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Which used Audi A4 should you buy?
If you’re considering an Audi A4, there’s no doubt it offers plenty of choice. A broad array of engines was available across the range, and there’s a selection of bodystyles, too.
The core models could be specified with one of a selection of petrol and diesel units – some of which from 2019 onwards were fitted with mild-hybrid tech, which used an electric motor generator unit to give the engine a bit of assistance when accelerating and in turn help improve fuel economy.
If you’re willing to pay a bit more in price and running costs for performance, there are also the sporty Audi S4 and Audi RS4 models to consider.
Many of the Audi A4s you’ll find on sale will be the regular saloon version. But there’s also an Audi A4 Avant estate variant, which builds upon the already spacious passenger cabin with an even larger luggage capacity over the saloon model.
There’s also an Audi A4 Allroad variant of the estate, which is a bit more suited to light off-road duties thanks to its slightly higher ride height.
Whichever model you go for, excellent build quality and the desirability that comes with a premium badge are guaranteed.
What used Audi A4 trim levels are available?
As we explain below, the range is fairly wide, with a number of different specifications on offer.
Audi A4 S line models are popular, with widespread availability, so they make a good place to start if you want a large pool of cars to choose from.
Audi A4 SE
Until it was replaced by the Audi A4 Technik spec in 2019, the Audi A4 SE was the entry-level model in the range. It doesn’t have all of the creature comforts you’ll find on more expensive models, although that doesn’t mean it’s pared back, as the list below illustrates. But the engine range is quite limited – the only options when the car was new were a 152PS 1.4-litre petrol and a 152PS 2.0-litre diesel, which were both available with six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearboxes.
- Three-zone automatic air-conditioning
- Seven-inch media system
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
Audi A4 Technik
When the Audi A4 was given a mid-life update in 2019, the Audi A4 SE spec was rebranded as the Audi A4 Technik trim. There were minor spec changes (below), and the engine range was given a slight tweak, too. The petrol engine line-up consisted solely of a 152PS 2.0-litre engine, while the diesel selection is made up of 138PS and 165PS versions of the same 2.0-litre engine.
- 10.1-inch media screen
- Heated front seats
Audi A4 Sport
The next step up from the Audi A4 SE trim, the Audi A4 Sport includes all of the equipment available on the base Audi A4 plus some interesting additions (below). There was more variety in the engine options, too, with a 193PS 2.0-litre petrol, a 193PS 2.0-litre diesel and a 221PS 3.0-litre diesel to choose from. All three of the new engines were only available with the automatic gearbox, and the two new diesels were exclusively all-wheel-drive.
- 10-speaker sound system
- Heated front seats
- Built-in sat-nav
Audi A4 Sport Edition
Audi A4 Sport Edition models are by and large pretty similar to the pre-update Audi A4 Sport variants, with some cosmetic upgrades. In terms of engines, if the 152PS petrol and diesel choices don’t appeal, there was also a 207PS 2.0-litre petrol and a 207PS 2.0-litre diesel to pick from. Both of those engines have a seven-speed automatic gearbox, although the diesel is the only Audi A4 Sport Edition with all-wheel-drive.
- Sporty front seats
- Sporty bodykit
- 18-inch alloy wheels
Audi A4 S line
The Audi A4 S line trim delivers sportier styling and detailing, plus stiffer suspension, which makes it sharper to drive but affects ride comfort. Depending on the age of the Audi A4 S line you’re looking at, the available engines will differ slightly. On pre-update cars, the range consisted of three petrols (152PS, 193PS, 255PS) and four diesels (152PS, 193PS, 221PS, 276PS), whereas updated models were offered with 152PS, 207PS and 269PS petrol and diesel options.
- Restyled front and rear bumpers
- Part-leather front seats
- S line badging
- Stiffer suspension
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 19-inch alloy wheels (Post-2019 models)
Audi A4 Black Edition
Equipment-wise, the Audi A4 Black Edition doesn’t boast any extras, but features a number of cosmetic changes (below). All of the engines featured on the less expensive Audi A4s have been carried over on to the Audi A4 Black Edition. As with the rest of the range, though, be aware that the engine line-up changes depending on whether you’re looking at a pre-update or post-update car.
- Piano black interior trim
- Gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels
- Black window surrounds
- Black radiator grille
- Black Audi badging
Is a used Audi A4 a good buy?
The Audi A4 is an upmarket car that’s long been a thorn in the side of rivals like the BMW 3 Series and another German challenger, the Mercedes C-Class.
As with competitors, the Audi A4 is a classy-looking car inside and out, and as it has been a popular choice when new, there are always plenty available.
All versions are fairly comfortable and refined, so they’re well suited to longer drives on motorways, although the ride can be a bit on the firm side in models fitted with larger wheels or the stiffer sports suspension set-up.
And while it’s not the most engaging car of this type down a twisty road, the light controls make the Audi A4 easy to drive around town.