Verdict
The RM139,526 jump from the Audi A4 B9 to the Audi A4 B9 Facelift is substantial, but it buys far more than a styling update: 245 hp, 380 Nm and all-wheel drive cut the 0-100 km/h time from 8.5 to 5.8 seconds. The older B9 is the rational used-car route, returning a rated 5.3 L/100 km and carrying a 480-litre boot. The facelift counters with adaptive comfort suspension, adaptive LED headlights, virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch navigation screen. For Malaysian running costs, the B9’s RM70 annual road tax is far easier to live with than RM372.
Pick the Audi A4 B9 if lower purchase cost, 5.3 L/100 km rated economy, RM70 road tax and a 480-litre boot matter more than outright pace.
Pick the Audi A4 B9 Facelift if you want 245 hp, 380 Nm, all-wheel drive and the newer cabin and lighting equipment.
Key differences
- Price: RM206,525 for the Audi A4 B9 versus RM346,051 for the Audi A4 B9 Facelift.
- Powertrain: 1,395 cc, 150 hp and 250 Nm with front-wheel drive versus 1,984 cc, 245 hp and 380 Nm with all-wheel drive.
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and 210 km/h top speed versus 5.8 seconds and 250 km/h.
- Efficiency and tax: 5.3 L/100 km, 122 g/km and RM70 yearly road tax versus 7.1 L/100 km, 141 g/km and RM372.
- Practicality: 4,726 mm length, 1,375 kg weight and 480-litre boot versus 4,762 mm, 1,545 kg and 460 litres.
- Cabin and chassis: 7.0-inch MMI Radio Plus with analogue instruments and comfort suspension versus 10.
B9
- RM139,526 less to buy.
- Rated at 5.3 L/100 km with RM70 annual road tax.
- 480-litre boot, 20 litres larger than the facelift’s.
- 150 hp and 250 Nm leave it 95 hp and 130 Nm behind.
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- No navigation, virtual cockpit, adaptive LED headlights or driver-seat memory.
B9 Facelift
- 245 hp, 380 Nm and all-wheel drive deliver a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Adaptive comfort suspension and 18-inch wheels.
- Adaptive LED headlights, 10.1-inch navigation, virtual cockpit and driver-seat memory.
- Costs RM139,526 more.
- Rated economy is 7.1 L/100 km and annual road tax is RM372.
- 460-litre boot is 20 litres smaller.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM206,525✓ | RM346,051 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM372 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,395 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 245 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 380 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 74.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | 7-speed S-tronic | 7-speed S-tronic |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | BorgWarner | BorgWarner |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | 5.8 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 5.3 L/100 km✓ | 7.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 122 g/km✓ | 141 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,726 mm | 4,762 mm |
| Width | 1,842 mm | 1,847 mm |
| Height | 1,427 mm | 1,428 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm | 2,820 mm |
| Weight | 1,375 kg | 1,545 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 54 litres | 58 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/50R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/50R17 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 | Hankook Ventus S1 evo |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" 10-spoke alloy | 18" 10-spoke Dynamic Style Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" 10-spoke alloy | 18" 10-spoke Dynamic Style Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Comfort suspension | Audi drive select (adaptive comfort suspension) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | Adaptive LED headlights with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED with Sequential Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function for Driver |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Manual rear door window shades |
| Audio | 7.0" MMI Radio Plus, Audi Sound System with 10 Speakers, 180 watts | 10.1" MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi Sound System with 10 Speakers, 180 watts |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | All four windows, auto up and down with anti-pinch | All four windows, auto up and down with anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Audi virtual cockpit |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
B9 vs B9 Facelift FAQ
Is the Audi A4 B9 or Audi A4 B9 Facelift better?
The Audi A4 B9 Facelift is the better-equipped and far quicker car, with 245 hp, all-wheel drive and a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time. The Audi A4 B9 makes more financial sense if economy, road tax and boot space take priority.
What is the price difference?
The Audi A4 B9 Facelift costs RM139,526 more than the Audi A4 B9: RM346,051 versus RM206,525.
Which Audi A4 is cheaper to run?
The Audi A4 B9 is cheaper on the stated figures, rated at 5.3 L/100 km versus 7.1 L/100 km. Its annual road tax is also RM70, compared with RM372 for the Audi A4 B9 Facelift.