Audi A4

We all have a dream, either for ourselves or our parents, to someday own a luxury car. But where a few years ago a decent luxury car used to cost Rs 30 lakh, today you have to spend Rs 60 lakh for the same. In such a scenario, a question arises: Should I not go for a Toyota Fortuner instead? If not the Fortuner, these days cars up to Rs 30 lakh come with quite a few luxury features. So why spend the extra money?

Today, we are going to find out what exactly makes a luxury car different from a regular one. In this task, the Audi A4 – the most affordable car in Audi's lineup – will assist us.

Modern cars with unique shapes try to attract your attention. The A4, however, is different. It doesn't demand attention; instead, it politely requests recognition within its class. The design and shape may be achieved by any car, but what this luxury car offers is quality and excellent quality control.

Let's start with its paint finish, which is beyond the reach of ordinary cars. Then comes its hefty body panels and attention to detail, such as the natural unfolding of door handles and the fold of mirrors near the body. LED headlights are common these days, but the intensity and throw of the Audi’s lights are more appreciated. The design of the tail lamps also stands out. However, it's the wheels that look a bit bland.

But what impresses the most is the consistency. All around, the fit and shut lines of the panels are smooth and precise. There's no instance where one gap is too wide while the other is too narrow. Such discrepancies are often observed in mass-market cars, perhaps not in Hyundai but in Tata or Maruti. They may have evolved in design, but it's this precision that makes the A4 a luxury car.

The key to the A4 is as premium as the car itself. Its texture, finish, and weight justify its status as a luxury car key. Remote keyless entry, auto-folding ORVMs are available, and despite being a sedan, it even offers the option of a gesture tailgate. At night, the door handles have lights that look very appealing.

What's the difference between a 3-star and a 5-star hotel room? Both have beds, pillows, kettles, towels, and bathroom accessories, but the difference lies in their quality. Similarly, the cabin of a luxury car is like a 5-star hotel, while mass-market cars are akin to 2- or 3-star hotels.

The Audi A4's cabin reflects this quality. The entire dashboard has a soft-touch coating, extending to the door pads, handles, and even the door pockets. The leather wrap on the steering is of excellent quality. While soft-touch and leather wraps are now common in regular cars, it's like comparing a Neha Kakkar tune to an Alka Yagnik melody.

Then there's the piano black finish, which feels deeper and tougher than regular cars. Additionally, the switches — using them feels like ASMR!

Features

You might get more features in a Rs 30 lakh car, such as ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ADAS. These features may not be present in an entry-level luxury car, but the ones present in the A4 offer excellent quality and experience.

The A4 comes with a 12.3-inch LED instrument cluster with TV-like clarity. The layout, logic, and integration of maps and all readouts are very clear. Complementing this is a 10-inch touchscreen display with a premium black theme. Using it with the new smartphone interface has become even easier. I particularly appreciate its dedicated volume and track knob.

There's no lag or glitch on either of these screens. What's there works excellently, and it is not being beta-tested on the customers, unlike some of the recent cars from Mahindra and Tata.

In addition, the A4 features a 3-zone climate control — 2 for the front and a separate one for the rear seats – along with ambient lighting with 30 colors, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, powered front seats, and a superb Bang and Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer.

And there are more details. The centre armrest can be locked and extended into any position you desire. The auto-dimming feature of ORVMs ensures that the high beams of cars behind you don't distract. As I mentioned earlier, the features may be fewer, but their experience makes the A4 a luxury car.

Rear Seat

The rear seat experience is a bit mixed. There are nets in the name of seat back pockets, no charging ports, just one 12V socket, and the seat back is quite upright. However, the support, quality, and space are good. Additionally, it becomes a luxury car with its sunshades, temperature control, and a large armrest.

Moreover, this armrest is quite likable. It has a secure storage area for your phone, and its cup holder is well-engineered. In regular armrests, if cup holders are mounted in the middle, they can be inconvenient. Here, that problem won't occur. Due to the attention to these small details, the rear seats make it a luxury experience.

The combination of a sedan and boot space is a match made in heaven, with ample space for luggage. However, what makes it a luxury car's boot is its fully carpeted floor, preventing any rattling or noise from the items. The opening is also controlled and satisfying. 

You get a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Yes, it's powerful, generating 190 PS and 320 Nm. With its 7-speed transmission, it reaches 100 kmph in just 7.3 seconds.

But what impresses the most is its refinement. This engine is not just quiet; it's practically vibration-free. Achieving this level of smoothness comes at a cost, though you won't find this detail in the brochure. Inside, you won't feel that the engine is working hard in any situation, whether driving in the city or overtaking on highways.

Its power delivery is remarkably smooth. Driving in the city is effortless, and overtaking is a breeze. A slightly aggressive push on the accelerator, and the car moves swiftly forward. This refinement and effortless nature make the driving experience different from regular cars.

Now, it's often believed that a car can either be comfortable on bumps or have good handling. Having both qualities is challenging. Luxury cars prove this notion wrong. With its sophisticated suspension, the A4 offers excellent comfort. Whether the roads are good or bad, you won't feel the jolts. And the way it smoothly glides over speed breakers or bumps is praiseworthy. Truly, sitting in this car makes you feel what a comfortable suspension is.

When it comes to handling, it's on point too. Taking corners at speed, the A4 stays on its path without swaying. The steering feels sharp, and the car stays well-controlled. It doesn't exhibit bothersome body roll, and you can enjoy drives to hill stations.

Parking is also very easy here. With its self-parking feature, you just need to find a spot, and the car will park itself by providing the necessary steering inputs. This balance of comfort, handling, and ease of parking sets it apart from regular cars, making it a luxury car.

After a few days with the Audi A4, it's evident how luxury cars differ. Their cost lies not in what you see, but for what you feel. The cabin quality, feature experience, paint finish, and driving package set them apart from mass-market cars. While an expensive car may make you feel daily that you've made a significant purchase, a luxury car enhances that, making you feel like you've reached a higher, more exclusive status in life. In such a car, you find more joy in its features and space than in any other.

This holds true for the Audi A4. It is a sedan which makes you appreciate quality over quantity and defines what makes a luxury car special. If you are looking for a first step into luxury, the A4 is a perfect option.