2012 Audi A4 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2014 Audi A4 as a used buy. A major player in the trio of prestigious German cars Audi has become very strong in Australia in recent times. The Audi A4 is a midrange model that’s sold as a sedan, a two-door cabriolet and an Avant station wagon.  A further

For years Audi struggled to gain equal footing with BMW and Mercedes in Australia, but that has all changed and sales have been climbing at double-digit rates for several years now. Though the Audi range is extensive and growing even larger all the time the A4, with its smaller brother the A3 at its side, has

High-riding wagons are the car of choice for a large number of motorists today.

Back in 2009 Australian tourists in Germany may have noticed an all-new Allroad Audi on many roads in the company’s fatherland. Those Aussies who already owned an Audi A6 Allroad quarto, and were keen on buying a smaller version of their versatile wagon would have seen A4 badges on an all-new Allroad model. Their eyes would have lit up in anticipation of getting into an A4 Allroad quattro. But their hopes would have been dashed on their return home, when Audi Australia apologised and said the A4 wasn’t on sale here. The reason was simple, in 2009 the A4 Allroad was only sold with a diesel engine and a manual gearbox. European drivers love the added control obtained by using a manual, and also appreciate the fuel savings it can offer. Down under, most buyers prefer the car to do its own gear changing and in our land of low-cost petrol (true!) saving a few per cent at the pump didn’t really add up to a lot of dollars. The Audi A6 Allroad quattro has been on sale in Australia for more than 10 years and had gathered a loyal brand of followers, so the local importer put pressure on head office to come up with an automatic transmission for the A4.Long story short; the Audi A4 Allroad quattro is about to go on sale in Australia – with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi Australia initially plans to import 150 vehicles and can therefore (almost) justify it as being a limited edition. Just in case imports do cease after that 150 have been retailed it might be worth getting to your local dealer quickly.VALUEImpressively the engine’s official fuel consumption figure is just 6.0 litres per hundred kilometres. That low fuel number pushes it beyond the standard threshold of the Luxury Car Tax, helping Audi Australia to keep the price of the A4 Allroad down to a very reasonable $69,900. This is a considerable saving on the LCT-inflated price of the Audi A6 Allroad quattro.TECHNOLOGYAs in 2009, it’s still only offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, but Australian buyers have come to appreciate the high torque and low consumption of these oil-burning engines so that’s no longer a hassle on the sales front. In any case, the A4’s diesel is imported to Australia in its highest state of tune, putting out 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.DESIGNOn the appearance front the new Audi also makes the grade. The big single-frame radiator grille carries chromed highlights, the body has been raised by almost 40 millimetres - to 180 mm - for better ground clearance. The lower sections of the body are done in a neat two-tone treatment and there are protective grey-coloured plastic wheel arch extensions to add to the sporty look at the same time as they minimise damage.The rear bumper has a diffuser look. Up top there’s a handy set of roof rails. Obviously the A4 is smaller than the A6, but during our introductory drive program in south-east Queensland we found it had plenty of interior space in the front seats, and that the back seat can be used by adults with a minimum of compromising with those in the front. Children will be fine in the back. Luggage space in the rear of the A4 Allroad is 490 litres, which compares favourably with the A6 Allroad’s 565 litres.SAFETYNumerous electronic safety aids help the all-wheel-drive Audi A4 to stay out of trouble both on sealed and unsealed surfaces. Up to eight airbags can be triggered in different stages should an unfortunate driver still manage to get into strife.DRIVINGEngine performance is excellent, with strong torque at low to midrange revs and we loved the rapid response to the ‘throttle’ and the way it picked up speed to overtake as safely as possible. As is usual in today’s best turbo-diesel engines, the Audi unit was only really recognisable as being a diesel when cold, when there was some clatter, and accelerating hard. Other than that it may well have been a petrol unit. We really like it.Handling feels nimbler in the A4 Allroad quattro than in the A6 we also tested on the day. The lighter weight obviously helps but the new wagon is aimed at a younger, sportier buyer and its steering and suspension have been tuned to suit. Not visible, but very much appreciated in the rough, is underfloor protection that means the A4 Allroad quattro can be used in moderate to medium all-road running. This certainly isn’t intended to be a bush basher, but the versatile wagon can go exploring in areas not available to conventional station wagons.VERDICTAll-in-all the new Audi A4 Allroad is an impressively versatile package that deserves to sell well.