- New in 2026: Ireland sells the A5 (not A4) — Saloon from €55,700 / Avant from €59,600 list (Audi Ireland MY26).
- Company car: A5 e-hybrid SE/S Line if you charge — Category A BIK on many ~46–59 g/km configs; from €57,500 saloon / €61,400 Avant list.
- Private used: late B9 facelift 35 TDI or 35/40 TFSI S-tronic with belt + DSG paperwork — still Ireland's volume A4 purchase.
- Skip: S-tronic without invoices; 2.0 TDI without timing-belt proof; uncharged PHEV “for tax”; quattro unless you mean it.
- Value rival: Octavia / Passat estate if badge prestige is optional.
A4 vs A5 naming — what Ireland actually sells in 2026
Globally, Audi retired the A4 nameplate and folded the compact executive saloon/estate role into a new generation badged A5 (saloon and Avant). In Ireland that is not a rumour — Audi Ireland's MY26 pricelist (13 Feb 2026) lists A5 Saloon and A5 Avant with 35 TFSI, 40 TFSI, 40 TDI and e-hybrid powertrains. There is no A4 row.
Dealers and PCP ads still say “A4 class” because that is what Irish buyers type. Mechanically and on the order form, a 2026 new car in this slot is an A5. Everything below that still talks about the A4 because that is the car dominating DoneDeal stock, NCT queues and specialist bays.
Last Irish A4 generation was the B9(2015–2024, facelift 2019). Late MY24 Irish diesel list examples (RRP before ~€1,250 delivery): Saloon 30 TDI SE €48,045 · 35 TDI SE €49,120 · 40 TDI quattro S Line €62,730; Avant 35 TDI SE €52,550 · 40 TDI quattro S Line €67,530. Those cars are now used-market inventory — which is where most Irish “A4” money still moves.
At a glance — August 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New (Ireland, MY26 list) | A5 Saloon 35 TFSI SE €55,700 · 40 TDI SE €57,000 · e-hybrid SE €57,500 · 40 TFSI SE €58,500 |
| New Avant from | 35 TFSI SE €59,600 · 40 TDI SE €60,900 · e-hybrid 295 hp SE €61,400 |
| S Line examples (saloon) | 35 TFSI €62,265 · 40 TDI €62,845 · e-hybrid €62,955 · 40 TFSI €65,065 |
| Used B9 (typical asking) | ~€14k–€24k early · €23k–€38k 2019–21 facelift · €35k–€52k late low-km |
| Motor tax — used TDI | Often €190–€270/year (CoC-dependent) |
| Motor tax — A5 e-hybrid | ~€150/year on many ~46–59 g/km list configs |
| Motor tax — A5 TFSI | ~€270–€280/year on ~151–158 g/km list cues |
| BIK (new e-hybrid) | Category A if ≤59 g/km · Audi list VRT column often 7–9% |
| Insurance (planning) | ~€950–€1,600 typical adult NCB; S Line / S4 higher |
| Real fuel — B9 2.0 TDI | ~5.0–6.5 L/100 km motorway-biased; ~6.0–7.5 mixed |
| Real fuel — B9 35 TFSI | ~7.0–8.5 L/100 km mixed |
| Boot (B9) | Saloon ~460–480 L · Avant ~495 L / ~1,495 L folded |
| DoneDeal 2025 | A4 = 1.9% of model searches (tied A6 / Passat); diesel demand still strong |
DoneDeal demand — why the A4 still matters
DoneDeal Cars' 2025 search analysis (model-filter usage) put the Audi A4 in Ireland's top ten most-searched models at 1.9% — level with the Audi A6 and Volkswagen Passat, behind Golf (5.3%), BMW 5 Series (2.7%), BMW 3 Series (2.3%) and Ford Focus (2.1%). Audi as a brand was #2 overall (11.0% of make searches), just ahead of BMW.
