In this article, we will be recommending the best bike racks for your Audi A4.
We tested the vast majority of options available on the market and selected the Top 5. We considered each Audi A4 bike rack’s build quality, how many bikes it can carry, and just how securely it carries them.
Our top pick for Audi A4 bike racks is the Thule Apex XT. It has one of the sturdiest constructions of any bike rack, a sleek design that is more compact than other 4-bike racks, and an anti-sway cradle system that keeps your bikes firmly in place.
We have been testing and reviewing vehicle accessories for over a decade. We know all there is to know about bike racks, and can help you make the most informed buying decision.
Keep reading for more information on the best bike racks for the Audi A4.
Thule Apex XT Bike Hitch Rack
Overall Best
Thule’s Apex XT for the Audi A4 can carry 4 adult sized road bikes, comes with a handy tilting feature for easier trunk access, and a firm bike mount system that keeps your bikes safe.
Thule’s bike racks have always been the most high-quality and premium options on the market. This one is no different with its metal alloy construction, and lightweight design that makes it easier to mount and store.
Carrying capacity is rated around 150 lbs. That is more than enough for even the largest of large road bikes, and you can also mix and match with e-bikes or mountain bikes. However, we don’t recommend carrying more than 2 heavy e-bikes or mountain bikes at a time, especially if you’re carrying other bikes as well.
There is also a 5-bike version available, if you want to carry the whole family’s bikes on the back of your Audi A4.
This is one of the most secure hitch mounts we have come across. The rack does not shake or wobble around, even for longer journeys on the highway. The special stabiliser piece eliminates any slack between the hitch and the receiver, so even the fully loaded bike rack stays perfectly stable.
The carrying arms on this hanging style bike rack are a little bit longer than your average bike rack. This allows you to mount each individual bike further away from the rest, preventing damage to the bikes and the back of your Audi A4.
Thule’s anti sway cradle design deserves praise. The integrated bike lock cable lock is also a nice touch that adds to the makes your rack and your bike theft proof. However, it is an additional accessory that you’ll have to buy separately.
Thule’s HitchSwitch design offers a smooth and convenient tilting mechanism, for when you need to open the trunk of your Audi A4.
It’s also pretty easy to install. Thule’ SnugTite Stinger is featured here, which allows for a completely tool-free installation on your Audi A4. It also has the benefit of locking the hitch to your receiver, adding another theft prevention feature.
Pros
- All metal design
- Sleek design
- 150 lbs carrying capacity
- Can carry 4 large bikes
- Uses a 2” hitch
- Secure fitment
- Does not wobble or shake even at highway speeds
- Each bike is mounted 7 inches apart from the last
- Prevents bikes from banging against each other or the Audi A4’s bodywork
- Anti sway cradles reduce swinging
- Cable locks make the bikes theft proof
Cons
- Cable locks sold separately
Thule 927002 VeloCompact bike rack for A4
Preium option
Thule’s VeloCompact rack uses the most premium materials for a rigid construction, and a unique bike securing system that keeps your two wheelers more secure at speed.
Let’s talk about that build. This platform style bike rack is made entirely of high grade aluminium. That means it is lightweight, but even sturdier than the best of what alloy steel racks can offer. We did not notice any flexing or bending of the rack, even when it is fully loaded up.
Aluminium also keeps the rack free of corrosion and rust. Not to mention, the lighter design makes it that much easier to mount on your Audi A4 or store it when it isn’t needed.
We were able to load up 3 large sized road bikes. That isn’t particularly impressive, but we were also able to carry our heavy e-bikes and mountain bikes on this rack without any complaints.
There is an additional adapter that lets you carry 4 bikes in total. If you plan on transporting heavy bikes across the country, definitely consider this adapter.
As for securing those bikes, you get adjustable wheel trays that should fit even wider tires easily. Heavy duty adjustable ratcheting straps hold both the front and rear wheel of each bike. Furthermore, the wheel trays can be extended so that longer wheelbase bikes can be mounted.
Each of the 3 bike frames is then secured by a sturdy clamp arm setup that keeps them in place. The clamps are lockable via a knob for even more stability and safety.
We did find that the standard tightening knob applied uneven pressure on carbon frames, which could cause damage. However, the additional AcuTight knob and Carbon Adapter strap made it easier to achieve the perfect amount of torque on the knob.
Moving on to the hitch connection, it uses a standard 2” hitch. We tested the fully loaded rack with our Audi A4 on the highway, on bumpy roads, and even some dirt paths. It stayed exceptionally stable on all of them, and did not wobble or jump around.
There is no folding mechanism which is a bummer. However, the rack does tilt forward for easier trunk access on the Audi A4, which is really convenient.
