 250 horsepower mark, you'll have to choose the second 45 TSFI version of the Premium trim, which starts at $44,100.

Despite being $2,200 more expensive than the 40 TSFI Premium model, it's still more affordable than its closest rivals. Overall, the maximum price you can pay for the 2024 Audi A4 is $52,000 for the 45 TSFI Prestige trim. Because both the top-spec Premium and Prestige trims feature the same level of turbo fuel stratified injection, performance is the same between the two trims.

It's Punchy 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine

Keeping on topic with the performance of the Audi A4 45 TSFI, the sedan is powered by a small but fierce 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. In comparison with the 40 TSFI engine tune, you get 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, which is a pretty substantial decrease in power for only $2,200 less.

2024 Audi A4 45 TSFI Performance Specifications

Due to the boost in power, the 2024 A4 45 TSFI can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds, maxing out at a top speed of 130 miles per hour. To pair with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2024 A4 comes with a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. A feature that might let you down is the lack of choice for a manual transmission, but the automatic has received praise for its speed and smoothness.

Quattro All-Wheel-Drive As Standard

One of the standout features that you get with an Audi car is undoubtedly the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Almost every 2024 Audi comes with Quattro as standard, with different models receiving a certain type of driveline. In general, all-wheel-drive models are the best for providing the most grip in adverse conditions but tend to lose out on efficiency. Luckily, the unique technology that the type of Quattro system the A4 uses aims to rectify that.

The 2024 Audi A4 is one of the models that come with Quattro with ultra technology, which is designed to send power to the front wheels at all times while automatically sending power to the rear wheels whenever needed. Subsequently, the 2024 Audi provides solid fuel efficiency, with 24 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 27 MPG combined.

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It's Clean, Luxurious Design With Plenty Of Tech

It's not just the performance that makes the 2024 Audi A4 one of the best new compact sedans; the overall design style, both inside and out, keeps the long-standing feeling as fresh as possible. Audi is a brand well-known for striking a wonderful balance between comfort and sportiness, elements that can be found just about everywhere on the new A4. In addition to its design, the sedan is also kitted out with plenty of driver assistance tech, improving safety and making the overall driving experience a little more relaxing.

Keeping Things Minimal On The Outside

The most recent major exterior update for the Audi A4 came in 2020, with the 2024 model still not moving away from the style that was introduced four years ago. However, this is by no means a bad thing, with the A4's current shape managing to stay modern not only compared to the rest of the Audi range, but the entire compact sedan segment. The A4 does receive updates in the paintwork department, with Arkona White replacing Ibis White, and Progressive Red Metallic replacing Tango Red Metallic.

Sleek Interior With Ample Driver Assistance

Due to being one of the cheapest new Audis in 2024, the A4 doesn't have as extreme an exterior design as the more expensive models. However, moving inside, the 2024 A4 most definitely delivers in the luxury sector, using high-quality materials throughout the entire cabin. For the seats, you have the choice between four different leather-trimmed seat options, all at no extra cost. The dashboard also features wooden trim accents to further heighten the luxurious feel, striking the balance between opulence and modernism.

The majority of the modernism comes through the A4's wide array of technological features, with the 10.1-inch touchscreen display taking center stage. To maximize the intuitive experience behind the wheel, the A4 comes with an available 12.3-inch H display. Three different display modes are available for the display, providing some level of personalization. Regarding the driver assistance features, the Audi A4 comes with:

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The 2024 A4 Compared To Its Rivals

With there still being quite a few top-tier entries within the compact sedan segment in 2024, it comes as no surprise that the Audi A4 faces some serious competitors in 2024. The main rivals for the A4 also typically come from Germany, but a few manufacturers Stateside are producing models that more than deserve to be considered alongside the best Europe has to offer.

Tough Competition Out Of Germany

Keeping on topic with the German rivals for the A4, the 2024 BMW 3 Series is one of the most direct, with the two nameplates going toe-to-toe for some time now. The BMW 3 Series starts at $44,500 in 2024, coming in ever so slightly more expensive than the A4 45 TSFI trim. Regarding power, the 3 Series delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, losing out on horsepower compared to the Audi but increasing the torque levels.

Another German compact sedan that competes with both the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which starts at $46,950. The C-Class perhaps rivals the 3 Series more directly than the A4, with the Mercedes producing the exact same performance specs as the BMW. Mercedes-Benz is a brand that has luxury at its core, but the 2024 A4 manages to rival the C-Class's interior quality for a lower price.

Formidable Rivals Stateside

As mentioned, manufacturers here in the United States also compete at the pinnacle of the compact sedan segment, shifting at least some of the focus away from the European heavy hitters. One of the key competitors in the States is the 2024 Cadillac CT4, which starts at $45,995 when choosing the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine option. This is the first trim to break the 250 horsepower mark and does so by some margin, producing 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.

While Honda is well-known for producing countless sturdy, reliable sedans, it's the Acura brand (Honda's luxury and performance division) that manages to compete with the Audi A4. The 2024 Acura TLX is the current flagship sports sedan for the brand, starting at $45,000. For performance, the TLX is closer to the A4 than the Cadillac CT4, producing 272 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque.

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The Future Of The Audi A4

Regarding the future of the Audi A4 nameplate, big changes are heading its way. As with many other brands, including main rival BMW, Audi is planning a full switch over to electric power. The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer announced that they will only produce electric vehicles from 2026 onwards. As a result, the A4, as we know, will be no more.

Instead of offering the A4 range, Audi has decided to rename the A4 to the A5 in 2025. Further changes to the rest of the Audi range include the A6, which will become the A7. These changes are designed to cut down production of combustion engine cars before the 2026 transition. The A4 nameplate will be a key factor in this transition, with the compact car going all-electric in 2026.

Despite the 2024 model being the last of the combustion-engined run, the latest Audi A4 still offers outstanding performance with the 45 TSFI tune. Being priced below all of its rivals that also produce over 250 horsepower, the 2024 A4 is the perfect sendoff after a 30-year run.

Engine	2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
Horsepower	261 HP
Torque	273 LB-FT
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic
Driveline	AWD
Fuel Economy	27 MPG (combined)
0-60 MPH	6.3 Seconds
Top Speed	130 MPH