2022 Audi A4 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

If anyone is looking for an upscale, sleek, and sporty sedan, the Audi A4 would be an excellent choice. This car has been in the market for a while, and it has gained many fans over the years. It handles itself well and has a luxurious cabin. Along with this, it has many high-tech systems. It's definitely a car that treats people well.

For 2022, not too much has changed. An optional Black Optic package is now available on all trims, and it gives the sedan a more aggressive appearance. Also, select models now get sport suspension systems.

Compare the 40 Premium vs 45 Premium. What is the difference?

The Audi A4 comes in a few trims, and all of them offer the option to get a "40" version and a "45" version. Either way, there would be a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine under the hood. It has four cylinders and is used in conjunction with a mild hybrid system. It comes standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive, called "quattro" by the company, is very responsive and enhances traction in a variety of situations. The engine is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

So how do the 40 and 45 version differ? Basically, the 45 is more powerful than the 40 is. An Audi A4 45 can generate 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. With this capability, the car can go from zero to a speed of 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds.

In contrast, the Audi A4 40 can hit that same speed in 6.3 seconds. This is still pretty fast, so the average driver won't have anything to worry about when it comes to acceleration. The A4 40 can make 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. These numbers are still impressive, but obviously, the A4 40 isn't as thrilling to drive as the 45 is. A sport suspension is found in the 45 version to improve handling.

The downside of getting the more powerful A4 is that fuel efficiency is slightly decreased. The A4 40 models earn an estimated 26/34 (city/highway) miles per gallon, whereas the 45 models achieve an estimated 24/31 (city/highway) miles per gallon. In addition, the 45 versions are slightly more expensive than their counterparts.

Other than these mechanical differences, there are a few ways in which the 45 Premium looks distinct from the 40. First of all, it has 18-inch wheels instead of 17-inch ones. The wheels on the 45 Premium have a five-double-spoke design. On the 40 Premium, the 17-inch wheels have ten-spoke designs.

The interior of the Audi A4 is nicely appointed. A power sunroof is standard, bringing in a lot of natural light. LED interior lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control with a rear digital display, and leather seats are all standard as well. Overall, the style is very sophisticated.

In the 40 Premium, there is a light cloth headliner. In the 45 Premium, the headliner is instead a black cloth. The 45 Premium has gray oak natural wood inlays around the dash and doors, and with the 40 Premium, those inlays are a brown walnut wood. Finally, the 45 Premium has illuminated aluminum door sill inlays with an S logo on them.

In general, though, there are many more similarities than differences when comparing these two types of Audi A4 sedans. Both have heated front seats and rear seatbacks that have a 40/20/40 configuration. The rearview mirror has a digital compass and an auto-dimming function. Driver-assist technologies are plentiful and can help people avoid certain kinds of accidents, and the 10.1-inch screen and infotainment system are easy to interact with.

Compare the 45 Premium vs 40 Premium Plus. What is the difference?

The next trim after the 45 Premium is the 40 Premium Plus. It goes back to having 201 horsepower instead of 261, and it has 236 pound-feet of torque instead of the 273 pound-feet of torque that the 45 Premium has.

The 40 Premium Plus may not have the same amount of capability that the 45 Premium has, but it does have 18-inch wheels. Its wheels have a slightly different design, with a bi-color finish and ten spokes.

Other exterior differences have to do with the lighting and side mirrors. On the 40 Premium Plus, there are full LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights, and the side mirrors have an electric-folding function as well as auto-dimming capability and a memory system. The 45 Premium does have LED headlights, but it doesn't have the signature lighting design, and its side mirrors have heaters but not the other functions.

Aesthetically, the 40 Premium Plus looks more similar to the 40 Premium than it does to the 45 Premium. That's because it has a light cloth headliner and brown walnut wood inlays like the 40 Premium does. Taking away some of the darker elements makes it feel more elegant rather than sporty. Also, the 40 Premium Plus has leatherette on its center console and door armrests.

There are some technological upgrades on the 40 Premium Plus. The first is the Audi virtual cockpit. This virtual cockpit is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster found behind the steering wheel, and it has three visual styles to choose from. It enhances the experience for the driver and makes the A4 feel a lot more futuristic. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is another feature to be appreciated with the 40 Premium Plus.

In addition, the Premium Plus has the Audi advanced key system. It offers keyless start and stop, which is what's found on the Premium. It also comes with keyless entry and a hands-free trunk release. With the Premium, one would still have to push a button on the key fob in order to unlock the doors. At the Premium Plus level, the key fob can stay safely secured at all times.