| DoneDeal 2025 (model filter) | Share |
|---|---|
| 1. Volkswagen Golf | 5.3% |
| 2. BMW 5 Series | 2.7% |
| 3. BMW 3 Series | 2.3% |
| 4. Ford Focus | 2.1% |
| 5–7. Audi A6 · VW Passat · Audi A4 | 1.9% each |
| 8–10. Audi A3 · Mercedes E-Class · Toyota Corolla | — |
Diesel still rules A4 intent. In diesel-filtered searches the A4 ranked with the 3 Series, Focus and Octavia behind Golf, 5 Series, Passat and A6. Hybrid-filtered searches were led by the BMW 3 Series (7.6%) — reflecting Irish volume around the 330e — while classic A4 stock remains overwhelmingly TDI / TFSI mild-hybrid, not plug-in. Translation: Irish executives still hunt diesel Avants and saloons for M50 / M7 miles; PHEV theatre belongs to the new A5 e-hybrid and the 330e, not the average DoneDeal A4 ad.
What Ireland sells new — A5 Saloon & Avant (MY26)
Figures below are Audi Ireland RRP list prices from the MY26 sheet dated 13 February 2026 (delivery not included — historically ~€1,250– €1,350). Options can move CO₂, VRT and the final OTR sticker.
A5 Saloon
| Variant | CO₂ (list g/km) | VRT % | List RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 TFSI 150 hp SE | 151 | 27.50% | €55,700 |
| 40 TDI 204 hp SE | 126 | 17.50% | €57,000 |
| e-hybrid SE | ~46–59 | 7–9% | €57,500–€58,655 |
| 40 TFSI 204 hp SE | 152 | 27.50% | €58,500 |
| 35 TFSI 150 hp S Line | 154 | 27.50% | €62,265 |
| 40 TDI 204 hp S Line | 128–139 | 17.50–20% | €62,845–€64,615 |
| e-hybrid S Line | ~46–59 | 7–9% | €62,955–€64,220 |
| 40 TFSI 204 hp S Line | 155–156 | 27.50–30% | €65,065–€67,130 |
| e-hybrid 360 hp Competition S Line | ~48–59 | 7–9% | €68,350–€69,720 |
A5 Avant
| Variant | CO₂ (list g/km) | VRT % | List RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 TFSI 150 hp SE | 154 | 27.50% | €59,600 |
| 40 TDI 204 hp SE | 129 | 17.50% | €60,900 |
| e-hybrid 295 hp SE | ~47–59 | 7–9% | €61,400–€62,635 |
| 40 TFSI 204 hp SE | 155 | 27.50% | €62,400 |
| 40 TDI 204 hp S Line | 132–138 | 19.25–20% | €68,050–€68,630 |
| 35 TFSI 150 hp S Line | 157 | 30.00% | €68,265 |
| e-hybrid 295 hp S Line | ~49–59 | 7–9% | €66,850–€68,190 |
| 40 TFSI 204 hp S Line | 158 | 30.00% | €71,155 |
| e-hybrid 360 hp Competition S Line | ~50–59 | 7–9% | €72,250–€73,700 |
Notice the VRT column: many 40 TDI rows sit at 17.5–20% while 35/40 TFSI rows jump to 27.5–30% on higher CO₂. That is why Irish fleets still order diesel Avants even as private fashion drifts petrol / PHEV. Motor-tax discs follow the same CO₂ story — see Motor Tax Rates Ireland.
A5 e-hybrid — company-car BIK maths (2026)
The B9 A4 was rarely a plug-in hero in Irish retail; the A5 e-hybrid is the new-car BIK play in this class. From 1 January 2026, BIK uses categories A1–E. PHEVs at 0–59 g/km sit in Category A; both get the €10,000 universal OMV reduction in 2026 (A1–D). Battery EVs get an extra €20,000 EV relief — the e-hybrid does not. Full rules: Company Car BIK Ireland 2026.
