Cars · Top 10
Best Audi A4 Generations in 2027
Direct answer
The 2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5) is the best A4 generation, with the 2015-2019 B9 at #2 and the 2019-2024 B9.5 at #3. Generations are ranked on documented reliability, production, engines, safety and recalls. The A4 name began in 1994, so the Audi 80 B2, B3 and B4 are listed last as ancestors that Audi presents as one midsize line with the A4. The A4 name moved to the A5 in 2024, and S4, RS4, Avant and allroad models are not counted separately.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Years | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5) | 2011-2015 (the B8 facelift, which dropped the 3.2-litre V6 in November 2011) | A used A4 with the best breakdown record |
| 2 | 2015-2019 Audi A4 (B9) | 2015-2024 (presented in June 2015) | The safest, most modern pre-facelift A4 |
| 3 | 2019-2024 Audi A4 (B9.5) | 2019-2024 (European orders opened in May 2019; Audi lists the A4 until 2024) | The last and best-equipped A4 |
| 4 | 2004-2008 Audi A4 (B7) | 2004-2008 (launched at the end of 2004; production ended with the Avant in March 2008) | A proven, well-regarded sedan at a low price |
| 5 | 2007-2011 Audi A4 (B8) | 2007 launch (unveiled at the September 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show; the Avant followed at the March 2008 Geneva Motor Show) | A roomy A4 with the best engine range |
| 6 | 2000-2004 Audi A4 (B6) | 2000-2004 (launched in fall 2000; the Avant followed in fall 2001) | A cheap, well-built A4 with a manual gearbox |
| 7 | 1994-2000 Audi A4 (B5) | End of 1994 to 2000 (Audi renamed the Audi 80 the Audi A4; sedan in November 1994, Avant in early 1995) | The original A4, now a cheap classic |
| 8 | 1991-1995 Audi 80 (B4) | 1991-1995 (appeared in autumn 1991; replaced by the Audi A4 in 1994/95; sold as the Audi 80, not the A4) | The direct predecessor, the last Audi 80 |
| 9 | 1986-1991 Audi 80 (B3) | 1986-1991 (launched in 1986; Audi calls the Audi 80 and its successor, the A4, one midsize line) | A rust-protected 1980s Audi classic |
| 10 | 1978-1986 Audi 80 (B2) | 1978-1986 (launched in late summer 1978; Audi calls the Audi 80 and its successor, the A4, one midsize line) | A collector 80 with the first quattro sedan |
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5)
Safest
2015-2019 Audi A4 (B9)
Newest
2019-2024 Audi A4 (B9.5)
Best cheap A4
2004-2008 Audi A4 (B7)
Best classic
1978-1986 Audi 80 (B2)
The ranking
1
2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5)
Photo: Thomas doerfer / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe A4 to buy used.
Years: 2011-2015 (the B8 facelift, which dropped the 3.2-litre V6 in November 2011)Reliability: ADAC roadside patrols generally noted no notable issues from model year 2011, with only very low breakdown figuresEngines: The 1.8 TFSI was raised to 170 bhp and 320 Nm, up 10 bhp and 70 Nm, and 163 PS TDIe and TDI Ultra diesels were addedEquipment: Redesigned LED headlamps and taillights, plus Drive Select with comfort, dynamic, individual and efficiency modesTransmission: Seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic offered since 2009
The B8.5 facelift arrived in November 2011. ADAC roadside patrols generally noted no notable issues from model year 2011, and the 1.8 TFSI rose to 170 bhp and 320 Nm.
Go ifA used A4 with the best breakdown record
Skip ifYou want a touchscreen and digital instruments
Why #1 over #2: Its breakdown record beats the B9, which has a shorter reliability history.
2
2015-2019 Audi A4 (B9)
Photo: Thomas doerfer / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe safe modern pick.
