Audi A4 Avant Review 2024
Audi A4 Avant At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 19–39
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure
Audi might be continuing to develop its range of SUVs, but the German brand still has space for traditional estate cars. The Audi A4 Avant looks a little anonymous, but its classy image has helped it win many admirers. It also has plenty of capable rivals, including the BMW 3 Series Touring and refined Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate.
The fifth-generation A4 Avant was launched all the way back in 2015, but it’s testimony to this car’s design and engineering that it still feels modern. It is not the largest estate car on the market – a Skoda Superb Estate is far more commodious – yet it can comfortably transport four adults and their luggage. Our Audi A4 Avant review will explain why it’s worth considering.
When it comes to all-important boot capacity, the Audi A4 Avant is competitive with its closest rivals from BMW and Mercedes, as well as the Peugeot 508 SW and stablemate the Volkswagen Passat Estate. Offering 495 litres of luggage space with the back seats up, rising to 1495 litres with them folded down, it should be roomy enough for most families.
A Skoda Superb might offer more capacity, but it can’t match the Audi A4 Avant for interior quality. In fact, its cabin remains one of the Audi A4 Avant’s key selling points.
It has a genuinely premium look and feel, with leather upholstery standard on the entry-level Sport trim. Compared with newer alternatives, the Audi A4 Avant’s interior layout and MMI infotainment system are a beacon of clarity.
A BMW 3 Series Touring will be more engaging to drive, with better steering feel and feedback. For most drivers, though, this is unlikely to be a major concern. Instead, the Audi A4 Avant manages to be comfortable and refined, although the S line and Black Edition models have a tauter suspension setup.
The engine range for the Audi A4 Avant is now relatively simple, with a choice between two petrols and two diesels. These place a focus on efficiency and effortless progress, with the diesel 35 TDI a great choice for those covering larger mileages. Quattro four-wheel drive is only offered with the more potent diesel version.
For those who want maximum performance in their compact estate, the Audi RS4 Avant is available, which we have covered separately. This has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that develops a colossal 450PS. Such huge speed and ability clearly makes it deserving of its own review.
Unlike many of its rivals, the Audi A4 Avant is not offered with a plug-in hybrid option. In some ways, this reveals how old the car is underneath, now that such powertrains have become a staple of the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate ranges.
It is a rare chink in the armour of the Audi A4 Avant, in what is otherwise one of the best compact estate cars you can buy. With a balance between comfort and sportiness on the road, plus a host of efficient engines to pick from, it is easy to recommend.
Add to this the high-quality interior, generous level of standard equipment and competitive pricing, and the result is an estate car that is tough to ignore, despite its advancing years.