Audi A4: Quick Test

Designed around Audi's Modular Longitudinal Platform, the increased dimensions of the A4's new body have yielded several advantages: Aerodynamically, extra length, reduced overhangs and clean surfacing have helped it achieve a coefficient of drag figure of 0.28.

Perhaps more importantly however, the A4's longer-and-wider dimensions produce proportions more befitting its premium status - yet another design hit for Audi.

Technologically, the A4 offers more as well: Most significant for the performance minded is the optional Audi Drive Select system. Pricey, at just under $3000, it's worth every penny to the enthusiast who needs a comfortable family sedan but really wants something more focused.

The Audi Drive Select system lets the driver personalize the A4's dynamics to his or her taste, with four settings - "comfort", "dynamic", "auto" and "individual" - controlling the engine and transmission programming; the active steering; and the adjustable suspension system.

The "individual" setting lets the discerning driver customize the various parameters of the A4's dynamics independently. Where the other settings lock you in to a specific mode for all the various systems, "individual" gives you much more freedom.

Drive Select is a headline grabber, but surely the most significant improvement in the A4 is all the extra cabin space - especially in the back seat. Where the old car didn't fare well in comparison, this new A4 sends both BMW and Mercedes back to the drawing board in search of more room.

Audi's new Modular Longitudinal Platform moves the front axle centerline forward, improving the car's weight distribution and giving the new A4 more of what one would call "great handling" and less of the old Audi cornering attitude, which we'll call, "less-than-great-handling."

But its performance story extends beyond handling dynamics, with a new engine offering up improvements in both power and efficiency. The A4's 3.2-liter, direct-injected V6 makes 10 more horsepower than the engine it replaces.

Unfortunately, with its competitors boasting larger or turbocharged engines, the A4 - even with its 10 hp improvement - is left wanting for pace in comparison.

Where the A4 does shine, even in comparison to the class-king 3-series BMW, is in its ability to do it all. The new A4 blends the surefootedness of quattro all-wheel-drive with entertaining and adjustable handling - all in a great-looking body that will not only turn heads but also seat four adults in greater comfort than its main rivals.

Spacious, safe, beautiful and even fun, the A4 is clearly an automotive jack-of-all-trades.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Audi A4

Performance
- Acceleration: Adequate to be sure, but competitors with larger engines and/or turbochargers leave it behind
- Handling: Rear-biased Quattro finally gives the A4 the handling dynamics to compete with the Bavarian class-leader
- Braking: Solid performance and excellent stability provided by all-wheel drive

Design
- Exterior: Conservative but great-looking - proportions vastly improved over predecessor
- Interior: Again, not a great leap forward, but still quite handsome

Utility
- Comfort: All the amenities you'd expect in a car at this price assure your comfort
- Space: Extra wheelbase of B8 chassis (along with increased width) affords the A4 with decent rear seat legroom for the first time ever

Safety
- Dynamics: The best way to survive an accident is to avoid it in the first place, and this new chassis, combined with the rear-biased Quattro AWD, will help you do just that
- Technology: It's all here, including all-wheel drive

Value
- Price: Base price is attractive, but "must-have" options quickly move the A4 into sticker shock territory
- Mileage: It's not all rosy when you're driving all four wheels, but direct injection does its part to keep the A4 near its competitors

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Great looking inside and out, but beyond that not exactly a pulse raising kind of car
- Fun to spank: Not especially, although it is fun to drive reasonably quickly... BIG difference

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / All-wheel drive
Engine: 3.2 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 265 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 243 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3850 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.9 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.3 @ 100 mph
Top Speed: 158 mph
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $40,400
Competitors: BMW 335i xDrive Sedan, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G37x AWD, Acura TL SH-AWD