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,900Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Despite runaway popularity, some people simply don't like boofy SUV-style vehicles. They prefer a sleeker carry-all in the shape of a traditional (station) wagon. We really don't get it because an SUV is so practical and the new ones drive just like passenger cars, certainly not like 4x4 “trucks.'' Perhaps we are style challenged.But Audi reckons it has identified a vein of new car buyers prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of not being identified with the hoi-polloi in their SUVs and has imported a limited number (150 each) of delectable Audi Allroads in A4 and A6 size. They are essentially Audi's version of the Subaru Outback — a semi-tough wagon on stilts with off road styling and some dirt/sand/ice road cred'.PRICE AND MODELSThe A4 Allroad is a newcomer to Australia selling for $69,900 with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch auto. It's the only way to get an A4 turbo diesel wagon with quattro all wheel drive in this country.The A6 Allroad model has been here for some time first appearing back in the early 2000s and running through two generations before this latest effort. It goes for a sizeable $117,900 and runs a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and quattro all wheel drive.If you are prepared to lump yourself in with the SUV bogans, you can get an Audi Q3 2.0 TDi for $54,500 and an Audi A5 3.0 TDi for $75,000.They are similar size vehicles to the Allroads with the same power trains and roughly the same amount of interior room. What price style?It must be said the Allroads are a delight to drive and are also feature-rich though you can easily bump up the price substantially with a few ticks on the options list. Standard kit on the A4 variant includes xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear park assist, rear view camera, leather, 10 speaker audio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, decent satnav, electric front seats and steering wheel controls as well as a 20 gigabyte hard drive. The A6 gets a lot more including adaptive air suspension.The A4 Allroad is based on the recently facelifted A4 Avant and is pretty much identical inside and similar on the outside except for wheel arch flares, a raised ride height, stainless steel exterior garnishes, underbody protection and reinforced wheels with higher profile tyres. The A6 Allroad is a similar story but bigger and is built up from the A6 Avant.TECHNOLOGYThe A4 2.0-litre donk is good for 130kW/380Nm while the A6 3.0-litre generates some 180kW/580Nm both achieving these outputs at low engine revs. The smaller unit consumes 6.0-litres/100km while the larger one drinks sparingly at 6.3-litres/100km. That means both benefit from the fuel economy triggered Luxury Car Tax reduction of up to $4000.Audi's efficiency technology is used in both vehicles with auto stop/start, regenerative braking, low energy aircon, reduced friction engine internals, low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand engine cooling (thermal management) all contributing to better fuel economy and lower emissions. Off road capability is improved with a self locking rear differential, off road stability control and reinforced suspension subframes. But they have space saver spares — better than nothing.THE DRIVEWe drove both cars on and off road and felt the smaller vehicle is much better value though the A6 has superb engine performance and economy and is substantially bigger. We drove them through creek crossings with about 500mm water flowing, over rocky fire trails and on graded dirt roads — none of which posed a problem. We doubt any Allroad owner would drive their car in these environments.On the highway, both cars are just like the normal wagon variants in drive feel — in other words, rewarding, smooth, quiet and responsive. Even on fast mountain pass roads, the Allroads are quite adept. We found the controls to be intuitive and the level of luxury inside comforting.VERDICTThese cars are consumate “inbetweenies'' fulfilling multiple roles with aplomb — at a price.