Talking about the ride and handling, the new A4 is set up for a comfortable ride and the specs also say that the A4 for India comes with comfort-tuned heavy-duty suspension. But does it work? It works like an absolute charm. The ride quality is just phenomenal and it’s better than some of our compact SUVs. The way the A4 pummels irregularities into submission is just fantastic. What also helps are the 50 profile tyres that absorb the bad stuff even more.

Audi knows how to make great interiors and the insides of the new A4 are no different. The dashboard is a no-fuss layout with clean horizontal lines. It’s also an ergonomic delight with everything falling at hand with ease. The feel-good factor is great thanks to the excellent build quality while the piano black finish along with the leather and leatherette upholstery add to the luxury appeal. Now talking about the front seats, both are powered with the driver seat also getting a memory function. The seat itself is excellent and cocoons you well. You also get a very clear view from the cockpit and what helps are the thin A-pillars that don’t obstruct the view at all.

The A4 also comes loaded with features. The most important one is the new touch screen MMI system. You get a range of connectivity options and the large 10.1-inch hi-resolution screen looks and feels smashing. The highlight of the system is that the MMI search is based on free text input and the natural language voice control makes it easy for the system to understand phrases used in everyday speech. You get a sunroof, three-zone climate control, park assist, Audi virtual cockpit, ambient lighting, phone box with wireless charging, comfort key for easy access, gesture-based boot-lid opening, and more.

With the new A3 yet to be launched, the A4 will be the entry ticket into Audi’s sedan universe once launched on 5 January. The A4 will be launched in two variants, premium plus and technology, and we expect prices to start at around Rs 40 lacs.

The new A4 might not have the most arresting looks in its segment or be the most spacious, but where it makes ground is with its well-built interiors, peppy performance, and best-in-class ride and handling package. So, if you’re out in the market for an entry-level luxury sedan and unassuming is your middle name, the new A4 makes for the ideal choice.