Years: 2015-2024 (presented in June 2015)Safety: Five stars from Euro NCAP for every A4; the 2017 car earned Good ratings across the board for crashworthiness and seat belts from the IIHSAward: Won the Golden Steering Wheel in the mid-size class in 2015Technology: First A4 with a virtual cockpit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a full-color head-up display and Audi pre-senseNHTSA recalls: 1 recall listed for the 2017 A4
The B9 launched in 2015 and earned five stars from Euro NCAP. The 2017 car had Good IIHS ratings for crashworthiness and seat belts, and NHTSA lists 1 recall for it.
Go ifThe safest, most modern pre-facelift A4
Skip ifYou want the latest lights and touchscreen
Why #2 over #3: Its crash-test record beats the B9.5, though the facelift has newer lights and screens.
3
2019-2024 Audi A4 (B9.5)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe final A4.
Years: 2019-2024 (European orders opened in May 2019; Audi lists the A4 until 2024)Engines: Eight turbocharged engines from 100 kW (136 metric hp) to 255 kW (347 metric hp), five of them with a 12-volt mild hybrid systemPrice: The A4 Sedan 35 TFSI started at EUR 33,600 with a manual gearbox in GermanyNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls listed for the 2020 A4Successor: On 16 July 2024 Audi replaced the A4 and S4 Saloon and Avant with the third-generation A5 and S5, giving even numbers to electric cars and odd numbers to combustion cars
The B9.5 opened for orders in May 2019 with eight turbocharged engines from 100 kW to 255 kW, five of them mild hybrids. It was replaced by the A5 on 16 July 2024.
Go ifThe last and best-equipped A4
Skip ifYou want the longest record before you buy
Why #3 over #4: Its mild-hybrid engines and screens beat the B7, but NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 car.
4
2004-2008 Audi A4 (B7)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe solid used buy.
Years: 2004-2008 (launched at the end of 2004; production ended with the Avant in March 2008)Production: Total reached one million unitsSafety: Named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2007Reliability: 2007 Swedish vehicle inspection data gave the diesel A4 Avant a 0.0% rejection rate in the three-year-old categoryKnown issue: Volkswagen settled a 2013 class action over CVT failures in 2002-2006 A4 and A6 cars, and the multitronic CVT drew widespread complaintsNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls listed for the 2006 A4
The B7 reached one million units and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2007. Swedish inspection data gave the diesel Avant a 0.0% rejection rate at three years old.
Go ifA proven, well-regarded sedan at a low price
Skip ifYou want a multitronic-free car
Why #4 over #5: Its inspection record beats the B8, but the multitronic CVT is a documented weak point.
5
2007-2011 Audi A4 (B8)
Photo: Rudolf Stricker / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictPick a later car.
Years: 2007 launch (unveiled at the September 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show; the Avant followed at the March 2008 Geneva Motor Show)Engines: Six gasoline and seven diesel versions from 88 kW (120 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp)Platform: Front axle moved forward 15 centimeters, giving a wheelbase of 2.81 metersReliability: TÜV Report 2016 praised the B8 for the largely absent typical defects; engine damage in the 3.0 TDI is noted for cars up to 2009Known issue: A 2014 settlement covered excessive oil consumption in 2009-2010 A4 cars and 2011 A4 cars with engine code CAEB, extending warranty to 8 years or 80,000 milesNHTSA recalls: 2 recalls listed for the 2009 A4
The B8 appeared at the end of 2007 with a 2.81-meter wheelbase and 88 kW to 195 kW engines. TÜV praised the B8 in 2016, though early 2.0T engines had oil-consumption complaints.
Go ifA roomy A4 with the best engine range
Skip ifYou want to avoid the 2.0T oil-consumption history
Why #5 over #6: Its TÜV result beats the B6, but the 2.0T oil settlement counts against the early cars.
6
2000-2004 Audi A4 (B6)
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAvoid the CVT.
