Audi A4 Ultra 2017

[@zadeh79]

I ended buying an A4 Ultra, in part, because of this review!! Even though the engine is down ~60 HP from the 2020 Quattro model, it is still a very quick car. Audi claims 7.1 seconds to 60 MPH, but their estimates are always conservative. Based on some KZbin videos officially timing 0-60 runs, it can be inferred the PUBLISHED 0-60 time for this vehicle is about 6.7 seconds (by "published" I mean what most auto reviewers would actually quote [subtracting 1 foot roll out, or about .3 seconds from the 60 time]). Unless you are timing it, I really can't tell my old 2014 A4 Quattro (0-60 5.8 seconds) is a faster car. It's down 30 hp and about 20 FTlbs TQ from that car, but this model is also about 200lbs lighter than the quattro, which help make up for that lack of power to some extent. Also keep in mind, because this is FWD it is not designed to launch off the line as quickly as Quattro models, but in mid-range, the acceleration is more comparable to the Quattro. Also with the dual-clutch, you get the wonderful feeling of the the car surging forward on kickdown. The handling, feedback, and ride quality on these newer models has also been extremely refined. The car soaks up bumps very well, unlike older Audis. I can also take on twisted roads like a competent sports car, with good steering feedback, in contrast to the overweight understeerer that numbly gets the job done. The car stays flat in the transitions, so Audi has also addressed the body roll issue that has plauged A4 models for a long time. Thanks for your review!

[@NewCarSpin]

Enjoy!

[@Xixu.co.6]

Just drove one of these today. Few things for anyone considering the ultra: 1. 99% of the time you can't tell it's fwd. I'm sure in snow or driving it hard in the rain it might show, but i honestly couldn't feel a difference between it and my awd a6. 2. It doesn't feel slow at all. Actually, it feels pretty quick. 3. You can't tell it's a dual clutch, it's dead smooth. I was very impressed with it. Now for the new a4 in general, it comes very well equipped in base model form, but for the love of god opt for the upgraded sound system. The standard one is so weak. If you don't get any other options, you should definitely get that one.

[@fredochavez4869]

I have a A4 Ultra with options. I completely love this vehicle. Great on gas, it’s quick and very comfortable. I also enjoy the fuel economy, luxurious ride, great audio. Never seen myself to need drive at excessive speeds. So I enjoy this vehicle ❤️

[@mellymels3075]

Very nice, calm review packed with lots of information especially regarding the drive experience. I can also really appreciate that you drove a base model.

[@zadeh79]

p.s Motor Trend had a trouble launching the A4 FWD Ultra, admitting they could not achieve an optimal 60 time: "Throttle tip-in on the Ultra is rather aggressive, and it's difficult to pull away smoothly from a stop. This makes the A4 feel faster than its 7.0-second 0-60 time would otherwise indicate, especially when the A4's front-left tire peels out as it struggles for traction". This is suggesting that the true 60 time for this car is high 6 second range.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks Bryan. Excellent quality video and audio on this review btw 👍🏻

[@bill8298]

Hi Grant , nice review. I learned something...I thought Audi only ever made AWD vehicles, have they offered FWD cars all along ? I liked the way you described who this car would be good for ....sounded like a "spot on" buyer profile. For all you 20 & 30 year olds out there ....I always drove very utilitarian and practical cars in my 20 & 30's ...focusing my spending on more important stuff like real estate. I didn't start buying more expensive unnecessary "brat cars" until my mid fifties. This car looks really good for the money. I was disappointed that you didn't call any of the Austin drivers "bone heads" or "douche bags" like you usually do on these test drives.... maybe next time. Cheers & happy holidays. BW

[@NewCarSpin]

+Bill Willins Hi Bill! Audi has a lot of fwd models that most dealers advertise as lease specials. The fwd models carry better residuals and money factors on lease, but it's a different experience from a quattro. I'd rather have an A3 quattro to zip around these Austin idiots! Have a Merry Christmas!

[@Enko063]

I am from Europe, and Audi has sale more with FWD than quattro, because quattro is optional, only is not optional whwn you have engine with high capacity. In Europe, Audi is much more popular than BMW and Mercedes, especially when it used. Less failures, errors than its competition, high value also after several years of usage etc.

[@jmb742]

Do you now the difference between the ultra premium and the premium plus?

[@georgepalmer2186]

How to know the difference between the ultra and the regular model?

[@garfylunds7301]

There is an Ultra Badge on the trunk right side under the 2.0T insignia

[@Backs4more]

Guessing this is the petrol version. I have the diesel Avant Ultra s-line and average 56-58mpg but if I’m open roads, 65-70mpg is possible. Still quite nippy, comfy and very very economical.

[@craigwilliams7044]

Great review of a base German luxury vehicle!

