The Audi A4 can feel quick, especially in its higher-performance variants, but it isn’t a sports car. It blends brisk acceleration with luxury comfort and refined handling. This article explains how speed applies to the A4 lineup today and what that means for prospective buyers.
Defining speed in the A4 lineup
For this overview, speed means how quickly the car can accelerate from a standstill, how responsive the engine feels under everyday driving, and how well the car maintains momentum on highways and interstates. The A4’s speed is tuned for real-world driving, efficiency, and comfort, rather than track-ready performance.
For quick reference, here is how the current A4 lineup generally performs across drive configurations:
- A4 40 TFSI quattro: approximately 6.0–6.5 seconds 0–60 mph
- A4 40 TFSI (front-wheel drive): approximately 7.0–7.5 seconds 0–60 mph
- S4 (higher-performance variant): approximately 4.0–4.4 seconds 0–60 mph
Notes: acceleration times vary by model year, transmission, tire choice, and testing method. All figures refer to typical EPA/Manufacturer estimates or commonly observed measurements in real-world testing.
How the A4 compares with rivals
In the compact luxury sedan segment, the A4 competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Each brand presents a similar spectrum of daily usability and performance, with some trims edging ahead in acceleration or handling while others emphasize comfort and technology.
- BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class generally offer comparable daily acceleration to the A4, with certain trims delivering quicker 0–60 times or sharper throttle response.
- The A4’s S4 variant and other high-performance options are typically faster in a straight line than the base trims of many rivals.
In practice, the choice often comes down to ride comfort, interior quality, tech features, and brand preference as much as outright speed. The A4 is designed to feel quick in everyday use, not to supplant dedicated sports sedans.
What makes the A4 feel fast
Engine options
Across current model years (as of the 2024–2025 range), the A4 line-up centers on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The base 40 TFSI makes about 201 horsepower, while higher-spec trims such as the 45 TFSI increase output toward roughly 261 horsepower. The high-performance S4 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with significantly more power, around 349 horsepower, delivering much quicker acceleration.
- Turbocharged inline-4 engines provide strong, immediate torque and smooth power delivery.
- All-wheel drive (quattro) available or standard on most trims improves launch grip and traction in varied conditions.
- Sport and Dynamic drive modes sharpen throttle response and shift characteristics for a more “feel-fast” character.
The combination of turbocharged power, efficient weight distribution, and Audi’s chassis tuning gives the A4 a confident, composed feel at highway speeds and during everyday merges.
Bottom line
In sum, the Audi A4 is fast enough to satisfy daily drivers who want brisk acceleration, a refined ride, and premium interior comfort. It isn’t a sports car, but its higher-performance variants—especially with quattro and proper equipment—offer strong, noticeable speed that holds up well against rivals in real-world driving. If your priority is track-capable speed, the S4 or a higher-performance Audi would be the better choice.
Summary
The Audi A4 sits squarely in the fast-but-not-sport-car category. It delivers solid, reliable acceleration and engaging dynamics for everyday driving, with the S4 providing a true performance increase. For shoppers seeking a balance of luxury, efficiency, and speed, the A4 remains a compelling option in the compact luxury saloon segment.