The 2016 Audi A4 Premium represents a crucial turning point for the brand's compact executive sedan lineup. Before the entirely redesigned B9 generation arrived late in the model year, this final iteration of the B8.5 platform packed a punch with revised styling tweaks, a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system. If you're looking at the used market today, it's worth examining how well this German cruiser holds up against newer rivals and whether the base Premium trim hits the right balance of price and features.
Beneath the understated exterior lies a car built for long commutes and confident highway cruising. While newer sedans boast massive touchscreens and hybrid powertrains, the 2016 A4 sticks to analog tactile controls, mechanical feedback, and a rock-solid chassis. Let's break down its performance specs, interior comfort, common mechanical flaws, and long-term ownership reality so you can make an informed choice.
Performance and Drivetrain Engineering
Under the hood, the 2016 Audi A4 Premium relies on a tried-and-true 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI four-cylinder engine. Pumping out 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it delivers brisk acceleration that makes city merging and highway passing effortless.
Power delivery depends heavily on drivetrain configuration. Front-wheel-drive models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which many enthusiasts avoided due to its rubber-band feel. However, the vast majority of Premium models feature Audi's iconic Quattro all-wheel-drive system paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. This traditional torque-converter automatic shifts smoothly in heavy traffic while responding quickly when you paddle-shift through twisty back roads.
- Fuel Economy: Expect an EPA-rated 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the Quattro automatic setup.
- Suspension Tuning: The multi-link front and rear suspension absorbs rough pavement smoothly without feeling overly floaty.
- Steering Feel: Electronic power steering is light at parking speeds and weights up securely on the highway.
Cabin Comfort and Interior Layout
Step inside the 2016 A4 Premium, and you'll immediately notice Audi's famous interior build quality. Soft-touch dash materials, precise switchgear, and tight panel gaps give the cabin a bank-vault solidity that often outlasts cheaper competitors from the same era.
The standard leather seating surfaces offer firm lumbar support and deep bolsters. Power-adjustable front seats make finding a comfortable driving position simple, even on multi-hour road trips. Rear legroom, measuring at 35.2 inches, is adequate for adults on short drives, though taller passengers might find knee room tight if the front seats are pushed back.
Cargo space measures 12.4 cubic feet in the trunk. While smaller than some midsize rivals, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a pass-through center door let you haul skis, lumber, or longer luggage items without trouble.
Technology and Infotainment Limitations
Technology is where the 2016 model shows its age most clearly. The dashboard features the third-generation Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, controlled via a rotary knob and buttons clustered near the gear shifter or on the dashboard depending on the exact package.
- Display Screen: A modest color screen sits recessed in the center stack, offering crisp graphics for its era but lacking modern touch capabilities.
- Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not available from the factory for this model year. Bluetooth audio streaming is standard, but hands-on navigation requires aftermarket head unit upgrades or auxiliary adapters.
- Audio System: The base sound system delivers clear highs and adequate bass, though audiophiles frequently hunt for models equipped with the optional Bang & Olufsen surround sound system.
Common Reliability Issues to Watch
Buying a pre-owned German luxury car requires vigilance regarding past maintenance records. The EA888 2.0-liter engine in the 2016 A4 resolved many of the severe oil consumption defects plaguing earlier B8 iterations (2009-2012), but a few specific trouble spots remain.
Timing chain tensioners and guides should be inspected carefully above 100,000 miles. A rattling noise on cold startups is your primary warning sign. Furthermore, water pumps and thermostat housings are known to develop slow coolant leaks due to plastic housing degradation under high engine heat. Carbon buildup on the intake valves is another typical byproduct of direct injection; walnut blast cleaning around 80,000 to 100,000 miles restores lost throttle response and fuel economy.
Maintenance Costs and Ownership Realities
Owning an Audi out of warranty demands a realistic budget. Routine oil changes require specific VW 502 00 approved synthetic oils, and brake replacements involving rotors and pads often run higher than standard commuter cars.
Finding a trusted independent European mechanic rather than relying solely on dealership service departments cuts labor expenses significantly. Parts availability remains excellent through suppliers like FCP Euro and ECS Tuning, making DIY maintenance accessible for mechanically inclined owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2016 Audi A4 Premium require premium fuel?
Yes. The high-compression turbocharged engine requires 91 octane or higher gasoline to prevent engine knocking and maintain rated performance and fuel efficiency.
Is the 2016 A4 reliable for daily commuting?
When properly maintained with timely oil changes and coolant flushes, the 2016 model proves remarkably durable. Avoid neglected vehicles with spotty service histories.
How does the 2016 A4 compare to the BMW 3 Series of the same year?
The Audi prioritizes all-weather stability, interior material quality, and a smoother ride, whereas the BMW 328i leans toward sharper rear-wheel-drive handling and slightly more rear legroom.
Can you add Apple CarPlay to a 2016 Audi A4?
Yes. Several aftermarket kit manufacturers offer plug-and-play modules that integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the factory MMI display screen without altering the original dash layout.
