2024 Skoda Superb vs Audi A4: Premium Sedans Compared

The Skoda Superb is now back in limited quantity as a fully imported model. And it ain’t cheap! Priced at Rs 54 lakh (ex-showroom), it has seen a massive price hike of Rs 16 lakh compared to the discontinued model, whose top-spec's price was around Rs 38 lakh. At this price, the Superb is now in the same league as German sedans like the Audi A4.

In this report, we compare the Superb with the A4 to see whether its hefty price bump justifies what it brings to the table.

Price

The Superb, now offered in India, comes in a single variant, Laurin & Klement (L&K), while the A4 is available in three broad trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Technology. As you can see in the table above, the top-spec A4 undercuts the Superb by Rs 23,000.

Design

Before comparing both their designs, we need to consider their size first. As seen from the table above, the Superb is larger in every sense. One thing to mention is that although the Superb is 107 mm longer than the A4, Audi’s wheelbase is 17 mm shorter.

Moving on to their design, both the Superb and the A4 showcase their unique design language. The Superb’s design looks flashy with its angular LED headlights that integrate into the traditional butterfly grille, reminiscent of other Skoda models. Meanwhile, the A4 plays it subtle, boasting a more classy and sophisticated design, especially with the chrome strip running across its hexagonal grille.

Shifting focus to their profile, both exude an upmarket look, but the Superb’s silhouette appears more bold with its additional length and new multi-spoke alloy wheels, while the A4’s side profile seems sharp with its five-spoke alloy wheels and silver strip running across its window line. Notably, with the Superb you get 18-inch alloy wheels, whereas even the top-spec A4 comes with 17-inch rims.

The same design trend continues at the rear of both cars as well. The Superb presents extra flair in its design, especially when viewed in its new Rosso Brunello shade, while the A4's sophisticated appeal is further complemented by chrome strip along the tail lamps.

Interior

Things do change in the interior, where the Superb has elevated its game with a new tan brown cabin theme. Physical buttons control for most functions are retained, and piano black elements along the centre console add to the premium ambiance of the cabin.

On the other hand, the A4 presents you with options for two upholstery themes: a light beige shade and a darker brown shade. Compared to the Superb, the A4’s cabin feels slightly more upscale with rotary climate control dials with tactile feedback, and an all-black dashboard with sleek AC vents and a floating infotainment system.

The Superb goes a step further with the Power Nap package, providing added comfort in the second-row seats with cushions on the headrests.

Features

There are no significant differences between the features of both cars. However, the Superb offers a few modern amenities such as massaging seats and a 360-degree camera system, while the A4 includes a sunroof – which the Superb misses out on – as well as a larger digital driver’s display, and a better sound system.

Powertrain

In terms of powertrain, both are equipped with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. However, the A4 boasts slightly more power than the Superb, while both are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Notably, the A4’s engine features a 12 V mild-hybrid system that Audi claims is equipped for a better fuel efficiency.

Verdict

When Skoda relaunched the Superb in India, it was expected to capture a niche segment in our market that had only one offering: the Toyota Camry until now. However, being a CBU and its price crossing beyond the Rs 50 lakh mark, it now faces stiff competition, especially from luxury cars. 

The A4 promises to be a worthy competitor to the Superb with its extra premium appeal at a similar price point, thanks to the badge. That being said, the Superb still has all the features you would need and is the one to choose, especially if you’ll be chauffeured around. 

Ultimately, it would depend on your personal preference, though both offer more or less a similar features set and powertrain options. However, if you choose the Superb, you would have to act quickly as it is limited to only 100 units. Meanwhile, the A4 is a good entry-level option into the luxury sedan segment.