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,000Engine: 2.0-litre diesel 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Circle the wagons, the SUVs are coming. That's certainly the case in Australia as buyers opt for a higher ride but the Europeans still mount a solid case for a load-lugger. In the case of Audi's A4 Avant, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel is a piece of precision German engineering that works well in the city or on the highway and comes with a build quality second to none.VALUEAt $60,900 the Audi 2.0 TDI wins the price war by $2000 against the Volvo V60 D3 Teknik, BMW 320d Touring and Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI Estate. There's not much else separating this group the Volvo wins the space race, the Beemer has a marginal edge in performance; the Merc carries the most cache.So it comes down to which car you like the look of. The Audi is packaged with cruise control, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and a bunch of clever interior features like the velour/rubber reversible cargo mat.TECHNOLOGYThe engine stop/start system in the Audi is good but the version in the 3.0-litre diesel fires up faster and with no shudder, rather than the negligible shake in the 2.0-litre wagon. Either way, it helps trim 0.3 litres/100km off the fuel use. Once underway the Audi's baby diesel is impressive and is matched to one of the few CVT systems Carsguide can recommend.The "Multitronic" on the A4 makes light work of pedestrian cruising or off-the-line charges and has a faux eight-speed manual shift mode.DESIGNAudis are unmistakable erentiating the model from the brand isn't as easy. The A4s lines are refined in an era of razor-sharp creases and that isn't a bad thing. The interior is classy enough o have forced BMW and Mercedes to lift their game. High-quality plastics and chrome highlights are packaged with leatherette/leather trim and a multimedia interface that doesn't take Einstein to interpret.SAFETYPrestige cars in this class are expected to have five stars and the Audi doesn't disappoint. In the crash-test lab it just trails BMW and Mercedes, according to ANCAP. Put that down purely to age the A4 hit the wall in 2008 while the other two are newer models that were tested in 2011. Six airbags and an advanced ABS system with traction and stability control are standard on all A4s.DRIVINGThis is a good wagon, as befits the volume seller in the Audi range. The fact it's front-wheel drive is irrelevant for most it takes far more provocation to unsettle this vehicle than sane people will attempt with their friends or family on board. Body roll is minimal and it handles mid-corner ruts at any pace. Around town it still achieves a cushy ride and the electric steering adjusts to suit the speed, making light work of carpark manoeuvres then weighting up on B-roads.The standard sound system isn't as good as the Merc's, at least according to my keener-eared kids, though it still pumps out crisp notes at high volumes. Otherwise, the interior is first rate it smells, touches and reacts like a much more expensive vehicle in the understated way that isAudi's signature style. The engine note is one of the few criticisms we can mount Euro diesels are starting to sound growly good but the CVT on the Audi keeps things too atonal.VERDICTThe segment price-leader is just plain old good value. The A4 Avant doesn't skimp on features or performance and the $2000 saving on its rivals will buy a lot of diesel given its fuel economy.Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDIPrice: $60,990Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmResale: 56 per cent (three years, Glass's Guide)Safety: Six airbags, ABS, TC, ESC, Attention assistCrash rating: Five starsEngine:  2.0-litre turbodiesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: CVT, front-wheel driveDimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.83m (W), 1.44m (H)Weight: 1575kgSpare: Space-saverThirst: 4.9L/100km (diesel), 129g/km CO2

The Audi A4 is one of the brand's backbone models - this is the eighth incarnation of the A4 that (depending on how long your memory is) stretches back to include the Audi 80 for a global sales total topping ten million. The handsome little prestige sedan is sporting a new look, inheriting plenty from the A6 and A8 in the aesthetics department and the hand-me-down clothes work a treat.VALUEThere are two A4s on offer with the three-litre turbodiesel V6, a 150kW/400Nm front-drive version with a continuously-variable transmission that is priced from $68,900. Or there's the version we're in - the all-wheel drive 180kW/500Nm with the dual-clutch S tronic starting from $88,000, which is down just over $2000 over the out-going model.There's no shortage of toys for that pricetag - a 10-speaker sound system (with a hard drive memory, subwoofer and iPod integration), hard-drive equipped satnav, keyless entry and start, voice control, Bluetooth phone and sound system link, tri-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic xenon headlights, the obligatory LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors (but no camera, that's a $900 option), a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, power-adjustable front seats, leather trim, cruise control and 18in wheels.The test car fell just short of $100,000 with a few options on board - among them metallic paint (for $1650), the Audi drive select with dynamic steering and quattro sports differential (an extra $4300), the Audi exclusive line package (which adds upgraded interior trim) for $3400, and heated front seats - which when the outside temperature display is in single digits during the day, is $700 well spent.TECHNOLOGYAudi have some cracking turbodiesels in the range and the three-litre V6 fits into