2020 Audi A4

One of the nicest entry-level luxury sedans on the market today, the A4 is refined, well equipped and spacious. The 2020 model is part of the car’s fifth generation, which has seen only minor updates since it was launched in 2016. But with BMW elevating the luxury game of its 3-Series—the A4’s nearest competitor—and a full refresh of the A4 still years away, Audi made a couple of significant improvements this year to keep it fresh.

For 2020, the A4 gets a new touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback and muscular styling tweaks throughout, including a lower and wider trapezoidal front grille and dual exhaust ports that telegraphs the car’s sporty intent. The S4 is a more aggressive take on the A4 and includes an upgraded exterior with meaner, downward-angled headlights and a larger 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen. Though official details are still forthcoming for the 2020 S4, it will come with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and carry a starting price around $50,000.

Though Audi doesn’t sell the European A4 Avant (“estate car” in German) in the U.S., it does offer the A4 Allroad wagon. Essentially an A4 Avant with a slightly wider track, higher ride height and some minor off-road focused touches, it’s an incredibly versatile vehicle. Introduced in 2009, it’s now in its second generation, although it received a minor facelift for 2019. Power comes from a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Hewing more to the traditional wagon ideology than that of a full-blown compact SUV, the A4 Allroad serves a small but growing niche.