The 2016 Audi A4 is a rival for the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 Series, the Volvo S60 and the Jaguar XE. The Audi’s major advantage against its rivals is an elegant design and beautifully put-together cabin, plus a range of impressively fuel efficent and/or powerful engines. It’s also a reasonably enjoyable and comfortable car to drive. Overall, a Jaguar XE or a BMW 3 Series are both decisively more satisfying to drive in most instances, and a Mercedes C-Class is more glamorous, but the Audi A4 offers a compelling blend of all-round appeal.

Strengths:

Quiet and comfortable on long journeys
Wide range of efficient petrol and diesel engines
Well equipped, even if you choose the base model

Weaknesses:

Not as engaging to drive as the BMW 3 Series or Jaguar XE
The Avant is not as practical as larger estate cars you can buy for similar money
Ride comfort suffers with sport suspension

Is the 2016 Audi A4 better than the 2016 BMW 3 Series?

The 2016 Audi A4 is a less driver-focused car than the equivalent BMW 3 Series, but it is arguably more solidly built and offers a more appealing interior design. In the case of the 2016 models, it also represents a brand-new design whereas the 2016 BMW is part of a generation first introduced in 2012.