Pros
- Aluminium construction
- Resists rust and corrosion
- Can carry 3 large sized bikes
- Optional 4-bike adapter available
- Best for heavy e-bikes, mountain bikes
- Adjustable wheels trays
- Fits wider tires as well
- Trays can be extended to hold longer wheelbase
- Adjustable ratcheting straps keep wheels firmly in place
- Heavy duty frame clamps
- Clamps come with locking knobs
- Perfectly stable at speed
Cons
- Additional accessories necessary to mount carbon frame bikes
Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack
Worth a look
Here we have an Audi A4 trunk mounted bike rack from Allen Sports. It isn’t as compact as other trunk mounted bike racks, but is a lot more stable. The load capacity is also pretty high, and the bridging price makes it more attractive.
The alloy steel design is lightweight, so it’s easy to install and store when you’re not using it. It sports a thick powder coating on the entire surface, which enhances rust protection, and also adds to the cool look of this rack.
As for staying stable on the Audi A4, the rack uses heavy duty nylon straps that keep it firmly in place. These straps hold the rack at its most vulnerable points, so that you don’t end up dropping your bikes on the highway when you pass over bumps and potholes.
Allen Sports rates this bike rack’s load capacity for just over 70 lbs. But our testing found that you can carry almost 80 lbs, given that you are travelling a shorter distance. That allows you to carry two large sized road bikes, not to mention some e-bike and mountain bike models as well.
As for the bike securing system, it is the same sturdy ratcheting strap method that other Allen Sports bike racks use. The carrying arms are longer than most trunk mounted bike racks, so you can mount each bike further away from the last. We did not have any issues with the bikes bumping into each other or the back of our Audi A4.
The ratcheting straps themselves are fully adjustable, so you can mount basically any shape or size of bike frame. The only problem we encountered was when trying to mount low-Y frame bikes, which will require a frame adapter.
The bike cradles are lined in rubberised material so that they don’t scratch or tarnish the paintwork of your bike. Similar padding is seen on the lower frame of this trunk mounted bike rack, where it comes in contact with your Audi A4. That saves the Audi A4’s paintwork from damage, but also provides better grip.
When you aren’t carrying any bikes, the carrying arms can be folded down, making the rack even more compact. In fact, we found that we could fit this compact rack into the trunk. This is ideal for the Audi A4 owner who wants to be able to transport their bike rack more easily.
Pros
- Alloy steel build
- Black powder coated surface
- Prevents rust and corrosion
- Lightweight, compact design
- Foldable arms
16 inch long carrying arms - Proprietary tie down method
- Perfectly secure
- Does not wobble at speed
- Load capacity is rate around 70 lbs
- 80 lbs can be carried for shorter journeys
Cons
- Low-Y frame bikes may require an adapter
Deluxe Black 1-Bike Trunk Mount Bicycle Carrier Rack
Here, we have another trunk mounted bike rack from Tyger Auto. It has impressive load capacity, a relatively compact design, and by far the most secure bike cradles we’ve seen in any trunk mounted bike rack.
We found the alloy steel design of this Audi A4 bike rack to be perfectly firm and flex-free. The whole rack stays rigid, even when you’re in transit, and does not strain under load. The abrasion resistant surface coating keeps it free of scratches, rust, and corrosion.
It uses 4 heavy duty nylon straps to mount to the back of your Audi A4. The legs of the rack are padded in rubber material, for a more grippy texture, which also prevents the rack from scratching the paintwork of your car.
Load capacity is surprisingly high for a rack of this size. There are 1, 2, and 3 bike versions, with the 3-bike version capable of holding over 100 lbs of two wheeler. In fact, we were even able to carry some heavier mountain bikes, and e-bikes with this bike rack.
The fully adjustable ratcheting straps are really secure and fit each bike frame tightly. They are made of a high-quality, UV resistant material that doesn’t crack or become loose over time. Feel free to leave them in the rain, if you need to.
When you aren’t carrying any bikes, you can fold down the carrying arms, and put away the rack in any nook or cranny of your garage or Audi A4 trunk. It also has two large handles on the lower frame that make it easier to install and take off the Audi A4.
The included safety strap is appreciated, as it allows us to secure the handlebars and front wheel of our bikes. That means the wheel and handlebars won’t bang up against the rear of your Audi A4.
As expected, installing this rack is quick and intuitive. Just be sure to get the rack perfectly centred on the back of your vehicle, and tie it down with the nylon straps. We like the integrated strap management system which keeps any extra length of strap from getting caught on something in transit.
You also get a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, though it was only offered for US customers.
Pros
- Alloy steel used generously
- Durable and firm construction
- Nylon straps on all 4 sides for best in class stability
- Rack is completely wobble free
- Ratcheting straps hold bikes tightly
- Most bike frame shapes and sizes fit
- Lower frame of rack is padded
- Padding offers extra grip
- Does not scratch Audi A4 paint
- Load capacity is rated for 100 lbs
- Carries 3 adult sized road bikes
- 1 and 2 bike versions also available
- Foldable carrying arms
Cons
- Warranty is only offered in the US
3-Bike Trunk Mounted Bicycle Carrier Rack
This trunk mounted bike rack for the Audi A4 comes with a simple yet sturdy construction. Load capacity is reasonable, and you shouldn’t have any problems getting this rack installed on your car in under 10 minutes.
