VRT on an Audi A4 in Ireland is a once-off registration tax worked out from the car's OMSP, its CO2 emissions and a separate NOx levy — so the figure changes with the exact A4 version, year and engine you're registering. There is no single "Audi A4 VRT" price: a 2016 2.0 TDI, a 2019 40 TDI S Line and a 2021 35 TFSI can each owe a different amount. The CO2 component alone runs from 8% to 13.3% of the car's OMSP depending on its WLTP band (Revenue, in force since 1 July 2025), and the diesel NOx charge is added on top. This guide explains how Revenue builds that number, shows indicative ranges by model, and walks through a real UK import example.
How is VRT calculated on an Audi A4?
VRT on an Audi A4 is the sum of two parts: a CO2 component (a percentage of the car's OMSP set by its WLTP CO2 band, currently 8% to 13.3%) plus a separate NOx levy added on top (Revenue). Before looking at what an A4 actually costs, it helps to understand the formula Revenue applies — because that is what makes one A4 cheaper to register than another.
OMSP: the value Revenue puts on your Audi A4
OMSP (Open Market Selling Price) is the value Revenue assigns your Audi A4 on the Irish market, and it is the base for the CO2 component. It is not your purchase price: Revenue estimates what the car would sell for in Ireland, so a higher trim, lower mileage or a sought-after engine pushes the OMSP — and the VRT — up.
The CO2 component (your VRT band)
The CO2 component is a percentage of the OMSP set by the car's WLTP CO2 band, ranging from 8% to 13.3% for passenger cars (Revenue, since 1 July 2025). A cleaner, lower-emitting A4 sits in a lower band and pays a smaller percentage; a higher-CO2 engine moves up the scale.
The NOx levy added on top
The NOx levy is calculated separately from the CO2 component and then added to it. Diesel A4 models (the TDI range) often record higher NOx figures than petrol, which is why a diesel import frequently carries the larger total bill.
How much is the VRT on an Audi A4? (indicative ranges)
For most used Audi A4 models registered in Ireland, the VRT typically lands in the low-to-mid thousands of euro, with the exact figure swinging on engine, trim and emissions. Now that you know how the formula works, here is what it tends to translate to across the common A4 generations and engines.
| Audi A4 version | Approx. year | Fuel | VRT basis | Indicative total VRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI | 2016 | Diesel | OMSP + CO2 band + NOx (~62 mg/km) | ~€3,500 (CompleteCar.ie) |
| 40 TDI S Line | 2019 | Diesel | OMSP + CO2 band + NOx | Low-to-mid thousands |
| 35 TFSI | 2021 | Petrol | OMSP + lower CO2 band + NOx | Varies by OMSP |
All figures are indicative — confirm via the official ROS calculator using your exact statistical code.
Why two identical-looking A4s can owe different VRT
Trim, mileage, fuel and NOx all move the OMSP, so two A4s of the same year can owe different VRT. A worked ListoCar example shows an Audi A4 2.0 TDI S-Line automatic (2020) carrying an OMSP of around €36,500 versus about €32,000 for the same car in standard trim — roughly €720 more VRT at a 16% effective rate. The lesson: spec matters as much as the badge.
Worked example: VRT on a 2019 Audi A4 imported from the UK
Ranges are useful, but the calculation makes more sense followed through on one real, popular import. Take a 2019 Audi A4 40 TDI S Line bought in the UK and registered here — here is how the chain runs for this car:
- Find the statistical code for the 2019 40 TDI S Line, or note the make, model, version and date of first registration.
- OMSP — Revenue sets the Irish market value for that exact spec (S Line trim lifts it above a base SE).
- CO2 component — the WLTP band fixes the rate between 8% and 13.3% of that OMSP.
- NOx levy — the diesel NOx reading is added on top of the CO2 component, and on a TDI it is usually the line that lifts the total.
- UK import note — since Brexit, a UK-sourced car follows the standard registration route, and a new vehicle needs a Certificate of Conformity (an e-CoC) submitted to Revenue before registration.
How to get the exact VRT figure for your Audi A4
The only way to get a VRT estimate you can rely on is the official Revenue ROS calculator. Once you have seen how the example works out, this is the step that replaces a ballpark with a real number. Look up your A4 by its statistical code, or supply the make, model, version and date of first registration, and the tool returns Revenue's figure. For a quick first pass before you check ROS, use our VRT calculator to estimate it, then confirm against the official figure.
To get it right:
- Use the statistical code for the tightest match, or key in the vehicle specification by hand if you don't have it.
- Make sure the details match the car exactly — Revenue requires this for a valid estimate.
- Note the calculator does not cover every vehicle (caravans, classics and large commercials are excluded).
Frequently asked questions about VRT on an Audi A4
Beyond the headline figure, drivers importing an Audi A4 usually have the same handful of practical questions about exemptions, deadlines and keeping the cost down legally. With the calculation and tools covered, here are the ones that come up most.
What vehicles are exempt from VRT in Ireland?
A limited set of cases qualify, such as a genuine transfer of residence into Ireland with the car, plus certain disability and specialist vehicles. A standard imported Audi A4 bought to drive here does not qualify for exemption and must be registered normally.
How can you legally reduce the VRT on an Audi A4?
Only legal levers count — never concealment. You can claim the Export Repayment Scheme if you later sell the car outside Ireland, choose a version with a lower OMSP, CO2 band or NOx reading, or look at plug-in hybrid relief where a qualifying PHEV applies. Spec choice at purchase is the biggest legitimate saving.
Is the annual motor tax on an Audi A4 the same as VRT?
No. VRT is a one-off tax paid once when you register the A4 in Ireland. Motor tax is a separate, recurring annual charge based on emissions. You pay VRT first, then motor tax every year you keep the car on the road.
How long do you have to register an imported Audi A4?
You must register and pay VRT promptly after the car arrives in Ireland, by booking an NCTS appointment within the required window. The inspection centre is run on behalf of the NSAI and Revenue, so the car must be presented as-is; missing the deadline can trigger penalties and interest, so book it as soon as the A4 lands.
Published 9 June 2026 by the VRT Calculator Ireland editorial team — VRT and vehicle-import specialists drawing on data published by the Revenue Commissioners. Verified against Revenue.ie published rules.