that category. The 24-valve common-rail direct-injection engine uses super-accurate piezo injectors and has a turbocharger and intercooler, exhaust gas recirculation and particle filter, which all adds up to 180kW and 500Nm via a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual. The V6 also has the stop-start fuel saving system, which helps it claim an ADR fuel use of 5.7 litres per 100km (a 0.6 of a litre reduction).Standard fare on the high-power 3.0 TDI is the brand's staple all-wheel drive (running 60 per cent rear, 40 per cent front-drive) with a self-locking centre diff, but up to 70 percent can head to the front wheels and as much as 85 percent can go to the rear wheels if conditions dictate. There's also a torque-vectoring function on the front wheels and an (optional) active rear diff to apportion drive to the wheels best able to use it, all of which adds up to an enormous amount of grip.Electromechanical power steering has been added to the A4, which reduces the system's use of energy by up to 0.3 litres per 100km but doesn't do much for feel. Audi has two versions of its drive select system, the basic system that changes the throttle pedal mapping, transmission and power steering among others - the top-spec system adds adaptive damping, variable-ratio dynamic steering, which can even alter steering at the handling limits.DESIGNThe new-look A4 is sharper and straighter in its look, but it's not unattractive by any means - it's perhaps not as pretty as some of its forebears. Xenon and LED lighting give it an unmistakable Audi presence day or night. The body uses a mix of aluminium and steel of varying grades to keep weight down - high strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-pressed steels account for almost two thirds of the body construction.What that all means is light and strong, with resorting entirely to lightweight aluminium (which is difficult to repair when used in chassis construction) or composite materials. Inside, the cabin has a quality feel to switchgear and materials, but space remains at a premium. The boot measures 480 litres says Audi or 962 if you drop the splitfold rear seat backrest.SAFETYFive stars adorn the NCAP safety report card for the compact Audi sedan, which has dual front and front-side airbags, rear side airbags and full-length curtain airbags, as well as stability and traction control, the clever all-wheel drive system and a driver attention warning system.DRIVINGThe A4 is a sharp looker and the list of impressive bits is more than skin-deep. Having already confessed to being smitten with the engines in other models, it's no less desirable in this model. Quiet, well-insulated from the cabin and smooth, the turbodiesel V6 is staggeringly good - it doesn't mind hitting peak power of 180kW at 4000rpm but you don't need to go that far up the tacho.With 500Nm of torque in the equation you rarely need more than half the throttle pedal's travel to launch the never-ending slingshot effect offered by this drivetrain. The seven-speed transmission is quick and smooth, never betraying the considerable forces being fed through it to the all-wheel drive system. There's a sports mode and paddles but the clever sport programming makes the paddles surplus to requirements.The test car had the optional adaptive damping system, which delivered more options for the driver when the corners arrive, but most daily driving was completed with relative ease in Comfort mode. Unlike the steering, which is light but lifeless, the suspension is not completely oblivious to the road surface - Audi haven't made bionic leaps forward in ride comfort terms, but it's certainly not as brittle as some of its forebears.For driver involvement the four-ringed brand has built better sedans, but this one - as an allrounder - is impeccable. It's one of the few cars I have driven that lays claim to fuel use and 0-100km/h both under six. An official claim of 5.7 litres per 100km is believable (the test car was hovering in the sevens, according to the trip computer), as is the 5.9 second sprint to 100km/h - that's a little quicker than its slightly heavier ancestor.The cabin has a quality feel to the materials and the fitout, but space remains snug but four average adults will cope - two adults and two rugrats won't experience any issues. The standard sound system is excellent, although sound buffs will find it hard to resist the Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker unit on the options list, even if it does add $1400 to the bottom line.VERDICTPrice is the only real thorn in the A4 3.0 TDI quattro's side is a steep pricetag, to some extent offsetting the considerable abilities it puts into the equation. It is certainly one of the most capable vehicles Audi has on its pricelist - frugal, comfortable, quiet and swift in an unearthly way - but is a little on the high side in the face of its opposition.Audi A4 3.0 TDI QuattroPrice: from $88,000 (as tested $98,650)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale:  51 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: temporary spareEngine: 3-litre common-rail direct-injection V6 turbodiesel, 180kW/500NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic; AWDBody: 4.7m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1680kgThirst: 5.71/100km, tank 61 litres; 149g/km CO2

