Different source, but C&D ranks the segment: A4, C Class, Giulia, 3 Series, 4 Series and XE.

 

But that's just it, Och. Except for the M3, the former 3 and 5-series weren't overly-stiff or uncomfortable. In fact, I thought the 335i, in particular, was one of the best combinations of ride and handling I had ever sampled. And the steering wasn't stiff per se....it simply had a excellent tactile feel that was virtually unique. One of the reasons (among several) why I like Buick's Verano is that it offers some (not all) of the older 3-series' road-manners, with German Opel engineering, in a package costing barely half as much.

 

But it seems that most consumers are looking for a numb, Camry like driving experience - and the new 3 series provides just that.

 

I would have to agree with CR's rating of the A4 at the top and IS in 8th place based on its objective rating methods. Compared to the IS, the A4 is quieter, rides smoother, has better all around visibility, has more tech, is far better in fuel economy, has more interior room, and has more premium interior trim bits.

 

So predicted reliability and maintenance costs are not part of the calculation.

 

Audi's have actually been doing very well in the reliability department lately.

 

Lexus has stopped trying, wants to cheap out, or plainly sucks in engineering. They're the only car maker that can't seem to figure out how to fit an AWD system without downgrading the transmission or protruding into the driver's legroom. The IS300 AWD's poor rating in this CR ranking is justified IMHO and should be a serious wake-up call to Lexus.

 

and yet you still sold your new '17 a4 for an is300!

 

Yep, because the one thing that is most important to me which the A4 lacked is excitement. No objective test such as CR's can evaluate that.

 

Lexus offers a Torsen differential on their AWD cars and the full time 4WD SUVs. I don't think Lexus cheaped out at all.

 

The current Lexus AWD was developed in Japan where the car is right hand drive and does not protrude into the drivers foot. Unfortunately when converted to left hand drive, well, you know the issue. When the time comes to develop an updated AWD, they'll likely consider a more international approach to the infamous 'hump'. We should also see an application for RWD 2.0T models eventually, hence the IS300 AWD is a place holder till then so to speak.

 

Besides the questionable visual aspect, to be honest, the hump never bugged me. In fact it's perfectly shaped to as a lower leg rest.