Years: 2000-2004 (launched in fall 2000; the Avant followed in fall 2001)Production: 1.2 million units in four years, almost 500,000 of them AvantDesign: Won the red dot award in 2001Engines: Five engines at launch, including the 1.9 TDI at 96 kW (130 hp) and the new 3.0 V6 at 162 kW (220 hp)Known issue: The multitronic CVT drew widespread complaints, and Volkswagen settled a 2013 class action over CVT failures in 2002-2006 A4 and A6 carsNHTSA recalls: 4 recalls listed for the 2003 A4
The B6 made 1.2 million units in four years and won the red dot award in 2001. Complaints about the multitronic CVT led to a 2013 class-action settlement.
Go ifA cheap, well-built A4 with a manual gearbox
Skip ifYou want to avoid a CVT automatic
Why #6 over #7: Its production and design award beat the B5, but the CVT is a known problem.
7
1994-2000 Audi A4 (B5)
Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe original.
Years: End of 1994 to 2000 (Audi renamed the Audi 80 the Audi A4; sedan in November 1994, Avant in early 1995)Production: Nearly 1.7 million units in six years, over half a million of them AvantEngines: Six engines at launch from a 1.9 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) to a 2.8-liter V6, and five-valve technology for the 1.8-liter engineSafety: Three stars from Euro NCAP, with the last star flagged for a high risk of chest injury in a side impactKnown issue: Initial mechanical problems, though Volkswagen later called its build quality the benchmark for the groupNHTSA recalls: 8 recalls listed for the 1997 A4
The B5 was the first car called the A4, from the end of 1994, and nearly 1.7 million were built. Euro NCAP gave it three stars, and NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1997 car.
Go ifThe original A4, now a cheap classic
Skip ifYou want modern safety and electronics
Why #7 over #8: It beats the Audi 80 B4 because it carries the A4 name, but its recall count is the highest here.
8
1991-1995 Audi 80 (B4)
Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe A4 forerunner.
Years: 1991-1995 (appeared in autumn 1991; replaced by the Audi A4 in 1994/95; sold as the Audi 80, not the A4)Production: More than 800,000 units, almost 180,000 of them AvantEngines: The 1.9 TDI with 66 kW (90 hp) was the first passenger car with an electronically controlled four-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel; a 2.8-liter V6 made 128 kW (174 hp)Safety: Driver airbag from 1993; front-passenger airbag and ABS added in 1994NHTSA recalls: 1 recall listed for the 1993 Audi 80
The Audi 80 B4 ran from 1991 to 1995, with more than 800,000 sold. Its 1.9 TDI was the first passenger car with an electronically controlled direct-injection four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Go ifThe direct predecessor, the last Audi 80
Skip ifYou want an A4 badge
Why #8 over #9: It beats the B3 for its driver and passenger airbags and ABS, but it predates the A4 name.
9
1986-1991 Audi 80 (B3)
Photo: Steffen Link / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe galvanized one.
Years: 1986-1991 (launched in 1986; Audi calls the Audi 80 and its successor, the A4, one midsize line)Production: 1.3 million units in five years, plus at least 140,000 Audi 90Body: Fully galvanized body for corrosion protection, with a drag coefficient of 0.29 against 0.41 for the B2Drivetrain: quattro models were available from the first day, with a self-locking center differentialNHTSA recalls: 3 recalls listed for the 1990 Audi 80
The Audi 80 B3 was launched in 1986 with a fully galvanized body and a drag coefficient of 0.29. 1.3 million units were built in five years.
Go ifA rust-protected 1980s Audi classic
Skip ifYou need airbags or modern safety
Why #9 over #10: Its galvanized body and quattro availability beat the B2, but it predates the A4 name.
10
1978-1986 Audi 80 (B2)
Photo: Ermell / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe quattro pioneer.
