Does an Audi A4 Have a Turbo?

Yes, almost all modern Audi A4 models do have a turbocharged engine, though the specifics depend on model year, market, and exact trim; recent generations use small-displacement turbocharged engines across the range, while older models mix naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged options.

How Turbocharging Fits Into the Audi A4 Lineup

The Audi A4 has evolved from offering a mix of naturally aspirated and turbo engines to relying almost entirely on turbocharged powertrains in recent generations. This shift reflects broader industry trends aimed at improving performance and fuel efficiency while meeting stricter emissions regulations.

Current-Generation Audi A4 (B9, 2017–Present)

The current-generation Audi A4, still on sale as of late 2025 in many markets, is built around turbocharged four-cylinder engines, often branded by Audi as “TFSI.” In some regions, mild-hybrid systems are paired with these engines to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

The key turbocharged options commonly available in the current-generation Audi A4 include:

• 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder turbo engines with varying power outputs (often around 150–265 hp, depending on market and trim).
• Mild-hybrid variants that still rely on a turbocharged 2.0 TFSI engine, supplemented by a 12V or 48V electrical system to assist acceleration and improve fuel economy.
• Higher-performance S4 models (in some regions) using a turbocharged V6, although in other markets the S4 has used a turbo-diesel V6.

Together, these options mean that if you’re buying a new or recent Audi A4, you can safely assume it uses a turbocharged engine, whether petrol or diesel, and often with mild-hybrid assistance.

Diesel (TDI) A4 Models

In markets where diesel remains popular, such as parts of Europe, Audi offers A4 models with TDI engines. These diesel engines are also turbocharged, a near-universal practice in modern passenger-car diesels.

Typical turbo-diesel A4 options have included:

• 2.0 TDI four-cylinder turbo diesels with a range of power levels (for example, around 136–204 hp depending on tune and generation).
• 3.0 TDI V6 turbo diesels for higher torque and performance in some S4 or higher trims in select markets.

These diesel variants rely on turbocharging not only for performance but also for the efficiency characteristics that diesel buyers typically seek, such as strong low-end torque and better highway fuel economy.

Looking Back: Older Audi A4 Generations and Turbo Use

Whether an older Audi A4 has a turbo depends strongly on the specific engine. Over the A4’s history since the mid-1990s, Audi has used both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, with a clear trend toward turbocharging over time.

First Generations (B5, B6, B7: Mid-1990s–Late 2000s)

The early A4 generations introduced many drivers to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but non-turbo options also existed, especially in V6 form. Turbos were common but not universal across these lineups.

Typical engine patterns for these generations included:

• Turbocharged 1.8T four-cylinder petrol engines (a hallmark of early A4 models).
• Naturally aspirated V6 petrol engines (e.g., 2.4, 2.8, 3.0) with no turbocharger.
• Turbocharged diesel engines (TDI) in various displacements, especially in European markets.

For a B5–B7 A4, the presence of a turbo depends on whether the car is a 1.8T, TDI, or certain performance trims, versus a non-turbo petrol V6.

B8 Generation (Around 2009–2016): Transition to Turbo Dominance

By the B8 generation, Audi had increasingly standardized turbocharging on smaller petrol engines, while some larger engines used supercharging instead of turbocharging.

Notable engine setups from this era include:

• 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines across many mainstream trims.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 engines that were supercharged, not turbocharged, despite the “TFSI” badge.
• A range of turbocharged TDI diesel engines in various displacements.

This period can be confusing because “TFSI” did not always mean “turbo” in V6 models; some were supercharged. However, the bread-and-butter 2.0 TFSI A4 was indeed turbocharged.

Reading the Badges: How to Tell If a Specific A4 Has a Turbo

Because Audi’s badging has changed over time and varies by market, it helps to know how to identify a turbocharged A4. Visual clues and engine codes can confirm whether your specific car has a turbocharged engine.

Common Indicators of a Turbocharged Audi A4

Drivers and buyers can look for several signs that suggest an Audi A4 is turbocharged, ranging from badges to technical documentation.

