luxury car

With Quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi A4 confidently displays its rings.

The Audi A4 is a compact entry-level sedan, one of two such models offered by this German luxury manufacturer. It is sized slightly larger than the A3 and offers standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the latter based on the brand’s much-heralded Quattro technology.

Fully redesigned for 2017, the A4 advances a familiar exterior design while gaining an all-new interior. Under the hood, a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine debuts, making 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front or all four wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Exterior Overview

Clean, yet elegant lines define the 2017 A4. The front fascia is dominated by a large, trapezoidal grille with Audi’s trademark four-ring logo at the top. A pair of wedge-shaped headlamps touch the upper end of the grille. At the grille’s base are sporty embrasures housing the fog lamps.

Distinctive character lines cross the hood from front to back edge. Another character line dominates the profile, connecting the front and rear lights. Lower body sculpting, fashionable alloy wheels, and a high belt line are additional standout features present.

From the rear, the fascia is marked by a raised deck, a trunk-lip spoiler, sleek combination lamps, and dual exhaust ports. Available S line embellishments bring in body-colored side sills, fender badges, bumper treatments, and a matte twilight gray rear diffuser with what Audi describes as “honeycomb depositors.”

Interior Highlights

High-quality materials, exemplary fit and finish, and a clean uncluttered look are hallmarks of the Audi brand. The A4 advances that theme, something I have appreciated since Audi entered my media fleet rotation a few years back.

The 2017 A4 offers seating for five, but if you’re consigned to the rear seat you need to be small or not mind the cramped legroom. I’m the type of drive who likes to push his seat nearly as far back as it goes, so pity the person who sits directly behind me. Yes, in a pinch you can fit two or three people back there, but if you’re looking for more room then consider the A6. Otherwise, the A4 does what it needs to do and that is to provide a logical entry place to the Audi brand for the up and coming executive.

The A4’s instrument gauge is composed of a pair of circular dials flanking the digital driver’s information center. The controls for that center are on the face of the steering wheel. The center stack is a minimalist design with the color screen fixed on top of the dash followed by vents, then knobs and switches to manage the climate control system.

At the base of the stack are the ignition button, a pair of cup holders, seat climate control switches, the MMI dial for the screen, the transmission shifter, an electronic parking brake, and storage compartments.

Although the rear seat is tight, the front seats are comfortable, supportive, and generously covered in leather. The eight-way power adjustable seats include four-way lumbar support for the driver. Other materials in evidence include a cloth headliner, aluminum door sills and inlays, and leather touches. Ambient LED interior lighting elevates the interior presentation.

All 2017 A4 models feature three-zone climate control, an aerated glove box, and a power tilt and slide sunroof with a sunshade. The rear windows come with manual sunshades.

Top Innovative Technologies

Technology and Audi go hand in glove. Standard across the model line is MMI — multimedia interface — another name for infotainment and navigation. The big dial just in front of the transmission shifter controls same — simply rest your palm on top of the shifter to manage the dial. It is a fairly simple and straightforward system, making it easy to control important system functions including the radio, media, telephone, and navigation.

I especially enjoyed the detailed Google Maps, what provide high-level details anyone can understand. Some in-car map systems are truly elementary — offering simple layouts with not much information. Audi not only takes you to your destination, but you’ll see neighborhood and community details, 3D imaging, as well as business and landmark information.

All A4 models are equipped with a pair of USB ports, offer Bluetooth connectivity, and supply at least a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and an MP3 player. Move up to the Premium Plus level and the standard audio system is swapped out with a 19-speaker 755-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. Simply inspirational! Choose the Prestige Plus and you also receive a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Key Safety Features

For 2017, the Audi A4 garnered a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the institute’s highest score.

Enabling Audi to achieve the top rating is its standard pre sense city with an automatic emergency braking system, what gives the 2017 A4 a “superior” score in front crash testing. The system has been designed to detect both moving and stationary pedestrians and vehicles at speeds up to 52 miles per hour. Once detected, braking is automatically initiated to prevent a collision.

On the Premium Plus level, the A4 adds a parking plus system composed of front and rear acoustic sensors and a rearview camera. Rear cross traffic alert is added to the Prestige level.

On the Road

All three Audi A4 trims offer standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

All models, except for special “Ultra” front-wheel drive editions, are powered by the previously mentioned 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This engine is quiet, delivers copious amounts of power, and moves forward at a fast clip. Turbo lag, the bane of this type of forced induction technology, was surprisingly absent.

As for the Ultra models, the same engine is used, but the compression ratio has been raised and its fuel economy achievement with it. This also means you’ll experience a trade-off in performance — the Ultra models are a second slower than the standard models when going from 0 to 60 mph.

Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi relies on front-wheel drive architecture for its cars. This fact would be a huge demerit in some circles, but with its all-wheel drive system available, those concerns are largely extinguished. Indeed, Audi’s “Quattro” all-wheel drive is amongst the best drivetrains out there. For 2017 the A4 has gained a stiffer body structure and a redesigned suspension system. Add in the first-ever adaptive shocks, your choice of driving modes, and electric steering and this sedan is a joy to drive.

Helping matters immensely is Audi Drive Select, what allows the driver to modify steering, throttle, transmission, and damper inputs through the attendant controller. Choose eco, normal, sport, or sport+ modes to find the right driving feel for the moment.