| Scenario (0–26,000 business km) | A5 e-hybrid SE | A5 40 TDI SE |
|---|---|---|
| List OMV (MY26 cue) | €57,500 | €57,000 |
| OMV after €10k relief | €47,500 | €47,000 |
| CO₂ category / rate | A · 22.5% (if ≤59 g) | C · 30% (~126 g → 100–139) |
| Taxable BIK (notional pay) | ~€10,688 | ~€14,100 |
| Rough tax @ 40% overlay | ~€4,275 / yr | ~€5,640 / yr |
| Rough tax @ ~48% overlay | ~€5,130 / yr | ~€6,768 / yr |
Category A only holds if the registered CO₂ stays ≤59 g/km — options and wheels can push some configs into Category B (60–99 g/km) on the Audi list (observe the 59 g / 9% VRT rows). Private buyers without home/work charging should treat the e-hybrid as a heavy petrol once the battery is empty — European technical data shows ~95–107 km WLTP electric on many A5 e-hybrid configs, but only if you plug in. Model exact OMV on the BIK calculator Ireland.
Full specs — B9 A4 (used) + A5 (new)
B9 A4 — the car most Irish buyers actually buy
| Variant (typical) | Power | 0–100 | Drive / box |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 TDI | 136 hp | ~9.5 s | FWD · S-tronic |
| 35 TDI | 163 hp | ~8.2 s | FWD · S-tronic |
| 40 TDI | 190–204 hp | ~7.0–7.4 s | FWD / quattro · S-tronic |
| 35 TFSI (MHEV) | 150 hp | ~8.6–8.9 s | FWD · manual / S-tronic |
| 40 TFSI (MHEV) | 190–204 hp | ~7.1–7.5 s | FWD · S-tronic |
| S4 / RS4 | V6 TFSI class | sub-5 s | quattro · niche / insurance |
Dimensions & capacities (B9)
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Length | ~4,762 mm (saloon) / ~4,762+ Avant |
| Wheelbase | 2,820 mm |
| Boot — saloon | ~460–480 L |
| Boot — Avant | ~495 L / ~1,495 L seats folded |
| Fuel tank | ~40–54 L (engine-dependent) |
A5 e-hybrid (new) — headline technical
| Item | Figure (EU technical class) |
|---|---|
| System output | ~295 hp (220 kW) or ~360 hp (270 kW) Competition |
| 0–100 km/h | ~5.9 s (295) / ~5.1 s (360) |
| Electric range (WLTP EAER) | ~95–107 km combined (config-dependent) |
| Weighted CO₂ | ~47–60 g/km class |
Why it sells in Ireland
- Badge liquidity — “Audi A4” remains a DoneDeal top-ten search even after the nameplate dies new
- Avant practicality — estate boot without SUV height; dog / golf / Cork–Dublin suitcase stacks
- Diesel exec habit — 2.0 TDI still dominates Irish high-mileage company and private fleets
- Cabin polish — Virtual Cockpit / MMI still feel expensive three years into ownership
- VW Group parts ecosystem — specialists undercut main-dealer labour after warranty
- S Line residual cue — Irish used buyers click S Line first, same as BMW M Sport
- New A5 e-hybrid finally gives Audi a Category A BIK answer vs the 330e
Did you know? — insider facts
New Irish registration charts in 2025 were led by Tucson / Octavia / Sportage SUVs — yet DoneDeal search intent still clusters on Golf, 5 Series, 3 Series and A4. Used executive demand and new-car sales charts are different markets. The A4 lives in the first one.
On the MY26 Irish list, A5 Saloon 35 TFSI SE is €55,700 at 27.5% VRT / 151 g/km, while 40 TDI SE is €57,000 at 17.5% VRT / 126 g/km. The diesel is only €1,300 dearer on sticker despite more power — because CO₂-driven VRT does heavy lifting. That maths still shapes Irish order pads.
Older A4 Multitronic CVT automatics (B7/B8 era) have a grim Irish reputation for expensive failure. B9 volume automatics are S-tronic dual-clutch (DSG family). Never confuse the two on a classified ad — confirm gearbox type on the VRT / service book before you travel.