Years: 1978-1986 (launched in late summer 1978; Audi calls the Audi 80 and its successor, the A4, one midsize line)Production: Almost 1.4 million Audi 80 and over 100,000 Audi 90 builtDrivetrain: The 1982 Audi 80 quattro was the first volume-built sedan in the world with permanent all-wheel drive, with a 100 kW (136 hp) 2.2-liter five-cylinderEngines: The 1981 Audi 80 CD was the first midsize Audi with a five-cylinder engine, 85 kW (115 hp) from 1.9 litersEfficiency: A September 1981 long-distance drive by journalists driving extremely smoothly averaged 2.3 liters per 100 kilometers with the 1.6-liter diesel
The Audi 80 B2 launched in late summer 1978, with almost 1.4 million built. Its 1982 quattro version was the first volume-built sedan with permanent all-wheel drive.
Go ifA collector 80 with the first quattro sedan
Skip ifYou want a daily driver
How we ranked these
We ranked each generation on documented reliability, production, engines, safety ratings and recalls, using Audi AG's own history of its midsize line (a 2011 Audi press release reposted by AudiWorld), Audi's 2019 A4 upgrade page, Wikipedia, TÜV and ADAC findings reported by t-online, and NHTSA. The A4 name began in late 1994, when Audi renamed the Audi 80. The Audi 80 B2, B3 and B4 are included only because Audi presents the 80 and A4 as one midsize line, and they predate the A4 name. The B8.5 and B9.5 facelifts are listed separately because their styling and equipment changed visibly; S4, RS4, Avant, allroad, Cabriolet and long-wheelbase models are not counted as separate generations. NHTSA recall counts are for the single model year named in each pick, so they are not like-for-like across generations. The chart shows the year each generation was introduced. Photos: Wikimedia Commons pictures of the same generation, not always the exact year. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Audi A4 generation?
The B8.5, the 2011-2015 facelift of the B8, ranks first: ADAC roadside patrols generally noted no notable issues from model year 2011, and its 1.8 TFSI was raised to 170 bhp.
Which Audi A4 generations are there?
The A4 was built in five generations, B5 (1994), B6 (2000), B7 (2004), B8 (2007) and B9 (2015), with facelifts in the B8 and B9. The Audi 80 B2 to B4 are earlier cars that Audi presents as ancestors of the A4.
Why is the Audi A4 gone?
Audi replaced the A4 and S4 Saloon and Avant with the third-generation A5 and S5 on 16 July 2024, giving even numbers to electric cars and odd numbers to combustion cars.
Which Audi A4 models had the multitronic CVT problem?
Volkswagen settled a class action in 2013 over CVT failures in Audi A4 and A6 cars for model years 2002-2006, which covers the B6 and early B7.
Year each generation was introduced at a glance
1978-1986 Audi 80 (B2)1,978 year
1986-1991 Audi 80 (B3)1,986 year
1991-1995 Audi 80 (B4)1,991 year
1994-2000 Audi A4 (B5)1,994 year
2000-2004 Audi A4 (B6)2,000 year
2004-2008 Audi A4 (B7)2,004 year
2007-2011 Audi A4 (B8)2,007 year
2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5)2,011 year
2015-2019 Audi A4 (B9)2,015 year
2019-2024 Audi A4 (B9.5)2,019 year
Official sites
- 2011-2015 Audi A4 (B8.5) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2015-2019 Audi A4 (B9) · en.wikipedia.org
- 2019-2024 Audi A4 (B9.5) · audi.com
- 2004-2008 Audi A4 (B7) · audiworld.com
- 2007-2011 Audi A4 (B8) · audiworld.com
- 2000-2004 Audi A4 (B6) · audiworld.com
- 1994-2000 Audi A4 (B5) · audiworld.com
- 1991-1995 Audi 80 (B4) · audiworld.com
- 1986-1991 Audi 80 (B3) · audiworld.com
- 1978-1986 Audi 80 (B2) · audiworld.com
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org
- en.wikipedia.org
- motor1.com
- motor1.com
- t-online.de
- carcomplaints.com
- carmag.co.za
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
- api.nhtsa.gov
Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.