[@Nunayobizniz]

Great review

[@wp31144]

Just stumbled across this video..recently purchased a 2017 A4 Quattro. Drove it home on the highway and was getting 39mpg. I was so surprised I thought for sure it was an ultra and the dealership had the wrong tag on it. Low and behold my car is a Quattro ‘17 which didn’t come with the ultra. Anyway do u know the reliability long term of the 2.0T, I commute to and from work, expected to keep the car for a while and put plenty of miles on it.

[@NewCarSpin]

Congrats. First off, you'll see me rip into Toyota fans who write in to say their car is reliable. Reliability is a myth. With proper care and maintenance, anything will last. As for the A4, you will enjoy your commute but you do need to take it on some road trips and stretch its legs. The only long term issue I might be concerned about are maintenance costs. Brakes, tires, and dsg flushes will hit pretty hard at 40k intervals. A few road trips may extend the brakes and tires but the dsg fluid is at fixed increments. And I can't recall if the quattro or the ultra have wet or dry clutch packs. Your service book will be specific on what you should plan for. If your car (or any car) needs attention on things outside the intervals, that's a cause for concern. In short, just drive. All modern cars pretty robust these days.

[@zadeh79]

lol. I like the way you picked on a corolla...

[@NewCarSpin]

That 2017 Corolla is a POS. I even called it out in my Corolla review a few years ago. Thankfully, Toyota made some improvements to the new model. I like the new Camry and Avalon V6 as well. I would probably consider a new Camry or Avalon over a new A4 these days depending on needs and financial situation. Thanks for watching!

[@zadeh79]

​@@NewCarSpin (deleted my old reply). I ended buying an A4 Ultra, in part, because of your review!! They had it priced at only $32,500 and it was the right color (Florett silver metallic). My impression on the test drive is that it is NOT a slow car. Even though the engine is down ~60 HP from the Quattro model, it is still a very quick car. The 0-60 times in 7 seconds on the nose (Motor Trend). Unless you are timing it, I really can't tell my old 2014 A4 Quattro (0-60 5.8 seconds) is a faster car. Also with the dual-clutch, you get the wonderful feeling of the the car surging forward unlike the older models, even with higher hp. The handling, feedback, and ride quality on these newer models has also been extremely refined. The car soaks up bumps very well, unlike older Audis. I can also take on twisted roads like a competent sports car, with good steering feedback, in contrast to the overweight understeerer that numbly gets the job done. The car stays flat in the transitions, so Audi has also addressed the body roll issue that has plauged A4 models for a long time. Thanks for your review!

[@henrikohm]

Can tell you that the basic version in Denmark in way more basic than this. Thanks for the review.

[@NewCarSpin]

Denmark has Tall Poppy Syndrome, so I'm sure a base vehicle sold there must really feel Spartan.

[@kristapsswenson7951]

I'm about to buy one 🥳😎

[@NewCarSpin]

Before you do, look at the Toyota Camry XLE 4-cylinder. Compare the ride quality and features.

[@kristapsswenson7951]

@@NewCarSpin my Best friend has one haha , actually I'll test drive that too

[@ZStHope]

Like, especially if it is a Ultra premium plus[nicer looking headlights]

[@AmxCsifier]

Z StHope Yeah this one was pretty basic

[@NewCarSpin]

+AmxCsifier You can't have a commuter car without navigation. Even though you know where you're going, it's nice to have live traffic info.

[@NewCarSpin]

+AmxCsifier Basic, but at $38k, it puts it in line with the A3. So if you need something bigger than the A3, you can get an A4 for nearly the same cost, but with drivetrain differences.

[@vladsaghin7644]

Doesn't it have CarPlay and Android Auto though? If so, there's your navigation

[@NewCarSpin]

+Vlad Saghin Yes. But I'm personally not a fan of tethered integration.

[@holgerdziekanski2211]

Very Quality Review! Thanks. I'am from Germany...Would be nice if you would test the Audi A4 on the Autobahn.

[@christianmbabazi9722]

what's the hp?

[@mateusfaria8556]

christian mbabazi 252

[@EpicXXProductions]

No it's 190. This has the shitty engine.

[@heatseeker9738]

^Wrong. That's the the HP of the regular quattro A4. This A4 is FWD and has 190HP.

[@techsysengineer5135]

Texas !

[@unknownhorror9285]

What is ultra? The answer is: GARBAGE!

[@unknownhorror9285]

Excellent review though!

[@NewCarSpin]

+Unknown Horror Wrong.

[@dwightcosby6046]

Is it that bad?

[@unknownhorror9285]

New Car Spin a matter of opinion I guess. I think a brand whose pedigree is based on their 4 wheel drive system should stick to it, rather than make what is essentially a high spec Passat.

[@NewCarSpin]

+Unknown Horror What would you say to an awd Passat? By your logic, it would be an Audi.