B9 2.0 TDI uses a timing belt (interference engine — belt failure can write off the motor). Most B9 TFSI petrols use a timing chain. Diesel buyers must verify belt invoices; petrol buyers should still listen for chain noise on cold start but the catastrophic-belt risk is diesel-specific.
Irish used Avants typically ask €2,000–€4,000 more than equivalent saloons and remarket faster — especially 35 TDI S-tronic. If you do not need the hatch aperture, a saloon can be the value play; if you do, pay the Avant premium once rather than fighting saloon boot lids forever.
Generation history (B5–A5)
| Generation | Years | Key Irish points |
|---|---|---|
| B5 / B6 / B7 | 1994–2008 | Classic / cheap used; Multitronic caution; rust / electrics |
| B8 / B8.5 | 2008–2015 | 2.0 TDI volume era; avoid Multitronic; S-tronic preferred |
| B9 / B9.5 | 2015–2024 | Current used sweet spot; facelift 2019; Virtual Cockpit |
| A5 (PPC) successor | 2024/25– | New Irish retail name; Saloon + Avant; e-hybrid BIK play |
Used shoppers in 2026 should almost always start at post-2019 facelift B9 unless budget forces earlier cars. Confirm first-registration date for motor-tax regime (NEDC vs WLTP) — Motor Tax Rates Ireland.
TFSI / TDI / e-hybrid / quattro — the Irish fork
Used B9 2.0 TDI — high-mileage default
- 35 TDI 163 hp is the volume Irish sweet spot — enough motorway pace, common parts
- Real mixed ~6.0–7.5 L/100 km; motorway-biased drivers often see mid-5s
- Timing belt + AdBlue / DPF discipline required
- Best above ~20,000–25,000 km/year if you will not charge a PHEV
Used B9 TFSI — mixed / lower-mileage private
- 35 TFSI 150 hp MHEV for town + motorway mix; 40 TFSI if you want stronger overtaking
- Real mixed ~7.0–8.5 L/100 km
- No diesel belt drama; still service S-tronic religiously
New A5 e-hybrid — company car / home-charger path
- ~295 or ~360 hp system · ~95–107 km WLTP electric on many configs
- Category A BIK if registered ≤59 g/km · ~€150 motor tax band common
- List from €57,500 saloon / €61,400 Avant SE
- Only if you plug in — otherwise buy TDI or walk to Octavia
Quattro
Attractive on a wet N72, expensive as a default. Expect higher fuel use, matched tyre sets, and higher insurance groups on hotter variants. Verify drivetrain service history; mismatched tyres on a quattro is a walk-away signal.
If you cannot charge most nights, do not buy an A5 e-hybrid (or any rival PHEV) as a private “tax saver”. WLTP CO₂ is weighted; empty-battery thirst is what hits the M7. Same rule as the BMW 330e.
S-tronic / DSG service reality
Almost every desirable Irish A4 automatic is an S-tronic dual-clutch. Treat the gearbox like a scheduled consumable, not a sealed-for-life mystery.
- Interval: typically ~60,000 km for oil + filter (confirm gearbox code / Audi plan)
- Cost: ~€350–€550 dealer; often less at a good VW Group specialist
- Test drive: low-speed take-up, hill starts, warm gearbox — judder = negotiate or walk
- Paperwork: invoice with parts, not a verbal “it was done”
- Skip risk: mechatronic / clutch packs that erase any “bargain” purchase price
Pair DSG discipline with ordinary oil services (correct VW 504 00 / 507 00 specs on many TDIs). The Irish A4 ownership story is less about dramatic failures and more about whether the previous owner paid for boring maintenance.