The A4 range is Audi’s bread and butter, making for around 20 per cent of the brand’s sales here. But with stronger competition in the market from a new BMW 3-Series and revised Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4 has also been given a mid-life makeover – spreading a bit more honey on that white sliced staple.The range has been updated from end to end with cosmetic changes to body and trim, upgraded tech, and engine revisions for more power and torque with better fuel economy.The model that benefits most under the bonnet is the entry level tested here, which also gets more equipment but keeps the price in check at just a few hundred higher than the previous model.DESIGNChanges are subtle, with redesigned grille, intakes, bumpers and light clusters the main exterior clues. The cabin – which was already great – gets some ergonomic tweaks, restyled steering wheel, smattering more metal accent and some extra choices in the colour and trim catalogue.It’s Audi quality all the way, with a perfect balance between statement and restraint and nary a garish or sour note. The front seats get plenty of room, but the rear is snug – uncomfortably so if front passengers are leggy – and better suited to two than three sets of shoulders.Centre console nooks and door bins offer good gadget habitats, and the boot space is much larger than it first looks, holding 480 litres and growing to 962 with the rear seat folded.TECHNOLOGYImproved fuel injection has given the 1.8-litre TFSi four-cylinder a claimed 18 per cent improvement in economy, with the official fuel figure posted as 5.8L/100km.  The little engine also gets a boost in power and muscle, with the latter tipping in early and staying long across the rev range. Coupled with the frugal thirst, it’s a lot of what you want from a diesel – but in a petrol engine.A continuously-variable transmission handles the job of getting the engine outputs to the front wheels – there’s also a manual version with even slightly better fuel economy, but the auto will be the bigger seller here.The economy improvements across the range have been helped by a new electromechanical steering system, and an ‘eco’ setting among the switchable drive modes alters the accelerator, transmission, steering and airconditioning responses to focus on frugality.Road manners are honed with retuned rear suspension and shock absorbers, while the electronic stability control is set up to hold back on front-braking interference for better cornering.And if you start to nod off, a system of sensors that monitor steering and other inputs for signs of tiredness will nag you to take a break.SAFETYIt gets a five-star rating, and you’d expect no less – eight airbags and an arsenal of braking, active and passive safety technology see to that.VALUEThe price on the auto is $55,500 (manual is $52,700), which is just $600 above the outgoing version. It’s well kitted and fitted, with decent finishes and enough features to make venturing beyond entry level largely unnecessary -- were it not for the lack of a satnav and perhaps a rearview camera. Add a hefty $3450 and $1650 respectively if you want those.Arch enemies are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with each facing off with a rear-wheel drive four-cylinder. The Beemer is a grand over the Audi and the Merc another on top of that, and arguably both have their merits. BMW’s 3 claims the driving dynamics crown, while the C-Class has more of a luxury feel. But when it comes to style, it’s the Audi hands down.However there’s another to consider from Sweden, with the front-wheel drive Volvo S60 T4 offering a great engine and drive – and leaving about $6500 in your pocket.DRIVINGThe engine revisions have given the 1.8-litre new life. It’s got more beef at take-off and slower speeds, stays keen through the mid-range and has a little more on tap for highway overtaking – with smooth performance all the way.Steering is a little livelier, response is sharp enough and it does pretty much what it’s told. Road manners are refined, with the firm suspension showing confident handling through corners and surefooted composure over most surfaces – although you’ll definitely know about bumpy patches.It doesn’t aim to be a balls-out sport rocket, but there’s always enough there for normal driving -- except in the efficiency mode, which hoses the enthusiasm down considerably.The only real downside is the CVT transmission, which doesn’t clock onto the job early enough at the start, and in full auto setting is teeth-grindingly relaxed. That’s fine in CBD traffic, but for anything else you’ll want to use the ‘manumatic’ mode to shift gears, or at least flick it into Sport mode to snap it into a little more action.VERDICTThe CVT and firm suspension may be the only drawbacks for some people, but they’re small niggles when weighed up against the rest of a stylish premium package with an excellent engine.Audi A4 1.8 TFSIPrice: from $55,500Warranty:  3 years/unlimited kmResale: 55%Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 125kW/320NmTransmission:  continuously-variable, FWDThirst: 5.8L/100km, 134g/km CO2Spare: Space saverDimensions: 4.70m (L), 1.82m (W), 1.42m (H)Weight: 1470kg