Key indicators typically include:

• Engine branding: “TFSI” (petrol) or “TDI” (diesel) on recent A4 models usually means a turbo, especially for 2.0-liter engines.
• Technical specifications: Manufacturer brochures, the owner’s manual, or online VIN decoders will specify if the engine is turbocharged.
• Engine bay components: Presence of a prominent intercooler, turbo plumbing, and a turbine housing visible from above or below the engine area.
• Performance trims: S4 and some special performance versions typically use turbo or supercharged engines rather than naturally aspirated units.

Although badges can be a quick clue, the most reliable confirmation comes from official technical documentation or a VIN-based lookup, especially on older models where engine options were more varied.

Why Audi Uses Turbochargers in the A4

Turbocharging in the Audi A4 is not just a performance choice; it’s also a response to regulatory, efficiency, and driving-experience demands in the modern automotive market.

Performance and Efficiency Balance

Turbochargers allow Audi to use smaller engines while maintaining or improving power and torque. This has become central to the A4’s character: refined, quick, and reasonably efficient for a premium sedan or wagon.

The main benefits of turbocharging in the A4 context include:

• Higher power from small engines: A 2.0-liter turbo can rival or exceed the output of older naturally aspirated V6 engines.
• Improved torque: Turbocharged engines offer strong low- to mid-range torque, making everyday driving feel more responsive.
• Better fuel economy and emissions: Downsized turbo engines can achieve better efficiency when driven moderately, aiding compliance with modern emissions standards.
• Flexibility across trims: Audi can tune the same turbo engine for multiple power levels, simplifying production and expanding the model range.

This combination explains why turbocharging has become standard across much of the A4 lineup and why naturally aspirated engines have largely disappeared from recent models.

Model-Year Caveats: When an A4 Might Not Be Turbocharged

While most people asking today about an Audi A4 will be looking at a turbocharged model, there are legitimate exceptions, especially among older used cars. Knowing these exceptions helps avoid assumptions when buying or researching an A4.

Notable Non-Turbo or Non-Turbo-Petrol Exceptions

Certain A4 engines, particularly from older generations or special configurations, do not use turbocharging even if they deliver strong performance.

Examples of exceptions include:

• Older naturally aspirated V6s: Early A4s with 2.4, 2.8, or 3.0 petrol V6 engines were typically not turbocharged.
• Supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6: In many B8-generation S4 and some higher-trim A4 models, power came from supercharging, not turbocharging, despite the “TFSI” label.
• Base-market specials: In some regions and older eras, entry-level A4 variants used small naturally aspirated petrol engines without turbochargers.

Because of these exceptions, checking the specific engine code, trim, and model year is the safest way to confirm whether a given A4 is turbocharged, especially for vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s.

Summary

Most modern Audi A4 models do have turbocharged engines, especially any recent 2.0 TFSI or TDI version. The current B9-generation A4 relies heavily on turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with some higher-performance variants using turbocharged or previously supercharged V6s. Older A4s, however, may feature naturally aspirated V6 engines or supercharged V6s, so not every A4 in history is turbocharged. For any specific car, the most reliable approach is to verify the engine type and model year through official specifications or a VIN lookup.

Does the Audi A4 have turbo?

Yes, the Audi A4 is equipped with a turbocharger in its engines, including the current models and recent generations. Both the standard and higher-performance turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines have been a staple of the A4’s powertrain for many years, with some high-performance versions like the S4 using a turbocharged V6.
 

• Recent models: The 2024 and 2025 Audi A4 models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in different states of tune. The base engine produces 201 horsepower, while a more powerful version offers 261 horsepower. 
• Older models: Turbocharged four-cylinder engines have been standard in the A4 for several years, such as the 2.0T in models from 2012 and 2018. 
• S4 model: The high-performance S4 version has historically used a larger, turbocharged V6 engine. 

Which Audis have a turbo?

Choose your power.
The Audi Q8 family offers three powertrain options: a turbocharged V6 in the Audi Q8; a twin-turbocharged V8 in the Audi SQ8; and in the Audi RS Q8, a mighty, twin-turbocharged V8 producing 591 HP.

Does the 2018 Audi A4 have a turbo?

The A4’s 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is eager and energetic. It responds instantly to throttle inputs and gets the A4 up to speed quickly and seamlessly.

Does the 2014 Audi A4 have a turbo?

Acceleration and Power. The front-wheel drive 2014 Audi A4 comes with a 220-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).