Exploring the Audi A4 B8 Sedan (2008–2015): Subtle Luxury, Everyday Pace

I’ve spent plenty of miles in the Audi A4 B8 over the years—wintry mountain runs, airport dashes, a couple of long, quiet cross-country night drives—and every time I climb back in one, I’m reminded why this generation stuck. The Audi A4 B8 (2008–2015) nails that understated premium feel: crisp steering, a cabin that still looks expensive, and a drivetrain that makes light work of daily life. Not perfect. But impressively polished for a luxury sedan you can live with.

Audi A4 B8: What Changed, And Why It Still Feels Modern

The B8 was a big step for the A4. Built on Audi’s MLB architecture, it stretched the wheelbase and pushed the front axle forward—less nose-heavy, more planted. You notice it immediately: the car sits right on the road, absorbs bad surfaces with a firm but calm motion, and doesn’t get flustered when you hustle it. Visually, it’s classic Audi—clean lines, tidy proportions, LED detailing that still looks sharp at night.

During the B8 run (with a 2013 “B8.5” facelift), the car picked up updated lighting, cleaner infotainment, and (on many models) a switch to electric power steering. The earlier hydraulic setups feel a touch weightier; the later cars are lighter to the touch in town. Either way, on a rainy commute or a late Sunday sprint, the A4 B8 feels composed and grown-up.

Engines, Transmissions, And The Way It Drives

The headline act was the 2.0T TFSI—211 hp for most years (later 220), with a stout 258 lb-ft of torque that makes the A4 B8 feel stronger than the numbers suggest. It pairs well with quattro all-wheel drive and either a manual or automatic; front-drive cars got the Multitronic CVT (smoother than you think, but not my pick). Early models also offered a 3.2-liter V6 (265 hp) that’s creamy and quick, though rarer. Real-world numbers? Expect roughly 0–60 mph in the mid-6s for a 2.0T quattro, high-5s to low-6s for the V6.

What sticks with me is how the A4 B8 moves. It’s quiet enough to hear your kids negotiating back-seat snack treaties, yet it’ll settle into a fast, confident rhythm when the road opens. On rough roads, the suspension feels buttoned down—not floaty, not brittle. It’s the kind of car that makes you take the long way home, even if you won’t admit it.

Audi A4 B8 Features And Tech That Still Matter

• MMI infotainment (3G on later cars) with clear navigation and rotary controller
• Available Bang & Olufsen audio—crisp, genuinely premium sound
• Drive Select on some trims: tweak steering, throttle, and damping
• Advanced safety for its time: blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, lane assist (availability varies by year/market)
• Heated seats, quality leather, real aluminum or wood trim—still feels expensive

Living With An Audi A4 B8: Space, Practicality, Quirks

The trunk is square and useful, the rear bench folds, and the cabin stores everyday life without fuss. The driving position is spot-on—wheel, pedals, seat all line up neatly—and nighttime illumination is pure Audi theater. Quirks? The cupholders are just okay (Euro-cars and big coffees never fully agreed), and early MMI systems can lag. Also, a few owners mentioned to me that the Bluetooth sometimes takes a beat to reconnect after fueling—minor stuff, but you notice it.

Audi A4 B8: Common Issues And What To Check

As with any premium sedan, the A4 B8 rewards proper maintenance. When I was shopping with a friend for a used one, here’s the short list we worked through:

• 2.0T oil consumption on early engines (pre-2012 especially). Many cars had updated pistons/rings under warranty—ask for documentation.
• Timing components: listen for rattles on cold start, check service history for tensioner/chain updates.
• Water pump and thermostat failures—common wear items; replacements are straightforward but worth confirming.
• Front suspension control-arm bushings: clunks over speed bumps mean it’s time.
• Multitronic CVT (FWD): smooth when healthy, but be picky—service records matter.
• MMI glitches and screen pixel issues on older cars—most are fixable, but budget accordingly.

Do the basics—oil changes on time, quality parts—and the B8 is a loyal partner. It’s one of those premium sedans that doesn’t punish you for using it daily.

Accessories That Actually Help: Floor Mats For Audi A4 B8

Small upgrade, big daily payoff. If you live where it rains or snows (or you have a dog who thinks every park is a mud spa), good floor mats transform the cleanup routine. I’ve used tailored mats that cover the sills and footwell edges—no more grit collecting at the carpet’s lip.

For fitment that snaps right in, I’ve pointed readers to AutoWin more than once. Their Audi floor mats are cut to the exact A4 B8 footprint, and the finish looks factory. You can browse the A4-specific set here: A4 B8 mats.

There’s even a sportier look if that’s your thing:

Audi A4 B8 vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up

The A4 B8’s party trick is torque: that 2.0T wave makes city driving easy and highway merging effortless. The BMW’s steering still charms, and the Mercedes rides plush, but the Audi blends quiet, grip, and quality in a way that ages extremely well.

Audi A4 B8: Quick Specs Snapshot

• Engines: 2.0T I-4 (most common), 3.2 V6 (early years)
• Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-/8-speed Tiptronic auto (quattro), Multitronic CVT (FWD)
• Output: 211–220 hp (2.0T), 265 hp (3.2)
• Drivetrain: quattro AWD or FWD
• Economy: mid-20s mpg combined in typical mixed driving for the 2.0T quattro

Verdict: The Audi A4 B8 Still Makes Sense

Honest moment: I wasn’t sure at first if the A4 B8 would keep feeling special this far on. It does. The cabin still looks classy, the 2.0T still pulls like a small diesel without the noise, and the way it deals with bad roads feels very Audi. Keep up with maintenance, pick a well-documented car, and the Audi A4 B8 remains a smart, grown-up luxury sedan that doesn’t shout—just gets on with it. And if you’re keeping one nice for the long haul, a good set of Audi floor mats from the AutoWin Eshop is a simple, worthwhile upgrade. You’ll find the A4-specific catalog here: Audi A4 B8 mats.

Audi A4 B8 FAQ

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Audi A4?

Early 2.0T engines can suffer from oil consumption, plus typical wear items like water pumps and control-arm bushings. A few cars report electronic gremlins (MMI or sensors). A pre-purchase inspection and solid service history go a long way.

Is the B8 Audi A4 reliable?

Generally, yes—when maintained. Look for documentation of oil-consumption fixes on early cars, timely fluid changes, and cooling-system work as needed. Treated right, they easily rack up the miles.

Is a 2008 Audi A4 a good car?

It’s a well-rounded premium sedan—quiet, comfortable, and tidy to drive. If you want a refined daily with real winter capability (quattro) and an interior that still feels premium, it’s an excellent pick.

What does A4 B8 mean?

“B8” is Audi’s internal code for the A4 generation sold roughly from 2008 to 2015 (facelifted in 2013). It brought a longer wheelbase, updated tech, and the clean, timeless look people associate with modern Audi sedans.