Life gets a little nicer when you have a prestige car in the driveway. Some people just crave a prestige badge, but it's true that the better European brands deliver a better car.That means more comfort and quietness, more equipment, and - if you have the cash to splash, or a company that's paying the freight - genuine luxury in a mid-sized package.The obvious choices for prestige buyers are the three big-name brands: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is also a contender, which is why it's included in this four-car shootout, but you can also find prestige strengths everywhere from the Citroen C5 to the Skoda Superb and even - at a pinch - something like the Volkswagen Golf.Even the better Japanese brands, Mazda and Subaru, have models that make a prestige pitch and Holden and Toyota want you to believe their Caprice and Aurion are also rivals for the German heavyweights.VALUEThe price of a German prestige car is like a length of string - it depends on what you want but, more importantly, how much you have to spend. There are a vast range of Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models in showrooms and an almost infinite choices of colours and optional equipment.BMW has the widest choice with 57 different 3 Series cars, 40 of them carrying a boot in the back end. Prices range from the 318d at $56,400 to more than $150,000 for an M3 hotrod. Mercedes has 28 different C-Class models, without thinking about the super-fast C63 AMG Black Series, with prices from $58,600 for the C200.Audi trails the other Germans with 'only' 14 versions of the A4, including nine sedans, and a starting price of $53,000 for the 2.0 TDI running to $95,300 for the 3.2 FSI quattro. There are seven Lexus IS sedans and three convertibles with prices ranging from $55,800 for the 250 Prestige up to $81,300 for the 350 Sports Luxury.Digging deeper, Lexus serves up the best standard package and even metallic paint which is $1270 in the A4, $1415 in the 3 Series and $1600 in the C-Class - is standard. It also has the longest warranty at four years including roadside assistance, but is limited to 100,000km while the others are unlimited.Mercedes has the longest service intervals of 25,000 kilometres, which counts with potential service costs. At the other end resale values are fairly similar. BMW is the leader, retaining 53 per cent of its value after three years according to Glass's Guide, followed by Benz and Lexus at 52 per cent and Audi at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYThe prestige smorgasbord continues on the mechanical front, with various petrol and diesel engine choices, apart from Lexus which is unleaded-only. Our test group includes three four-cylinder petrol turbos and the long Lexus six, which makes the best power and torque but trails on fuel economy at 9.4 litres/100km.The Audi A4 benefits from the newest engine, with 155 kiloWatts and a whopping 350 Newton-metres, while the Benz trails on paper but feels strong with solid torque. Germans cars have stop-start systems to boost economy - although it's only a realistic one per cent saving - to the eight-speed auto in the BMW helps it to diesel-like figure of 6L/100km. The Audi and Benz also come in under the 7L/100km fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax threshold.There is technology everywhere, as the Germans have wheel-style controllers for their on-board computer, infotainment system and air-conditioning; all have Bluetooth, although the Lexus refuses audio streaming and the Benz has hiccups in playback; and Lexus has the brightest touch screen although the BMW has the best design and the biggest display.SAFETYFive-star safety is a given in the prestige class, but all four should have even quality when Australian New Car Assessment Program guidelines get tougher thanks to high-tech driving aids, although many are optional. Only the Lexus comes with a standard rear-view camera, and that's something you can now get in a humble Hyundai i30.DESIGNThe Lexus is the oldest design and it shows, especially against the good looking new 3 Series. Inside, the BMW is focussed more on the driver but the cockpit can feel a little snug, although not as bare as the overly-black Lexus.About a year ago, Mercedes gave its C-Class models a makeover inside and out. The exterior still looks a bit "grey cardigan" but the interior has more jewellery and a modern styling. Audi's interior design is standing the test of time but its exterior is a little boxy and boring. Infotainment controller is the best, the cabin finishes are great and the interior lighting is first-class.DRIVINGThe BMW should be an easy winner on the road, but it's not. The Lexus has a sportier feel, helped