SE / S Line / Avant — Irish trim ladder
| Trim cue | Who it suits | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| SE / Sport | Value · comfort · smaller wheels | Slower resale clicks than S Line |
| S Line (volume used) | Look buyers expect · residual | Harsher ride · tyre bills · insurance |
| Black Edition / Vorsprung | Loaded kit · statement cars | Depreciation on big options packs |
| Avant | Families · dogs · tools · golf | €2–4k used premium — usually worth it |
| Saloon | Style · company image | Worse load access; slower liquidity |
On the new A5, S Line still adds several thousand euro over SE on the same engine (e.g. Saloon 35 TFSI SE €55,700 vs S Line €62,265). Same rule as the A3: buy the look only after insurance quotes and an Irish-road test on the actual wheel size.
Real running costs — annual (~18,000–20,000 km)
| Item | Used B9 35 TDI | Used B9 35 TFSI | New A5 e-hybrid (charged) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel / electricity | ~€1,600–€2,100 | ~€2,200–€2,800 | ~€1,100–€1,800 |
| Motor tax | ~€190–€270 | ~€200–€280 | ~€150 |
| Insurance | €950–€1,550 | €950–€1,600 | €1,050–€1,700 |
| Service / DSG share | €450–€750 | €400–€700 | €500–€850 |
| Depreciation (illustrative) | ~€2,500–€4,500 | ~€2,800–€5,000 | ~€7,000–€10,000 |
| Annual total (excl. finance / BIK) | ~€5.7k–€9.2k | ~€6.6k–€10.4k | ~€9.8k–€14.5k |
Company-car drivers should add BIK on top — that is where the charged e-hybrid pulls ahead of TDI. Private buyers without charging should read the TDI / TFSI columns and ignore PHEV brochure CO₂. Insurance shopping tips: Car Insurance Ireland.
5-year ownership cost projection
Private ownership, ~95,000–100,000 km over 5 years, median adult NCB, Audi-network or specialist serviced. Excludes finance interest and BIK.
| Item | Used B9 35 TDI (~€28k buy) | New A5 e-hybrid SE (charged) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel / electricity (5 yr) | ~€9,000 | ~€7,000 |
| Motor tax (5 yr) | ~€1,100 | ~€750 |
| Insurance (5 yr) | ~€6,200 | ~€6,800 |
| Servicing + tyres + DSG | ~€4,200 | ~€5,000 |
| Depreciation | ~€12,000 | ~€28,000 |
| 5-year total (approx.) | ~€32,500 | ~€47,550 |
| Cost per km | ~€0.33 | ~€0.48 |
Used B9 wins pure private TCO. New e-hybrid wins when BIK tax is on someone else's spreadsheet and you charge nightly. Do not average those two ownership models.
Depreciation + resale retention
| Variant cue | 1-year retention | 3-year retention | 5-year retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| B9 Avant 35 TDI S Line | ~80–84% | ~60–65% | ~46–52% |
| B9 Saloon 35 TDI SE | ~78–82% | ~57–62% | ~43–49% |
| B9 35 TFSI S-tronic | ~79–83% | ~58–63% | ~44–50% |
| New A5 e-hybrid (planning) | ~76–80% | ~54–60% | ~40–47% |
Full Audi / specialist service file plus DSG stamps still move more money than badge theatre. Oddball manuals, neglected diesels and mapped S4 cosplay hurt more than CO₂ bands.
