The Audi A4 has a pretty impressive report card.
It's composed and comfortable, easy to drive and easy to use – but it sits in a competitive class with plenty of talented saloon and estate rivals to consider.
Here are our 10 favourite Audi A4 alternatives. Almost all are available with big savings as nearly new or used cars from Motorpoint.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is, in many ways, the obvious alternative to the Audi A4. It's a similar size and layout, with a choice of four-door saloon and five-door estate body styles. The BMW car is traditionally a little sportier than the A4, with a rear-biased drivetrain and deft handling. You'd probably need to drive quite hard to actually notice the difference between the two cars, but there's no question the 3 Series is entertaining from behind the wheel. That's especially true if you go for a spin in the muscular M340i petrol or M340d diesel version.
Shop used BMW 3 Series cars or read our BMW 3 Series review
Mercedes C-Class
The Mercedes C-Class is the other premium German option alongside the A4 and the 3 Series. Like the BMW, the Mercedes is rear-driven, but there's less of an outright focus on sporty driving, with a little more compliance and softness to its setup – though the differences are fairly marginal. Your personal taste will play a role here – you might think the Mercedes' plush cabin looks glossier and more inviting than the Audi's overly dark affair, or you might think it's a little gaudy with the faux-carbon-effect centre console and bright infotainment graphics.
See used Mercedes C-Class cars or read our Mercedes C-Class review
Tesla Model 3
Ever since it first launched, the Tesla Model 3 made its name as the electric car that demanded essentially no compromises over owning a fuel-powered car. Its real-world range was properly useful, backed up by Tesla's fast and convenient Supercharger network, and its punchy performance makes leaping through gaps in traffic trivial. And, thanks to its ground-up EV design, it can really make the most of the space between the axles, with lots of passenger room, a spacious boot and a handy front 'frunk' that'll carry a few extra luggage bags.
Browse used Tesla Model 3 cars for sale
Skoda Superb
Skoda might not be an automatic rival to the likes of Audi, being positioned as a more 'affordable' brand within the VW Group empire. Spend some time behind the wheel of the Skoda Superb, however, and you'll see it more than lives up to its name. It's calm and refined to drive, and easier to use than some of its recent stablemates thanks to Skoda retaining physical climate controls for quick eyes-off adjustments. The final string in the Superb's bow is its cave-like practicality, with so much space it begs the question why you'd bother with an SUV.
Search used Skoda Superb cars or read our Skoda Superb review
Polestar 2
If you fancy an electric A4 alternative, but a Tesla's not your cup of tea, try the Polestar 2. It's a little softer and more refined than the Model 3, but it falls a little short of the Tesla for outright passenger and cargo space – although it strikes back with a more useful hatchback-style boot opening. There's less fuss than the Model 3, which uses its screen or touch controls for functions like the gear selector, indicators and infotainment volume, while the Polestar has obvious physical controls for these features.
Shop used Polestar 2 cars or read our Polestar 2 review
Lexus ES
At nearly five metres long, the Lexus ES technically sits in a class above the A4 but, with healthy discounts on the used market, you'll find that your budget will probably cover examples of both cars. The ES takes a slightly different approach to premium transport, with less of a nod towards sporty driving, and more on being comfortable and refined. It's only offered in the UK with a full-hybrid engine. That means strong economy, even in stop-start traffic, without any faffing around with recharging like a plug-in hybrid.
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Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Alfa Romeo Giulia isn't the newest option in this group, but its Italian good looks and sporty character has helped it carve out a niche among this selection. On the road, the Giulia is good fun to throw around, feeling like a smaller, lighter car than it is – especially if you pick one of the punchier 280hp petrol engines. Rear passengers aren't afforded quite as much room in the Giulia as they are in the A4 but, provided you're not ferrying particularly tall adults, this is unlikely to be a problem.
View used Alfa Romeo Giulia cars or read our Alfa Romeo Giulia review
Volvo V60
The Volvo V60 – and the larger V90 – have both earned a stay of execution in the UK after the brand mooted the idea of abandoning them entirely for its popular SUV lineup. There's still demand out there for a slick Swedish estate so the V60 remains on sale for now. Like the loosely related Polestar above, the V60 has ditched a lot of physical controls for a cleaner look, but retains just enough of the important stuff that you can pass your entire journey without fiddling with its infotainment screen.
Check out used Volvo V60 cars for sale
Citroen C5 X
Big Citroens have historically been seen as oddball choices in the premium car world. The C5 X, however, is arguably the most complete entry the brand has made in this segment. Citroen's styling language translates beautifully to its part-estate-part-SUV bodywork, and there's flashes of modern wood and aluminium-effect trim inside, plus a smarter infotainment setup than most recent Citroen models. The 1.2-litre entry-level model punches above its weight for performance, or you can upgrade to the quicker plug-in hybrid.
Browse used Citroen C5 X cars or read our Citroen C5 X review
Genesis G70
Genesis might not be your first port of call when shopping for an A4 rival – a shame because the Genesis G70 has a lot going for it. For one, its cabin is arguably more luxurious than the traditional German segment leaders, with leather on nearly every surface and a clean, deliberate design throughout. There's a grunty 200hp diesel for long-distance drivers, or a 245hp petrol that gives the G70 an effortless turn of speed down any motorway slip road. There's also the G70 Shooting Brake estate, which has a long roof and more cargo space.
Save cash on your perfect premium car
Find out how much you could save on a nearly new or used car from Motorpoint. To see more tempting options, read the best cars for long-distance driving.