by the big six in the nose, and the Benz feels more solid and planted over bumps and other annoying acne. The BMW engine also lacks the shove of the Benz, although its transmission is silky smooth with a gear for everything, with the Audi also getting along nicely enough.For handling, the BMW is just ahead on a smooth surface but I'm shocked to feel steering kickback over slight corrugations, something that's usually associated with the front-drive Audi. The Benz feels rock-solid and balanced in all conditions, the Lexus is fun, and the Audi is better for cruising.During highway work, the A4 hits its sweet spot with a quiet and comfortable cabin that edges out the BMW - despite optional sports seats - and the Benz. The Lexus has way too much tyre roar. Assessing the cabins, BMW has done a great job in creating an Audi ambience with good design and classy materials.It's probably a tick ahead of the A4, with the Benz - despite a mid-life update last year and a larger display screen - still boring and the Lexus trailing with an outdated interior. It's hard to pick winners in other areas, because of the varying levels of equipment and options, but I like the big wheels on the Lexus, the great seats in the BMW, the headlamps in the Audi, and a bunch of other stuff. If I had to pick a back seat for a longish trip I'd probably go for the BMW.VERDICTThe Lexus goes out first. It looks nice enough, it has good grunt and plenty of cornering grip, but it shows its age in too many ways. The cabin is dark and uninspiring against its rivals, and the back seat is too tight. It's also way too noisy with road roar on anything but a perfect surface.The Audi is next to fall, not because it's not good but because it's not good enough against the other two Germans. The A4 is a nice design and the car is beautifully built, the new engine is smooth and very efficient, but it falls short of the rock-solid feel and driving enjoyment you deserve - and expect - in the prestige class.So it's down to the BMW and the Benz, and I admit that I chose the new 3 Series to drive away at the end of the test. That's usually the sign of a sure-fire winner, and the Three is very good. But it is flawed. The cabin now manages to out-Audi the A4, with classy design and a big display screen, but some of the plastics feel cheap and the things I really like - especially the cushy seats - are extra-cost options.Worst of all, since BMW has always billed itself as the Ultimate Driving Machine, there is front-end chatter over bumps and the silky-smooth eight-speed auto cannot totally compensate for an engine that's too noisy at idle and missing the mid-range shove you need for overtaking in Australia.So the winner, in the end, is the Benz. It's rock solid, it has the best badge in the business, and Mercedes has done a great job on updating the car to make it a nice drive, a value package, and the top choice in this class.Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattroPrice: $64,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed S tronic, quattroBody: 4.7m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1570kgThirst: 7/100km; 159g/km CO2Options fitted: metallic paint ($1270), sports front seats ($577), hill hold assist ($154)Total: $66,501BMW 3 Series - 320i SportPrice: $57,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 53 per centService interval: optionalSafety rating: 5 starSpare: Nil, run-flat tyresEngine: 2-litre, 4-cyl, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1425kgThirst: 6/100km; 141g/km CO2Options: metallic paint ($1415), glass sunroof ($2245), Navigation System Business ($1538), Sport Line package ($3152) includes 17 light-alloy wheels Double-spoke 392, Ambience light, switchable between Orange and White, BMW Sport Seats, Chrome Pearl Grey surrounds for centre console, Dakota leather upholstery, Exclusive high-gloss Black exterior trims, Red contrast stitching for sport leather steering wheel, Red detailing on key, Speedometer and rev counter with Red chronoscales, Welcome light, switchable between White or Cold White, Sport designation, exterior, BMW Sport door sill finishers in AluminiumTotal: $65,956Lexus IS 350 PrestigePrice: $64,800Warranty: 4 years/100,000kmResale: 52 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 3.5-litre 6-cyl, 233kW/378NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1645kgThirst: 9.4/100km; 223g/km CO2Options: Enhancement Pack (includes moonroof, satnav and semi-aniline leather) at $3500.Total: $68,300Mercedes-Benz C250 Avantgarde StandardPrice: $67,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale:  52 per centService interval: 25,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl, 150kW/310NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.5m (l); 1.7m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1505kgThirst: 6.8/100km; 158g/km CO2Options: metallic paint $1600, Option Vision Package $3785 - Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system- Glass electric sunroof- Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Light SystemTotal: $72,785