Take to your favorite twisty roads and you’ll quickly learn how well the A4 behaves. The adaptive dampers are a must if you enjoy spirited driving, although the steering provides minimal feedback. Nevertheless, the A4 dashes down the road with ease and handles corners without much body movement. Not once did I find myself pining for a traditional rear-wheel drive platform.

Consider Your Audi A4

The entry-level 2017 A4 is priced from $34,900. This supplies you with a front-wheel drive Premium “Ultra” model. Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll pay $39,400. The Premium Plus “Ultra” model will cost you $38,700; add $4,500 for all-wheel drive. Choose the Prestige edition and you’ll pay $45,900 or $48,000 for all-wheel drive.

Expect to pay about $45,000 for a well-equipped Premium Plus model with all-wheel drive. You’ll get all the amenities listed and shave a few thousand off the top-of-the-line price. If you can live with front-wheel drive, further savings can be had, but once you play around with Quattro all-wheel drive, you may not look at anything else. Consider the system, both for your driving pleasure and for the added handling benefits it affords.

Parting Thoughts

The redesigned 2017 A4 puts forth a strong effort in the competitive entry-level luxury segment. The BMW 3 Series may still be the industry benchmark, but for people who want something different, the Audi is worth exploring. Other models in this segment include the Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the all-new Jaguar XE, and the Lexus IS.

Sadly, there is no diesel model currently available as these engines were pulled from the market in 2016 following the Volkswagen Group’s disclosure that the company had manipulated emissions data. That said, the turbo gas all-wheel drive model earns an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, highly competitive numbers in this strong segment.

Posing with a red 2014 Lexus IS at The Rock.

Once in a while an automotive event really moves the “way cool” needle. The “Lexus Education Event” currently taking place at race tracks around the country is one such opportunity, giving drivers a schooling in all things 2014 Lexus IS. Yes, after eight years the compact IS sedan is being replaced, with the third generation model hitting Lexus showrooms later this summer.

2014 Lexus IS Unleashed

This writer graciously accepted Lexus’ invitation to stay with them overnight at The Carolina in Pinehurst, NC, and to travel to the Rockingham Speedway (The Rock) the following morning for track time. Living in the Tarheel State made this trip a snap, an 80 minute journey down Route 1 to NC’s golf mecca. Disclaimer: hotel and food were provided by Lexus with transportation expenses covered by yours truly.

At the track, Lexus had every possible iteration of the new IS on hand plus a 2013 model. Place these models side by side and you will quickly note a few things right off: the Lexus spindle grille is now a fixture of the third generation sedan. Also, numerous bodily changes and adornments including updated headlamps, chiseled lines, a stronger beltline, new wheels and lighting treatments are apparent. The latest Lexus IS also comes in slightly wider and longer than its predecessor.

Inside, the driver’s seat has been lowered slightly to enhance the drive. Bolstered seating, lumbar support and available heating and ventilation provide comfort. Lexus outfits the driver’s seat with an eight-way power control including a four-way adjustable head rest.

Preparing GoPro to film our track endeavors.

Your V-6 Awaits

Two engine choices, both V-6s, ensure that your level of performance is reached with this sedan. The engines and the transmission are carryovers, although the IS350 RWD is now paired with an eight-speed automatic. All other models get the six-speed automatic including the F Sport. The F Sport package is now available with both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of the IS250 and IS350. It represents mostly an appearance upgrade although the suspension system has been tweaked to provide sportier handling. Adaptive variable suspension and variable gear ratio steering are options peculiar to the F Sport.

For those of us who dared to take to the track alone, the chance to get behind the wheel was an opportunity not to be missed. As a Lexus representative noted, in an ideal world we would have tested the 2013 model first and then the new sedans. With just one second-generation sedan present, that opportunity came on a catch-as-catch-can basis. It wasn’t until I lapped The Rock in three different iterations of the 2014 sedan that the 2013 model became available. Noticeably, it didn’t handle turns as well and fish-tailed twice, a problem not experienced with any version of the IS250 and IS350 models, rear- or all-wheel-drive.

A slick track meant that the driving was cautious at first, but the rain cleared away by the time the company of two dozen journalists got its start. Ponding at various bends and straightaways was quickly identified and avoided as much as possible. Still, the slickness didn’t shake the new sedan, imbuing confidence in the most inspired driver to push the Lexus IS to its limits.

Handling and Steering

Where the 2014 Lexus IS sedan truly shined was as it navigated the slalom. Only slight pitching was felt and not once did it seem as if the wheels would pull out from underneath it. While the IS250 offered good power, the robust engine powering the IS350 was worthy of The Rock and remains this writer’s favorite. All-wheel-drive presented an improved handling touch, but enthusiasts may simply prefer rear-wheel drive and the eight-speed gearbox. That transmission is standard on the IS350 RWD, with the first two forward gears set for launch and acceleration performance. Stick it in manual mode and the gears shift smoothly with full lockup performed in the second through eighth gears.

Some eight to ten car changes and lap time later, our track time ended. After lunch it was a two-hour countryside drive with this writer getting behind the wheel of both IS250 and IS350 models, the latter with the eight-speed transmission. But the best indication of how well the new Lexus IS sedan performs was confirmed on the track, offering a clear signal to the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Audi A4 that this segment’s competition has only grown stronger.