The 2021 Audi A4 gets new standard features and options to follow up last year’s mid-cycle refresh. Currently, in its fifth generation, the A4 competes against other small luxury cars such as the BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The small sedan’s exterior goes unchanged since it still looks good from last year’s updates. It’s athletic and graceful, with LED front and rear lighting adding plenty of brightness. A Black optic package, with a choice between 18- and 19-inch wheels, is available for Premium Plus and Prestige trims of the 45 model.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission carry over, but the setup now gets a 12-volt mild-hybrid system and a bump of 13 horsepower. This increases output to to 201 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque in 40 models, and 261 hp and 273 lb-ft in 45 models. All-wheel drive (AWD) is now standard across the lineup as well.

Audi hasn’t mentioned trim level changes for 2021, so expect the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims to carry over. Premium includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry and push-button start, a sunroof, heated front seats, and heated mirrors. With Platinum Plus, you’ll get the Virtual Cockpit information display and driver's seat memory functions. Prestige adds ambient lighting, heated rear seats (new for this year), and more subtle upgrades, like better insulation from road noise.

Standard tech features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay (new for this year), a 10-speaker audio system, and a new integrated toll transponder. Options include satellite radio, WiFi, extra USB ports, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

The 2021 A4 hasn’t yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2020 model fared well. From NHTSA, it earned a 5-star overall rating (out of 5), and IIHS awarded the highest rating of Good in all six crash tests. Standard safety features include a reversing camera, low-speed forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane-departure warning is now standard for 2021. For options, buyers can add a 360-degree camera system, a hands-on detection steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-crash warning and intervention, and front and rear parking sensors.

With new standard technology and more options, the 2021 Audi A4 remains an enticing option in the luxury sedan segment.