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Audi A4

The Audi A4 is a line of compact executive cars produced by German automaker Audi from 1994 to 2025.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Audi A4 is a line of compact executive cars produced by German automaker Audi from 1994 to 2025. It was offered mainly as a sedan and wagon, and became one of Audi’s core premium passenger-car models before being replaced in Audi’s lineup by the A5 in 2024 for the 2025 model year.

History

The Audi A4 was introduced in 1994 as Audi’s compact premium sedan line and replaced the Audi 80. Production continued through five generations until the model family was replaced by the A5 in Audi’s lineup in 2024 for the 2025 model year.

Design and platform

Early A4 models were built on Volkswagen Group B platform derivatives, while the fifth generation switched to the MLB Evo architecture. The model was commonly sold as a sedan, with wagon/Avant versions available in some markets.

Powertrains and drivetrains

Recent U.S.-market A4 models used a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with output varying by trim and model year. Quattro all-wheel drive was standard on many versions, and later models included a mild-hybrid system.

Final model years

In its final years, the A4 lineup was simplified, and 2025 coverage described it as available mainly with the more powerful 45 TFSI variant. Audi’s media material indicates the A4 model family was replaced by the A5 in 2024.

Key facts

  • The Audi A4 debuted in 1994 and was sold for five generations.
  • It was based originally on Volkswagen Group B platform variants, with the fifth generation moving to MLB Evo architecture.
  • The model was offered in sedan and wagon body styles, depending on market and generation.
  • For 2025, U.S. coverage described the A4 as using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and Quattro all-wheel drive.
  • Audi’s model family notes that the A4 was replaced by the Audi A5 in 2024.
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Canadian context

The Audi A4 was sold in Canada as part of Audi’s premium compact-sedan lineup, making it a familiar model in the Canadian luxury-car market.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Audi A4?
It is Audi’s compact executive car line, produced from 1994 to 2025 in sedan and wagon forms.
When was the Audi A4 first produced?
Production began in 1994 in Europe; U.S. sales arrived later, for the 1996 model year.
What body styles did the Audi A4 have?
The A4 was primarily sold as a sedan, and as a wagon/Avant in some markets.
Was the Audi A4 all-wheel drive?
Many versions used Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and recent U.S. models were described as standard all-wheel drive.
What replaced the Audi A4?
Audi’s model-family material says the A4 was replaced by the Audi A5 in 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_A4
    Supports: Production years, generations, original platform, and general model description.
  2. Audi MediaCenter — https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audi-a4-23
    Supports: Audi’s note that the A4 model family was replaced by the A5 in 2024.
  3. Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/audi/a4/
    Supports: 2025 U.S.-market body styles, engine details, Quattro all-wheel drive, and final-year lineup information.
  4. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/a4
    Supports: 2025 U.S.-market powertrain specifications, performance figures, and fuel-economy information.
  5. Auto Express — https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4
    Supports: Fifth-generation platform change to MLB Evo and 2019 facelift details including mild-hybrid assistance.
  6. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/a4
    Supports: 2025 trim/variant simplification and powertrain details.