It’s no secret that SUVs have successfully become the go-to choice for new-car buyers across segments. From entry-level cars to high-performance machines, people have increasingly preferred SUVs, and the executive sedan space is no different. This is where once cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, among others, were the gateway to luxury car ownership. Now, with the introduction of newer entry points, the barrier has definitely come down, but unsurprisingly, the market has made it clear that SUVs are more successful. So, then the question arises: what happens to a well-rounded car like the Audi A4? We try out the Audi A4 Signature Edition to understand how it fares in this game, especially when the rules don’t appear in its favour. 

The Audi A4 Signature Edition might be a special edition, but it doesn’t scream for attention. There are discreet touches that help this version stand out, but nothing that would detract from the overall classy appearance; something that a corporate buyer will appreciate. It’s not flamboyant, but at the same time, it has more to offer than the standard iteration. For instance, if you look closely, you’ll be able to appreciate the neatly incorporated boot-lid spoiler and the embossed Audi logo near the rear passenger door. 

That is in addition to the A4’s already likeable exterior, with familiar proportions and well-balanced lines. While it lacks the flair that some of its rivals have plenty of, the A4 is midway between neither too aggressive nor too understated. Its European design is backed by timeless sophistication, and that’s something you can’t say about many other modern cars. If you want a touch more flavour, the A4 Signature Edition has a nice range of colours to choose from, including the usual white, black, grey, red, and obviously the wonderful blue, referred to by Audi as Navarra Blue Metallic. As you can tell from the photos, this shade gives the A4 quite a stately presence. 

Spacious comfort: Roomy seats and a generous boot make every journey feel first class.

Spacious comfort: Roomy seats and a generous boot make every journey feel first class. | Photo Credit: Ishaan Jaiswal

If you liked the styling, you’re most likely going to appreciate the A4 Signature Edition’s interior, too. Ergonomics-wise, it has to be one of the best cars in the segment. The brilliant virtual cockpit driver display looks and feels as impressive as it did when it was introduced. It’s not just high-res, it also scores highly on usability. The legibility is no issue at all, and with animated car graphics, multiple view modes, and beautiful transitions (like how it snaps back to your map location after you zoom out to see the entire globe), it definitely feels upmarket. The leather-wrapped flat-bottom wheel looks nice to look and hold, too. 

On the Signature Edition, Audi has added new wooden inlays and a fragrance diffuser. The floating Audi centre caps on the wheels ensure that the logo remains upright always, while the LED puddle lamps project the logo onto the ground as soon as the doors open. The 30-colour ambient lightning furthers the premium feel, but the star of the show has to be the car’s three-zone climate control (with a dedicated zone for the rear) along with the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 755-watt speaker system.  

There’s ample head and legroom at the front, the rear space is decent, and the boot is capacious, too. The MMI infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and we can confirm that it works flawlessly. It’s a stylish and comfortable cabin, on the whole, and definitely a very nice place to be, but a plusher rear seat and added features like ventilated front seats could have made it more worthy of the special edition tag. 

How’s it on the move? 

Audi hasn’t changed the A4 mechanically. Like the standard iteration, the Signature Edition is powered by a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which makes 204 bhp and 32.63 kg-m. It is a front-wheel drive, and the power is transmitted via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. There’s an onboard 12-volt mild-hybrid system which aids efficiency using start-stop and energy recuperation. 

The overall performance is brisk but never jerky. The engine is eager to respond, ensuring quick overtakes aren’t an issue. At higher speeds, the car is quiet, stable, and surprisingly fuel-efficient; we managed anywhere between 14 to 19 km/l during our run. 

Its ride is comfort-focussed, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, while handling is predictable. It is not a corner-carver, but it handles long sweeping curves and quick lane changes without any drama. The light steering aids slow-speed manoeuvring but doesn’t lack weight for high-speed confidence. As the A4 is fairly low, you would expect it to scrape its underside while going over (usually) badly constructed speed breakers, but it has no such problems. The overall size is also just right, spacious enough to allow a roomy cabin inside but not so big that parking becomes a pain. It might not be the most exciting thing to drive around the twisties, but for the job at hand — which is to ensure your three-piece suit doesn’t get crumpled on your way to work — it is more than capable. 

It’s priced at ₹57.11 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), and for that money, you get a car that’s elegant, well-refined, and offers subtle luxury. It doesn’t scream for attention but still makes its presence known. We would have liked some more features in the A4 Signature Edition and probably a touch more style, but for everything it offers, the car is a great way to enjoy a premium sedan experience. 

The verdict

The overall package, with a refined engine, comfortable ride, balanced handling, premium audio, and strong badge value, is hard to fault. If you’re looking to upgrade to an executive sedan, the A4 Signature Edition, with its unending sedan appeal, can be a solid alternative to an SUV. 

© Motoring World

Published on June 27, 2025