Audi A4 B9 Sedan (2015–2018): The Quiet Achiever I’d Happily Daily
I’ve run enough compact luxury sedans up mountain passes and through commuter trenches to know when a car just gets it. The Audi A4 B9 Sedan (2015–2018) feels like that kid at school who never bragged but aced every test anyway. Subtle, smart, and quick when it needs to be. After a week in one—rainy city mornings, late-night highway slogs, and one impromptu detour down a gnarly backroad—I came away thinking: this is the premium sedan that wears its competence lightly.
Why the Audi A4 B9 Sedan Still Feels Fresh
The B9 arrived on Audi’s MLB evo architecture, and right away you can feel the diet and the polish. It’s lighter than the old B8, stiffer too, and it shrugs off rough pavement with the sort of poise that makes you take the long route home. The design is classic Audi—sharp lines, tidy proportions, zero drama. Perfect for a downtown dinner, equally at home on a snowy mountain morning with skis in the back.
Under the hood, the headliner is the 2.0-liter TFSI. In most markets (and in the U.S. Quattro models), it makes 252 hp and 273 lb-ft. Real world? The go is effortless. Expect 0–60 mph in the low fives with Quattro and the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch, and highway economy that nudges into the mid-30s mpg if you behave. Some markets also saw a 190-hp “Ultra” version focused on efficiency. If you want more spice, the B9-era S4 brought 354 horses and a deep well of torque.
Living With the Audi A4 B9 Sedan
Inside is where the A4 B9 pulls ahead. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit remains one of my favorite driver displays—Google Earth overlays back when the competition was still figuring out font sizes. The MMI rotary controller is easy to use on the move, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are here (wired). The seating position is spot-on, the steering wheel is just the right thickness, and the cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about snacks in the back.
Flaws? A few, and they matter. The S tronic can hesitate during slow parking maneuvers—more “hmm” than “go” at crawling speeds—though it snaps to attention once you’re rolling. Steering is precise but a touch aloof; the A4 wins on calm accuracy, not chatty feedback. Infotainment voice control of the era can be fussy with natural language. And if you choose the larger wheels without adaptive dampers, sharp-edged potholes make their presence known.
- Power: 252 hp, 273 lb-ft (2.0 TFSI Quattro); 0–60 mph ~5.2 seconds
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch (most models)
- Economy: mid-20s city / low-30s highway mpg (varies by drivetrain)
- Cabin tech: Virtual Cockpit, MMI with rotary control, CarPlay/Android Auto
- Safety: Audi pre sense city, adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring
- Practicality: adult-friendly rear seat, 40/20/40 split-fold, ski-pass through
Audi A4 B9 Sedan: The Tech That Makes The Difference
In the B9, Audi’s driver-assist stack finally felt cohesive. Adaptive cruise with lane centering takes the stress out of rush hour, and the camera/radar fusion handles cut-ins gracefully. The LED headlamps burn bright without blinding oncoming traffic. And the optional adaptive dampers make a tangible difference—softer in Comfort for pockmarked urban routes, buttoned-down in Dynamic when the road opens up.
Quick Road-Trip Note
I tossed two carry-ons, a stroller, and a cooler into the trunk and still had room to spare. On a 300-mile run, the A4 B9 sat at 75 mph like it was idling, with barely a whisper from the tires. My only nit? The cupholders are a little shallow, so your mega iced latte will wobble if you attack an on-ramp with enthusiasm. Consider that your driver’s-ed reminder.
Audi A4 B9 Sedan vs Competitors
| Model (Era) | Base Engine | Output | 0–60 mph (approx.) | EPA/Claimed Economy (combined) | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 B9 (2015–2018) | 2.0 TFSI | 252 hp / 273 lb-ft | ~5.2 s (Quattro) | ~27–30 mpg | Calm, precise, tech-forward |
| BMW 3 Series F30 (2016–2018 330i) | 2.0 turbo | 248 hp / 258 lb-ft | ~5.5–5.8 s | ~27–28 mpg | Sport-first, firmer edge |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 (2015–2018 C300) | 2.0 turbo | 241 hp / 273 lb-ft | ~5.8–6.0 s | ~27–28 mpg | Lux feel, plush ride |
If you want the most steering feel, the BMW still tugs the enthusiast heart. If your priority is serenity, the Mercedes lays on the velvet. The Audi A4 B9 Sedan splits the difference with superior tech integration and an understated confidence that’s very easy to live with every day.
Accessories That Actually Improve Daily Life
Small detail, big payoff: quality floor protection. Factory mats are fine for a dry summer. Add kids, coffee, or a muddy trailhead and you’ll want something better fitting and easier to clean. Audi’s cabin design looks best when it stays pristine, and fitted mats help keep the resale gods happy.
Custom-Fit Options for Your A4 B9
For an easy upgrade, I’ve pointed a few owners to AutoWin over the years. They offer tailored sets for the A4 B9 sedan that actually follow the footwell contours, snap into the factory anchors, and wipe down quickly. If you’re browsing by model, start with the A4 collection or the wider Audi floor mats lineup.
Prefer a little flair? These two are more fun than they have any right to be:
Audi A4 B9 Sedan: A Quick Look Back
The B9 generation kicked off in 2015 globally (2017 model year in the U.S.) and ran through 2018 before the mid-cycle update landed. It wasn’t shouty, but it was a leap—lighter, cleverer, more connected. It felt like Audi finally taught the A4 to do the quiet-luxury thing and the tech-nerd thing at once.
Common Ownership Questions
Is the Audi A4 B9 Sedan reliable?
Generally, yes—especially if you keep up with routine services. The 2.0 TFSI in this era is robust when maintained, and many owners see high mileage without drama. As with any premium car, budget for wear items and be diligent about fluid changes. A pre-purchase inspection is worth its weight in peace of mind.
What year did the B9 A4 start?
Production kicked off in 2015 for the B9 generation, covering the 2015–2018 stretch before the facelift. If you’re shopping accessories, you can filter by year in Audi’s dedicated sections: Audi floor mats, the A4 range, or directly for the A4 B9 sedan.
How does it drive compared with a 3 Series or C-Class?
The Audi A4 B9 Sedan is the balanced one. It’s not quite as talkative as a 3 Series when you’re at ten-tenths, but it’s calmer day-to-day, with a cabin that feels a class up on tech. Versus the C-Class, the A4 is more precise and less plush, with better infotainment.
Any quirks to know about?
The S tronic can feel hesitant at walking pace, and the steering prioritizes accuracy over feel. Infotainment voice control isn’t as natural-language-savvy as newer systems. Nothing deal-breaking, but worth a test drive in the city to make sure you click with it.
Where can I find fitted mats for the B9?
For tailored options, the AutoWin eshop is an easy one-stop. Their catalog includes Audi and A4 lines, with sets designed specifically for the A4 B9.
Final Word: Why the Audi A4 B9 Sedan Works
Some cars demand attention. The Audi A4 B9 Sedan earns it. It’s the premium sedan I’d recommend to friends who want a calm commute, a confident winter car, and a dash of tech brilliance without the flash. Not perfect, but deeply polished. And after a week living with it, I missed it the moment it left my driveway.
