2019 Audi A4 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The Audi A4 was revamped just two years ago, but that doesn't mean you should expect that no changes were made to the 2019 Audi A4 line-up. They most certainly were, and these changes reflect the growing trend of refining small luxury sedans to perform on par with the more popular SUVs. While the A4 has a lot going for it (like being surprisingly spacious), the driving performance is dampened a bit by the lack of feedback from steering.
What's New for 2019?
The biggest change to the 2019 Audi A4 is that the Ultra trim, which was known for its efficiency, is gone. Its engine was instead made standard for all trim levels. Also, the manual transmission got scrapped from the line-up, and a few of the trim level names were altered.Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Audi A4 – The Pros
1. A Chic Cabin Design
When you hear the name Audi, you probably have a pretty clear image in your mind of contemporary elegance. The 2019 Audi A4 has a virtual cockpit that comes as an add-on feature but is really worth the cost to equip. It provides entertainment and navigation information as well as analog gauges on the instrument cluster. This just goes to show that gauges do not have to be digital to look stunning and up-to-date.
2. A Spacious Rear Seat
The old A4 models used to feel cramped, particularly in the rear seat. Thankfully, this is no longer the case. The new Audi A4 has a remarkably expansive back seat. There is plenty of shoulder, hip, knee, and head room even for adults spanning over 6 feet in height. Front seat passengers do not have to feel guilty about pushing their seats back and taking up too much room. While other luxury sedans struggle for rear seat space, Audi has it figured out on the A4.
3. A Powerful Turbocharged Engine
While the base turbo-charged 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine isn't weak (it does generate 188 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque), it does not compare to the refined power of the upgraded version found on the all-wheel drive TFSI. This engine is able to get a cool 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which certainly does enough to get the 2019 Audi A4 up to speed on the highway. It is a hushed engine, but it gets from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds without any problems.
4. A Very Short Panic Stop
99 feet is one of the shortest stopping distances from 60 mph on any vehicle in any class. And that is the amount of feet it takes for the A4 to come to a sudden halt. 'Impressive' might just be an understatement here, as this stopping distance leaves the A4's competitors far behind in the dust. Also, note that the A4's brakes feel appropriately firm and modulate well in various circumstances.
5. Excellent Traction From the All-Wheel Drive System
If you want to do some light off-roading or have to drive in inclement weather conditions a lot, go for the all-wheel drive system on the A4. The traction on it is outstanding. Even on rocky road surfaces or in slick conditions, the tires (especially those sticky summer tires) feel like they're firmly planted on the roadway. This will give you less reason to panic when you hit a patch of ice in the winter. The additional traction control system does well at mitigating different road surfaces.
6. Standard and Optional Sport Seats are Comfy
The standard seats on the 2019 Audi A4 are, without a doubt, quite comfortable to sit in. But the optional sport seats are just as plush and delightful during long road trips. The sport seats do have the extra boost of comfort from their built-in thigh support feature, but the standard seats share their excellent padding and lumbar support. You can easily sit for several hours at a time without your spine fatiguing.
7. A Cozy Ride From the Standard Suspension
While the adaptive suspension is definitely too firm for most people to enjoy, the standard suspension does a great job of providing a cozy ride. True to the nature of a German-made sedan, you will not feel any sudden shocks or rough jitters while going over bumpy or uneven surfaces. The A4 absorbs them without a problem, allowing its occupants to relax and enjoy the ride.
8. User-Friendly Features
A lot of new vehicles come jam-packed with high-tech gadgetry that does not make sense or just flat-out does not work as it is supposed to. The 2019 Audi A4 is different. Audi has gone about refining their technology in order to make it as user-friendly as possible. You don't have to be a tech guru to figure out the infotainment features, and the graphics on the touchscreen display read crystal clear. The fact that smartphone app integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes syncing your cellphone apps to your vehicle simple, and they tend to be even easier to use than the features built into the A4.
9. Clear Visibility
As a driver, having clear visibility from all sides is incredibly crucial. The A4 gives you that, thanks to its slender roof pillars and wide windshields. The standard rearview camera certainly comes in handy when you need to find out what is behind you, and blind spot monitoring can assist with checking your blind spots for other vehicles as you drive.
10. High-Quality Construction
Of course, this is Audi we are talking about, so you should expect nothing less than a high-quality construction. The cabin is equipped in durable upholstery and surface material, and absolutely none of it looks or feels cheap and gaudy.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Audi A4 – The Cons
1. The Transmission Hesitates
One of the drawbacks to driving the 2019 Audi A4 is that the standard 7-speed dual clutch transmission hesitates upon initial launch. Since this is the only transmission available for the A4, you cannot try to upgrade to anything more smooth. Unfortunately, that means that drivers will have to get used to the vehicle seeming a bit sluggish to kick into gear upon take-off. The engine start-stop feature also makes the A4 a bit slow to accelerate. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is a minor annoyance.
2. Lack of Feedback From Steering
Another minor annoyance is the lack of feedback from the steering system to the driver despite the vehicle being weighted well. Whether you have it set in Comfort, Dynamic, or Auto mode, there just isn't much feeling that comes through. This makes the experience of driving the Audi A4 a bit less engaging than what you can get on other vehicles in this segment.
3. The Adaptive Suspension is Too Firm
Skip adding the adaptive suspension on this vehicle. It is not worth the cost to upgrade. The standard suspension has just the right amount of firmness, but the adaptive suspension overkills on it. This compromises the smoothness of the otherwise-solid and comfortable ride quality. Thankfully, this problem can be avoided by not opting for the adaptive suspension.
4. Summer Tires Will Increase Tire Noise
Although the summer tires to increase traction and contribute to the stellar stopping distance of 99 feet, they do tend to create some noise. This sound will seep into the otherwise well-insulated cabin of the 2019 Audi A4, but it is simply a minor inconvenience, not a major issue.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
2019 Audi A4 vs. 2019 Genesis G70
The 2019 Audi A4 has a major competitor in the form of the 2019 Genesis G70. This vehicle has all the features of a German luxury sedan but offers up a much more generous warranty for less of a cost. It packs in a ton of standard features and is an exciting vehicle to drive. However, the G70 has an infotainment system sourced from Hyundai that is not as easy-to-use as Audi's. Also, the back seat is much more cramped. The manual transmission also struggles to perform well.
2019 Audi A4 vs. 2019 BMW 3 Series
Another top contender for the 2019 Audi A4 is the ever-popular BMW 3 Series. The 2019 3 Series line-up is competitively priced but offers many of the same features that come standard on the A4. It has an unparalleled handling quality, and the various engine options are all powerful and provide good returns on fuel. However, the 3 Series lacks in the small item storage space department.
Conclusion
The 2019 Audi A4 is not the cheapest vehicle in its segment, but it sure does have a lot to offer. The brakes' capabilities are outstanding, bordering on perfection. The rear seat offers up plenty of space for everybody, and the infotainment system is one of the better systems out there. While the steering and transmission could use some improvements, they don't take too much enjoyment away from driving this vehicle.
