2009 Audi A4 Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published October 13, 2009

2:15 min

Most automotive rivalries are obvious � as soon as you as you see one car, you instantly think of the other. Take the Audi A4 for example � enthusiasts and shoppers alike are constantly checking the A4 against the BMW 3 Series.

Audis generally top the competition when it comes to interior look and feel, and that�s still the case. Certainly, brands like BMW and Infiniti have improved but the Audi layout is still more appealing � soft touch materials and plenty of metallic trim make the A4�s cabin a very nice place to spend time.

But as nice as the cabin is, the A4 has always felt a little cramped inside � thankfully, the redesigned 2009 A4 is a little longer and that means a rear seat with useful space at last. The trunk is also fairly generous.

Performance has been beefed up too, although overall the A4 lacks the edge of the 3 Series. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque � that�s 11 hp and 51 lb-ft more than last year's A4. 0-60 flies by in 6.5 seconds

Despite the extra power, the A4�s turbo 4 still delivers decent fuel economy � EPA estimates peg it as 23 mpg in combined driving.

Audi�s Quattro all-wheel drive has been revised � past versions were biased toward front wheel drive but the new version sends more power to the rear wheels. That makes the new A4 is just as effective carving up a favorite back road as it is in foul weather.

Ultimately, the 2009 Audi A4 is just as good as its rivals � it isn�t as aggressive as a 3 Series but it is more elegant. And for just the right buyer, it�s that extra dose of style that pushes the A4 to top of its class.