Common Irish issues
- Skipped S-tronic services — judder, mechatronic bills; verify invoices
- 2.0 TDI timing belt overdue — catastrophic if ignored; budget €700–€1,200 for a belt kit job if undocumented
- AdBlue / DPF on short-trip diesels — urban-only TDIs can soot up
- Coolant / thermostat housing leaks — plastic parts; check cold levels and undertray stains
- Front control-arm bushings — knocks on pre-facelift cars over Irish potholes
- S Line tyre costs — low-profile rubber + broken county roads
- MMI / Virtual Cockpit glitches on early B9 — software updates matter
- Confirm open campaigns / recalls with Audi Ireland against the VIN before money moves
NCT pitfalls (model-specific)
- Tyre tread / age / mismatch — especially S Line and quattro cars
- Headlight aim after kerbing — common cheap fail
- Brake imbalance on short-trip cars (PHEV or city TDI)
- Engine MIL / emissions readiness — OBD fail if warning lights present
- Suspension play — control-arm bushings show up on the shaker plates
- See our How to Read Your NCT Report guide
vs BMW 3 Series / C-Class / Passat / Octavia
| Model | From (approx.) | Irish angle | BIK / tax angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used A4 B9 / new A5 | Used ~€14k+ · A5 from €55,700 | Cabin · Avant · DD liquidity | e-hybrid Cat A if ≤59 g |
| BMW 3 Series / 330e | 330e from €57,820 | Best drive · Touring | Cat A PHEV staple |
| Mercedes C-Class PHEV | ~€60k+ | Ride · options density | Cat A if <60 g/km |
| VW Passat (used) | Often lower than A4 | Space · quieter badge | Diesel exec value |
| Škoda Octavia | Far lower new/used | 600 L boot · value king | Depends on powertrain |
Honest ranking for Ireland: want the drive and will charge → 330e (or A5 e-hybrid if you prefer Audi dealers). Want badge + Avant practicality on a used budget → late B9 A4 TDI. Want maximum car per euro → Octavia / Passat. C-Class is a taste / comfort choice once PHEV boxes are similarly ticked.
Best version to buy
- Best used daily: 2019–2022 B9 facelift 35 TDI S-tronic Avant with belt + DSG invoices
- Best used lower-mileage private: 35/40 TFSI S-tronic SE or light S Line — no diesel belt risk
- Best company car (new): A5 e-hybrid SE or S Line — run OMV on the BIK calculator
- Best high-miler new without charging: A5 40 TDI SE/S Line — watch CO₂ options
- Skip: S-tronic with no paperwork; overdue TDI belt; uncharged PHEV; S4/RS4 unless insurance is pre-approved
- Value escape hatch: Octavia estate if the badge is optional
Used B9 buyer's checklist
- Gearbox type — confirm S-tronic or manual; walk from Multitronic CVT (older gens)
- S-tronic oil/filter invoice ~every 60,000 km — stamp or PDF, not a story
- 2.0 TDI timing belt — documented replacement vs km/age; budget the job if due
- Full service history — Audi dealer preferred; specialist OK with correct oil specs
- AdBlue / DPF — scan for codes; ask about regeneration / warning history
- Coolant level & leaks — thermostat housing / water pump stains
- Front suspension knocks — control-arm bushings on Irish roads
- Tyre brand / date / matching — quattro especially
- MMI / Virtual Cockpit — reboot test, cameras, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- VIN recall / campaign check with Audi Ireland
- NCT VIR + history — NCT Report Explained
- Grey import warranty reality — Irish dealer support is part of why you pay Audi money
The honest verdict
In 2026 the Audi A4 is two products sharing one search bar: a used B9 exec staple that still sits in DoneDeal's top ten, and a new A5 successor that Audi Ireland actually lists from €55,700. Buy the used car when you want cabin polish and Avant miles without new-car depreciation; buy the A5 e-hybrid when Category A BIK and a charger write the spreadsheet.
It is not a value car versus an Octavia or Passat. It is not the sharpest drive versus a 3 Series. It is the default Irish premium saloon/estate when the badge, dealer ritual and residual familiarity matter — provided you pay for S-tronic stamps, diesel belt discipline and honest insurance quotes. Log every fill and service in odo.ie from day one; that file is what the next Irish buyer pays for when the brochure is forgotten.
Running an A4 or A5? Log DSG stamps, belt dates and every fill in odo.ie — prove the exec maths and protect resale.
Track fuel L/100 km (and kWh on e-hybrid), store Audi service invoices digitally, and never miss NCT, tax or insurance. Solo free for 1 vehicle; Family €4/month for 3; Pro €8/month for 10 with a Revenue-ready trip logbook. 77+ Irish guides, no ads, EU data residency.