The build of this rack is a combination of high quality alloy steel and ABS plastic. It is solid and does not bend or flex when fully loaded up. The gloss black surface finish gives it a classier look, while also protecting against corrosion and rust.
We liked the oversized bike cradles which use high quality, durable rubber straps to keep your bikes firmly mounted on the rack. These straps are fully adjustable and should fit most any bike frame you can find. We can report that, besides lo-Y frame models which we needed an adapter for, all bikes fit perfectly.
There is soft rubber padding on inside the straps and on the lower frame of the rack where it comes in contact with your Audi A4. This ensures that the paintwork of your bikes or car is not scratched or otherwise damaged.
It has ample load capacity for 3 large, adult sized road bikes. We found that the rack can easily support up to 100 lbs. Any higher, and you start tempting fate. That does mean some larger e-bikes and mountain bikes aren’t compatible with this Audi A4 bike rack, but that’s to be expected.
Moving on to the installation process, you get thick nylon straps on top, bottom, and sides that position this rack on the trunk of your Audi A4. Combined with the rubber lined lower frame, these keep the rack perfectly stable at higher speeds. The unique shape of this rack does mean that it won’t fit cars with spoilers, which is something to be aware of.
On the road, the fit of this rack inspires a lot of confidence. It does not shake or rattle at all, and we did not get annoying noises inside the Audi A4’s interior. Looking in our rear view, we noticed that the rack stays wobble-free, even when we passed over some bumpier roads.
The carrying arms can fold down flat against the back of your Audi A4 when not in use, making the car easier to park in tight spaces. This also facilitates storing when it isn’t mounted on the car.
You get a limited lifetime warranty which should cover any manufacturing defects. This makes the rack a lot easier to recommend and use day to day.
Pros
- Alloy steel and ABS plastic construction
- Gloss black coating
- Resists corrosion and scratches
- Carries 3 large sized road bikes
- 100 lbs maximum load capacity
- Carrying arms fold down when not in use
- Adjustable rubber straps hold bike frames tightly
- Most any bike frame shape will fit
- High quality straps on all 4 sides keep the rack stable at speed
- No wobbling or rattling sounds inside the Audi
- A4’s interior
Cons
- Low-Y frame bikes will need adapter
Which Audi A4 bike rack is best for your use case?
If you checked out all the bike racks in our list and still aren’t sure which one to get here are some points to consider. It is important to get a rack that has all the necessary features you will need day to day, but is also well built and will last you a long time.
There are a couple different bike rack types to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons, which we detail in our reviews. However, here is a quick rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of each Audi A4 bike rack type. Use this list to get a better idea of what kind of rack suits your needs.
Hitch mounted platform style racks
Hitch mounted platform racks are the most secure ways to transport bikes on your Audi A4. They are also great for carrying heavier e-bikes, mountain bikes, etc thanks to the higher load capacity. Their unique design makes them perfectly stable, even at highway speeds.
However, they can be a bit more expensive. Not to mention, most racks on the market usually only hold 2 bikes. If you want to carry 3 or 4 bikes, you have to pay more for a rack, or get a pricey add-on.
Pros
- Hitch mounts are very stable
- Platform racks are sturdier than other types
- Platform style bike cradles are by far the
- most firm and secure
- Usually hold heavier bikes
- Great for carrying e-bikes, mountain bikes
- High load capacity
Cons
- Most versions can only hold 2 bikes
- Pricier than other rack types
Hitch mounted hanging style bike racks
Hitch mounted hanging style bike racks offer great load capacity with the most space for carrying bikes of any Audi A4 bike rack. It is not uncommon to see hanging style bike racks that can hold 4 or even 5 bikes at a time. They are also smaller, easier to install and live with day to day.
The bike mounts aren’t as secure as a full platform, but it’s a close matchup. You may have to put up with some wobbling at very high speed, but nothing dealbreaking.
Pros
- Compact design
Can usually carry 4 or more bikes - Hitch connection is stable
- Bike cradles mount bikes further apart from each other
- Easier to park Audi A4 in tight spaces
- Bikes are kept in place with sturdy bike cradles
Cons
- Bike mount isn’t as firm as platform style racks
Trunk mounted bike racks
Trunk mounted racks are the most compact and lightweight bike racks for the Audi A4. They are dead simple to install, and you can even store some smaller racks in the very trunks they mount to. They are also by far the most affordable options.
But they can’t compete with the other rack types when it comes to load capacity. They are not the best for carrying heavy e-bikes or mountain bikes.
Pros
- Smallest and most compact size
- Lightweight
- Can be stored in trunk or even in a carrying bag
- Simplest to install
- Can be taken off quickly when needed
- Most affordable options
Cons
- Load capacity isn’t the highest
- Not the best for e-bikes, mountain bikes