All that someone has to do to charge a phone in the 40 Premium Plus is to put in the phone box in the cubby below the center dash. There's a wireless charger here, and there's also technology that can improve cell reception. Note that this would only work with devices that are compatible with wireless charging.

The other upgrades on the 40 Premium Plus are related to safety. This trim has adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Unlike traditional cruise control, adaptive cruise control can modify the Audi's speed based on the speed of other vehicles.

The 40 Premium Plus has a top view monitor system that stitches together the information provided by four cameras to provide the driver with greater perspective. It has sensors that can assist with parking by letting people know when they're getting too close to objects, and it has rear cross traffic assist and blind spot monitoring. While the 45 Premium has lane departure warning, the 40 Premium Plus takes it a step further with active lane assist. Not only can the 40 Premium Plus warn drivers when they're veering out of position, but it can also correct steering if necessary.

Compare the 40 Premium Plus vs 45 Premium Plus. What is the difference?

Financially, the differences between these two trims is about $1,600. There aren't any surprises when moving to the 45 Premium Plus from the 40 Premium Plus. The engine is tweaked so that it's more powerful, and the suspension, wood inlays, and headliner are slightly different than those found in the 40 Premium Plus.

Compare the 45 Premium Plus vs 40 Prestige. What is the difference?

The 40 Prestige doesn't quite have the same kick that the 45 Premium Plus has, but it does have many more features. On the exterior of the 40 Prestige, there are matrix-design LED headlights. These look stunning and can really stand out. The headlights even have head-light washers to ensure that nothing gets in the way of them shining brightly. The headlights and taillights come with animation, and this is definitely a cool feature. On the 45 Premium Plus, there are dynamic turn signals which are also unique.

Driving the 40 Prestige can be a peaceful experience, thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass on the front side windows. A lot of outside noise can be blocked out by these types of windows. Like the 45 Premium Plus, the 40 Prestige has ambient lighting. It has even more places where lights have been placed, and the lights can be customized.

Keeping people comfortable in the 40 Prestige are heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. No matter what the temperature is, those up front can experience some relief from extreme temperatures. Rear-seat passengers can stay cozy in the colder months, too.

More technology is found on the 40 Prestige than on the 45 Premium Plus. To start, the 40 Prestige has navigation. This can be so helpful when going into new areas. The map is easy to read and has been placed strategically near the top of the dashboard so that the driver can quickly glance over and check for directions. This model comes with the ability to use Audi connect PRIME and Audi connect Plus, which are programs that give people access to travel information, Google voice search, over-the-air map data updates, fuel prices, remote lock and unlock, car finder, streaming music, and more.

With the 40 Prestige, there is a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound. This 755-watt system consist of 19 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier. The 45 Prestige Plus, in contrast, uses a 180-watt system with ten speakers. The difference in audio quality is definitely noticeable.

Further, the 40 Prestige has a head-up display and traffic sign recognition. The car can read signs about changing speed limits or upcoming traffic patterns, and it can offer reminders through the head-up display.

What's really amazing about the 40 Prestige is that it has Park Assist. This program allows the Audi to steer itself into a parking spot. It can work on both parallel and perpendicular spots, and it takes the stress out of parking in crowded areas.

Compare the 40 Prestige vs 45 Prestige. What is the difference?

From a cost perspective, the difference between the 45 Prestige and 40 Prestige is very minimal. Less than $1,000 separates the two, and the other differences are the same as those seen in previous comparisons between 40 and 45 versions. If someone is willing to spend more than $50,000 on a car, he/she might as well get the one with more power.

Final Thoughts

Because the Audi A4 is equipped with so many high-end features, most customers would be more than happy with the Premium level. Remember that it comes standard with leather seats, heated front seats, a sunroof, an advanced infotainment system, and drier-assist technologies. All of these things are sought after by those looking for luxury experiences with their next vehicles, and the Audi A4 offers all of these benefits and more. That's why the Premium is recommended to those who want sophistication but also have to be mindful of their costs.

The price differential between the 40 and 45 version of the Premium model isn't too significant. The 45 is a lot more fun to drive, and that's why it's recommended over the 40. If someone is getting ready to get a luxury sports sedan, he/she might as well maximize power output.

If budget isn't a concern, then it's a different situation. The Prestige does have the best features, including navigation, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, elegant exterior lighting, and more advanced safety components. The 45 Prestige offers an unparalleled experience for those who can afford it.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Audi A4 Trime Levels