The Audi A4 B8 was in production between 2008 and 2016 and is one of the most successful Audi A4 models to date. Back when the B8 A4 came out, it offered somewhat of a revolution for the segment as it was the first A4 that comfortably outperformed its rivals when it comes to luxury and refinement.
The B8 Audi A4 is available with a few engine options, starting from smaller 4-cylinder engines and moving all the way up to 300hp+ V6 turbo engines. The B8 is available in either manual or S-Tronic/Tiptronic form, depending on the model and the available options. Furthermore, the B8 is also a FWD car while Quattro came as standard on more powerful models.
Design-wise, the B8 A4 was somewhat of a revolution compared to its previous model, but all the A4 models that preceded the B8 were more of a styling evolution, rather than a revolution. The interior of the B8 A4 still looks great if optioned correctly, and many believe that the interior found in the first-gen A5, and the B8 A4 is one of the best Audi interiors ever.
Value-wise, the B8 A4 can now be had for a relatively low price, especially for higher-mileage pre-facelift models while higher up post-facelift models with fewer miles on the clock still command relatively high prices. The B8 is able to comfortably accommodate up to four individuals and the cargo space on offer is what you’d expect from a compact executive sedan from that era.
Audi A4 B8 – The powerplant
The Audi A4 B8 range kicks off with two 1.8L TFSI models where one model offers a 1.8L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 120hp while the other increased the power to 160hp. There are also two versions of the 2.0L TFSI model where one packs 180hp from the 2.0L turbo-four while the other packs 211hp.
The higher-end Audi A4 models are the 3.2L TFSI models that offer a 3.2L V6 with 265hp while the top-tier Audi S4 offers a 3.0L turbo V6 with 333hp. All of these can be had with the Quattro AWD systems while the 6-cylinder engines come with Quattro AWD directly from the factory.
Lower-end cars are typically equipped with a manual box while higher-end models are equipped with either a manual or an early iteration of the Audi Tiptronic box. The post-facelift B8 was introduced in 2012 and it ditched the 3.2L V6 for a more economical 3.0L V6 with 272hp.
The post-facelift Audi A4 B8 also came with the Audi DCT S-Tronic gearbox which was the preferred option for most post-facelift B8 Audi A4 buyers. The B8 fuel efficiency ranges between 30-ish MPG for less efficient models all the way to 45MPG for the most efficient ones.
Audi A4 B8 – Design and chassis
The pre-facelift Audi A4 B8 looks fairly nice even by modern-day standards as it is the oldest A4 model to somewhat resemble the current A4. The A4 B8 was the first Audi A4 available with LED headlights which made a massive difference upfront. S-Line cars are the most desirable ones while the sedan is much more popular than the Avant.
The post-facelift Audi A4 simply brought the B8 into a completely modern era as well-equipped B8 post-facelift models still look fairly new. However, the best thing about the B8 is the interior, especially on the post-facelift version because it is one of the best designed and highest quality Audi interiors ever, easily beating the C-Class and the BMW 3-Series from that era.
The chassis and suspension of the B8 A4 are tailored towards comfort and smoothness and are not really all that dynamic. The B8 does not offer a balanced chassis and weight distribution like the BMW 3-Series because the engine is too far in the front and it makes the car prone to understeer.
Audi A4 B8 – Reliability and common issues
All in all, the A4 B8 is a fairly reliable car, especially the post-facelift versions which have ironed out most of the issues that have plagued the pre-facelift model. Either way, the most common A4 B8 issues are water pump failure, leaks, excessive oil consumption, steering system issues, and carbon buildup in the intake valves.
If you maintain a B8 A4 Audi, you are likely going to enjoy it for a long time.
Audi A4 B8 – Value and practicality
You can get a sensibly equipped higher-mileage pre-facelift Audi A4 for around $6,000-$7,000 while better equipped low-mileage post-facelift B8 A4s go for almost three times as much. The A4 B8 still offers great value as it is a modern car with everything you need.
Practicality-wise, it is more or less the same as the current Audi A4 with a slightly smaller rear seating space and cargo space. Visibility is good all around and the A4 is also a great family car.
FAQ Section
Is the Audi A4 B8 safe?
The Audi A4 B8 is indeed a safe car as it is available with all the necessary features you need from a modern-day car. It is true that the levels of safety greatly depend on the options lists which means that this somewhat diminishes the overall appeal.
However, this is a standard affair for all cars from this segment as all the best, most useful software features are always reserved for higher-end cars and expensive options packages. If you want the safest A4 out there, go for the Prestige model.
How much does it cost to maintain an Audi A4 B8?
The money you will have to pay for maintenance depends greatly on the state of the car, the mileage, and how the previous owner took care of the car. You should be looking at around $200-$300 each year, but if something more serious goes wrong, those numbers can easily double.
A correct maintenance estimate is rather difficult as the B8 is available in different powertrain and drivetrain configurations.
Should I buy the Audi A4 B8?
The Audi A4 B8 is one of the best-value-used Audi models you can buy right now as it bridges the gap between the very latest Audi cars and the affordable Audi cars. As such, the B8 A4 is reliable, good-looking, sophisticated, well equipped, and desirable.
If you are after a used compact luxury sedan, look no further than the Audi A4 B8, especially the post-facelift model.
