Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan (1999-2001): Unveiling a Timeless Classic
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Audi A4 from this era. The B5 facelift (1999–2001) is the one that burrowed into my memory after a week on rain-soaked backroads—quattro biting, turbo humming softly, cabin calm enough to hear your kids in the back negotiate snack rations. It’s a premium sedan that doesn’t shout. It just gets on with it, gracefully. And the more miles I stacked on various examples over the years, the more I understood why owners keep these things for ages.
A Legacy Reimagined: Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan
The facelift didn’t reinvent the A4, but it sharpened the tool. You got cleaner one-piece headlights, tidier bumpers, and subtle surfacing that still looks right parked outside a boutique hotel. Inside, Audi nudged the ergonomics forward: improved climate control, a tidier center stack (with the later double-DIN layout), and better materials that feel properly premium even now. ESP stability control arrived on many models, and the whole package felt more mature—like the car had finally grown into its suit.
If you’re new to the party, the A4 B5 was offered with a wide spread of engines depending on market: the sweet-spot 1.8T turbo four (roughly 150–180 hp), the 2.8-liter V6 (around 190 hp), and torquey TDI options in Europe. Front-drive and quattro were both available, with a five-speed manual or a five-speed Tiptronic auto. Performance? A healthy 1.8T quattro manual will hustle to 60 mph in the mid-7s, while the 2.8 V6 adds a bit more shove and a creamier soundtrack.
Driving the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan: Real Roads, Real Feel
I noticed right away how the A4 settles on rough roads. The ride is firm but never brittle; think good leather boots rather than race spikes. The steering isn’t chatty like an old BMW rack, but it’s precise and measured. On wet tarmac, the quattro cars give you this reassuring, almost smug traction—the kind that makes a cold, damp commute feel like you’re cheating physics a little.
Find a winding B-road, let the 1.8T spool, and you’ll get a smooth, elastic surge. The V6 is silkier and sounds richer, but the 1.8T feels lighter on its feet and keener to play. Brakes are trustworthy, and the car’s balance rewards smooth inputs. It’s not trying to be a track hero; it’s trying to be your favorite daily. Job done.
Feature highlights that still hold up
- Multi-link suspension for stability and comfort
- Available quattro all-wheel drive for confident year-round grip
- Optional xenon headlights and Bose audio (check the options list on used cars)
- Solid cabin isolation—quiet enough to hear a podcast at 75 mph
Living With the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan: Cabin, Tech, Quirks
Inside, the A4 B5 is classic Audi: clean lines, clear instruments, and seats that still feel right after a long day. Rear legroom is fine for two adults (three if they’re friendly). The trunk is a practical size—about 440 liters—easily swallowing a couple of rolling suitcases and a stroller. Climate control works well, and the materials have aged gracefully if cared for.
Quirks? Sure. The cupholders are token gestures (a latte will test your reflexes). Some cars get the infamous pixel fade in the instrument display. Old-school window regulators can give up with a crunch. And a few owners mentioned headliner sag over time. None of it is a deal-breaker—just the honest patina of a quarter-century-old luxury sedan.
How the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan Stacks Up
| Model | Power range | Drivetrain | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 B5 (’99–’01) | ~150–190 hp (gas), up to ~150 hp (diesel) | FWD or quattro AWD | Calm, planted, premium; quietly quick with 1.8T |
| BMW 3 Series E46 | ~170–231 hp (gas sixes) | RWD or AWD (xi) | Sharper steering feel; more playful, less isolation |
| Mercedes C-Class W203 | ~163–218 hp (gas) | RWD or AWD (4MATIC) | Softer ride; more comfort-focused, less sporty |
Accessories for the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan: Simple Upgrades That Matter
I’m fussy about the stuff I step on every day. Floor mats take a beating, and cheap ones never fit right, slide around, or look like they came from a supermarket bin. I tried a set tailored for the A4 B5 and the difference was immediate—clean fit, no bunching under the pedals, and the cabin looks “finished.”
Among the better options I’ve seen are the model-specific sets from AutoWin. If you want to keep it neat and OEM-plus, have a look at the dedicated Audi A4 B5 facelift mat collection. They’re sized for the 1999–2001 cars, which means the anchors line up and your heels won’t chew through the wrong spots.
Best Interior Accessory Pick: Floor Mats by AutoWin
- Precise fit for the A4 B5’s footwells and factory anchor points
- Durable materials that stand up to winter salt and summer grime
- Styles ranging from discreet OEM-look to bold, sporty designs
- Easy to clean—hose off, quick dry, back in
Shopping is straightforward on the AutoWin Eshop, and the Audi-specific section is easy to browse: Audi floor mats or the direct A4 B5 facelift page.
Why the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan Still Matters Today
Because it nails the brief. It’s a compact luxury sedan that still feels special without needing to be loud about it. It’s comfortable, secure in all weather, and—if you choose the right engine—quietly quick. And yes, parts support is still good, enthusiasts are knowledgeable, and the community will help you fix the pixel display you’ve been ignoring.
In short, the Audi A4 - B5 Facelift Sedan (1999–2001) remains a timeless, usable classic. Whether you’re commuting through winter or sneaking off for a mountain weekend, it’s the kind of car that just fits into life. Add a set of properly tailored floor mats, keep the maintenance tidy, and it’ll reward you with that quietly confident Audi experience, year after year.
FAQ
- Is the Audi A4 B5 reliable? With proper maintenance, yes. Prioritize timing belt/water pump service, synthetic oil changes (especially on the 1.8T), and keep an eye on front control arms and window regulators.
- Which engine is best? The 1.8T is the sweet spot for blend of performance and economy; the 2.8 V6 is smoother and torquier. Diesels (where available) are frugal but focus on service records.
- Quattro or front-wheel drive? Quattro adds all-weather traction and composure; FWD is lighter and a touch more efficient. In snowy climates, quattro is worth it.
- How big is the trunk? About 440 liters (roughly 15.5 cu ft), with a practical opening for luggage and weekly-shop duty.
- Do newer A4 mats fit the B5? Not cleanly. Get model-specific mats for the 1999–2001 B5—try the dedicated sets on the A4 B5 facelift page.
