dseag2

Not to be self-serving, but I wanted to share this. I know this is a pretty neutral forum so just putting it out there. For those that aren't neutral, let the hate for Consumer Reports begin!

​​​​​​Consumer Reports has just named the B9 number one in the luxury compact sedan class in their February, 2017 issue, and it was first by a comfortable margin.

The ten cars listed in class in descending order:

1. Audi A4 Premium Plus, overall score 85 points
2. Buick Regal Premium I, 81 points
3. BMW 328d xDrive, 78 points
4. BMW 330i xDrive, 78 points
5. Volvo S60 T5, 73 points
6. Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC, 71 points
7. Infiniti Q50 3.0t Premium AWD, 71 points
8. Lexus IS 300, AWD, 66 points
9. Cadillac ATS Luxury 2.0T, 60 points
10. Acura TLX SH-AWD, 55 points

Mike, I know you are thrilled that Buick made second place!

Aron9000

^ Yeah, the Audi A4 and the new C-class Benz are a real cut above the competition IMO, just in terms of look and feel. I haven't driven either, but just from sitting in them, they are a cut above.

The IS350 is also great in terms of fit/finish on the interior, and the styling is kind of out there for those looking for something different. Personally its not my cup of tea, but I get the appeal, its very aggressive and different.

Kind of surprised they rated the Regal that highly, its an old design that's been on sale since 2008 or 2009. Still the hot turbocharged versions handle great and with a tune on the engine, they drive like a bat out of hell(like 50+hp gain on a tune alone along with an auto transmission reprogram make them drive like a completely different car) And I still think its a great looking design.

mmarshall

I have no problems with the new A4 getting the crown in this field. I did a review on one early last year, and it is deserving. The current Regal is a nice enough car, but, IMO, even in non-sporting versions, its suspension and tires are too firm for a Buick. In fact, the Regal GS version is a full-fledged sport sedan.....even Car & Driver likes it.

I do agree that the BMW 3-series is not what it was as recently as just a few years ago.

Yep, you can be sure that some here will keep panning CR....but you won't hear that stuff from me.

Toys4RJill

In theory, if Audi gets caught cheating on their emissions and the feds put a stop sale on the A4, the Buick Regal becomes #1 in the segment 😁

dseag2

Wish all you want, but Audi will not put a stop sale on the A4. That is their bread-and-butter car and they will find a way around it.

TangoRed

Great showing for the A4. I finally got spend some quality time in one today and I personally still don't like the way Audi's drive, but it's a winner. I also believe BMW isn't resting on its laurels when it comes to the upcoming G20 3-series, as early reviews from the new G30 5-series have been nothing short of stellar.

Lol, a little defensive there are we? I think CTJill's comment was more tongue-in-cheek instead of serious. But at the end of the day if Audi did knowingly violate any type of emissions law with the new A4 and couldn't meet a correction deadline, there would absolutely be a stop sale. Very seriously doubt that'd be the case though.

mmarshall

Not only that, but none of the American-market A4s would probably be affected by a stop-sale anyway. The TDI diesels in question aren't sold on American-spec A4s. They all come with the 2.0T gas four and choice of FWD or Quattro.

Fizzboy7

Good for Audi. They deserve all their recent awards. As a former A4 owner, I really miss the car and the mark. About the only thing I don't like about the new A4 is the size. It's just getting too big to have that once lithe, taunt, and sporty look A4's were known for. The new A3 takes that new roll, but then that unit is too small. Something between the two models would be ideal. The current IS is the ideal size sedan in my opinion.

Toys4RJill

I bet the new A4 and the IS are the same size.

davyjordi

very well-deserved. bravo!

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Very close.
A4 is 1.8" longer and 1.2" wider.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

If I were buying or leasing a new sedan,the A4 would definitely be at the top of my list.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

how are the 'points' calculated?

mmarshall

As I understand it, a large percentage of it is the actual road test, but other factors such as reliability, user-friendliness of the controls, crash-test performance are also taken into account. Also, a vehicle can be highly-rated from its road-manners and some other factors, but not on the officially Recommended list until it has shown at least average or better reliability. For example, that's something that has plagued the Ford Focus and Fiesta for several years........otherwise decent small cars that have been plagued with clunky, unreliable transmissions.

BoDarville

well for starters, several of the cars on that list aren't even compacts