In the world of high-end German engineering, Mercedes and BMW inevitably dominate the conversation. These two brands have battled it out for decades in the pursuit of creating the highest-quality sports sedan, combining unbeatable precision and excellent comfort. In this quest for innovative features that have propelled the German sedan into new realms, both manufacturers have gained a reputation for complex issues that can lead to frustratingly expensive repair bills.

Follow and Like top authors, topics, and trends

Browse with fewer ads across the site

Personalize your profile to showcase your activity

Get a content feed tailored to your interests

By creating an account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive our newsletters; you can unsubscribe any time.

*Required: 8 chars, 1 capital letter, 1 number

Over the last decade, the technology-centered arms race has arguably blown out of control – as impressive as plug-in hybrid systems, advanced air suspension, and TV-sized screens can be, the fast-paced nature of their growth in complexity has meant the long-term reliability of such features has been left on the back burner. Even from an accessibility luxury standpoint, many consumers feel somewhat alienated by a new approach to opulence. For many people, luxury was traditionally centered around leather, wood, and a regal sense of status and class, which couldn't be measured by resolution or the number of cameras a car has.

With both of these thoughts in mind, there has been a more straightforward sports sedan that has been quietly pursuing its own legacy in the field of German engineering by the closest competitors of BMW and Mercedes, one that focuses far more on simplicity, affordability, and durability.

These sports cars prove that you can still find the magic and thrill of a proper sports car for less than the price of a Porsche 911.

The Audi A4 is a traditional and conservative car in terms of design and performance, but it's also one that doesn't get carried away with features that most owners rarely use. Due to its conventional platform, the A4 is generally very robust. By sticking with a refined mechanical setup and by using the S-tronic dual-clutch instead of experimenting with unproven gearbox technology, many of the core ingredients of this vehicle are designed to last.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has several features that improved reliability compared to previous implementations, such as redesigned piston rings to reduce oil-burning issues and an integrated dual-injection system, which aids in preventing carbon buildup.

Aluminum-heavy suspension, linkages, and body panels to reduce corrosion

Control modules and the battery are located far from the engine, reducing heat-related stress

In real terms, both RepairPal and JD Power have praised the car as having above-average reliability for its class, let alone compared with other German rivals. RepairPal rated the 2023 Audi A4 3.5/5, placing it fourth out of 17 luxury compact cars with lower-than-average maintenance costs, repair frequency, and repair severity. Similarly, JD Power rated the vehicle 77/100 for quality and reliability – this is a solid score for any vehicle, let alone a luxury-focused sports sedan.

The 2023 Audi A4 stands as an excellent example of Audi's commitment to digital restraint and more mechanical solutions to modern issues. The introduction of BMW's iDrive9 system provided a shift in how we interact with and use the simplest of controls in our car. Almost everything on modern Bimmers has been moved over to capacitive buttons or touchscreen control, which looks, arguably, more sleek but lacks the sense of tactility that was once a pillar of a premium sedan.

Direct rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series opt for huge screens which stretch half the dashboard, things which look impressive in a showroom but don't necessarily improve the driver's experience on the road.

A sharp 10.1-inch display that houses Apple CarPlay

Physical buttons for climate, volume, and drive modes

The dual-pane glazing and acoustic glass

A 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System

Audi has taken a vastly different approach to tech and interior design. Audi's philosophy for the cabin of the 2023 A4 is that quality isn't just seen but felt, too. The tactile click of a button, the crisp movement of a dial, and the satisfying material feel play a huge part in what makes Audis a unique alternative to more digital Mercedes or BMW. Simplicity doesn't necessarily mean similar to a Tesla interior — there is not one huge centerpiece iPad in the middle of the vehicle. Instead, Audi focuses on open-pore wood, tight panel gaps, and brushed aluminum.

Audi's current catalog of MHEVs and PHEVs is impressively comprehensive, and here's what all you can buy.

For the 2023 variant of the Audi A4, there are two options in terms of performance: two 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-fours, but the S-line variant produces a whole 60 more horsepower. The difference with this version is the highly specialized intake valves, which open for a shorter duration and close before the piston finishes its intake stroke. This creates much higher compression and, combined with the larger turbocharger, makes noticeably more power than the lower-spec model.

All three cars adopt a very similar approach in terms of utilizing an efficient, lower-displacement turbocharged engine in mild hybrid form. The Audi uses a 12V system, while the BMW and Mercedes have 48V systems, which contribute to the higher torque output. Overall, though, the A4 is slightly quicker than its more tech-savvy competitors.

The A4's slight increase in acceleration is partially due to the dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which allows for near-instantaneous shifts. The mechanical grip of the Quattro system is also unparalleled, meaning its launch is noticeably more violent than that of the BMW and Mercedes.

Prices back in 2023 ranged from around $41,000 for base spec models up to $53,000 for the S-line Prestige vehicle. It is an excellent time to buy an Audi A4 this year, as it has now had its steepest decline in depreciation, but often has fewer than 50,000 miles and is still relatively new.

Expect to pay around $25,000 from a reputable dealer for the 200-horsepower version and closer to $28,000 for the S-line vehicle. It is also a very compelling year for the A4 to buy into, as it is one of the final years of the fifth-generation Audi A4. This means most bugs have been ironed out, electronic gremlins removed, and it generally houses a more mature platform.

This new model has some big shoes to fill as it's replacing the entire A4 range.

While the 2023 Audi A4 is generally reliable, that dependability relies on preventative maintenance and servicing. Looking second-hand at these cars, it's so important to check for service history, as even three years with a lack of care will be potentially detrimental to the long-term usability of the vehicle.

20,000 miles: Cabin filter and coolant leak inspection

40,000 miles: Transmission fluid flush, spark plugs, and air filter

These are essential aspects of owning an Audi A4, just like maintenance is with any vehicle. If these items are taken care of, expect the robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder to last a long time. With the combination of a solid, mature platform, a robust engine, and simpler electronics compared to other German sedans, the A4 is a fairly understated and excellent option to buy in 2026.

Found an error? Send it info@www.topspeed.com so it can be corrected.

Source: https://www.topspeed.com/long-lasting-german-sedan-rarely-needs-repairs-not-bmw-mercedes/