Ride Report: 2023 Audi A4
I found this 2023 Audi A4 in the Executive Selection at PIT for a recent rental. Showing about 8800 miles on the odometer at pickup it was still in like-new condition. The A4 is classified as GXAR, or Full Size Elite. Other vehicles in this class include the Volvo S60 and BMW 3/4 series. This particular unit was a Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro S tronic (what a mouthful), but basically this means it was the mid-level trim version of the car with the more powerful drivetrain. All "45" trims are also "S" Line cars, so these can be spotted by the silver accent trims on the front bumper. There is no badging designating what a given car is, so this will be your only visual clue.
This example was finished in Mythos Black Metallic (+$595) over Black Leather with dark wood trim. The 45 Premium Plus is really the value pick of the lineup with loads of standard equipment. Among them are a reconfigurable digital gauge display, a wireless charging pad (the "Audi Phone Box"), memory settings for the driver's seat, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Other nice features are CarPlay/Android Auto, large central display screen, LED headlamps and tail lamps, multi-way powered front seats with adjustable bottom bolsters, a split-folding rear seat, and more. Total as-tested price for this unit is $48,690 with the destination fee.
The 261-hp 2.0T sounded great and felt much peppier than offerings in the other class vehicles with a similar powertrain setup. I'm not sure if this car had a tank of premium or not, but it felt quick. Suspension was appropriately firm but not jarring and felt very forgiving even over rougher roads. Driving engagement is really wonderful on this vehicle and I think class-leading, even in this more base of trims. I averaged 30 mpg overall with a 90/10 highway/city split. I think it would have been higher but for the fact that I was driving into a 40+ MPH headwind the whole time.
I had no issue with visibility. I could sit behind myself and had plenty of room even with both front seats adjusted rearwards quite a bit. I didn't care for the front seats (could not find a comfortable position). Trunk space was generous.
The A4's infotainment system consists of a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Features are generous and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports (1 of them is USB-C), and voice command. Navigation is a separate option box that fleet purchasing did not tick (you are reminded of this when you click "NAV" and a big "NO LICENSE PURCHASED" warning comes up), so you'll have to use CarPlay or Android Auto for that. SXM is included (not active here, as usual). The B&O Stereo was wonderful, as may be expected.
Overall this was a very pleasant rental and I'd highly recommend it if you can snag one.
Last edited by dwbf11; Mar 28, 2023 at 1:10 pm