The 2023 Audi A4 is a great choice in the midsize luxury sedan segment for its sophisticated styling, performance, and fair price. Although the A4 may not be the first car on every luxury shopper’s mind, considering it’s overshadowed by rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it’s every bit as competitive. However, if any interested German luxury shoppers should turn their heads toward the Audi A4, is the base model worth a look?

The 2023 Audi A4 Premium comes well-equipped from the factory

The good news is that the 2023 Audi A4 Premium, the base trim level for the model, comes well-equipped from the get-go. With adding any options, the A4 comes with notable features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, lane-departure warning, and a smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay.

The A4 Premium’s interior is adorned with leather upholstery, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The car also has a standard rearview camera for parking safety. Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque powers the A4 40 TFSI. However, a 45 TFSI trim is available with a more powerful version of the engine that puts out 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

According to Audi, the less-powerful engine can get the car up to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.3 seconds. The more powerful engine will knock 1.1 seconds off that time. That’s pretty quick for an entry-level luxury sedan.

By comparison, the 2023 BMW 330i, which is powered by a similar 255-hp engine, covers the same distance in 5.6 seconds. In that case, we recommend the Audi A4 45 TFSI trim for anyone looking for a better performer.

Is the Audi A4 Premium worth it?

Considering features that come standard on the base Audi A4, we recommend the Premium trim for the most value. The A4 costs $40,300, and the 45 TFSI model costs $42,400, which is a bargain for what you get. However, a Convenience Package is available for $2,500 if more tech is desired.

That package includes options like adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, Audi Side Assist, and front/rear parking sensors. The only other option is rear-side thoracic airbags for an extra $350.

Are the A4 trim levels a better value?

Stepping up a trim level to the Audi A4 Premium Plus mainly adds more tech features. Some features include a Bang and Olufsen sound system, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, and a top-view camera system. The top-trim Prestige model mainly adds Matrix-design LED headlights, a navigation system, and a head-up display.

The Premium Plus model brings the price up to the $45,000 mark. The Prestige trim takes past the $50,000 mark. Is it worth it? Only those aforementioned features are must-haves. If not, we think the entry-level A4 model is the way to go.