Can You Safely Say The Official Vehicle Of Car And Driver Magazine Should Be An Audi?

Faced with the Solomonic decision to choose which Audi premium models they liked most, the editors of Car & Driver gave up and instead named four models as a single entry on the magazine’s list of “10 Best Cars” for 2013: Audi A6 3.0T, Audi S6, Audi A7 3.0T, and Audi S7.

The editors explained in part why they weren’t able to favor one of these superior automobiles over the others.

“Understated bodies cover stout structures into which Audi crafts beautiful and sensible interiors, without unnecessary complication,” the magazine said. “Combine that with an unflappable chassis, accurate steering, ample power, and a general sense of quality and you have an unbeatable luxury/sports-car range.”

But specifically, Car & Driver lauded the new “S” performance additions to the Audi stable at the high end of the premium market.

“For the S6 and S7, Audi takes the ‘A’ models’ rich mix of virtues and turns it lethal, thanks in no small part to a 420-hp, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8,” the “10 Best” article said. The magazine noted that in a recent comparison test, S6 “put the hurt on the vastly more powerful BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E632 AMG.”

And the story exulted that, “on the road, the S6 is an inexhaustible cannon, more cohesive and less fiddly than cars costing an additional $20,000.”

It was the second year in a row that Car & Driver liked this Audi model range so much. Last year, it named the A6 3.0T and A7 models to its “10 Best Cars of 2012” list.

cidflekken - 12/6/2012 12:12:06 PM

+4 Boost

So, exactly what are you trying to say with your article? C&D chooses an entire car/platform all the time. The 3 Series and M3 were always lumped as one. The CTS and CTS-V were always lumped as one. The Cayman and Boxster were always lumped as one. The "S" version of the Audis only translates to more horsepower, not a whole different level of overall performance. So, it's no different than a model having the option of a 4-cylinder and a 6-cylinder/8-cylinder.

And to say that C&D's official vehicle should be an Audi is ignoring the fact that the 3Series is on for the 22nd year and the Accord is one for the 27th. Not to mention the multiple, multiple "wins" for the Boxster/Caymen, MX-5, GTI, and Fit. Audis (and sometimes MB) tend to make this list one year, then disappear quickly thereafter. We'll see if this duo has any staying power.

PLAY - 12/6/2012 12:25:50 PM

+1 Boost

I have to agree with cid, and furthermore Audi has really been turning out good cars lately and are getting recognized for it.

Yonder7 - 12/6/2012 12:37:15 PM

0 Boost

Cause is the best ? ....

cidflekken - 12/6/2012 1:00:09 PM

+1 Boost

And I'll just add that the only car in Audi's lineup that seems to have a stranglehold on its respective class is the A6 and now A7. Going back to the previous generation, it handily beat all comers in the class, but the same cannot be said for any car in Audi's model range.

GermanNut - 12/6/2012 1:55:13 PM

-1 Boost

Audi has produced some amazing cars recently that combine the luxury, comfort, performance, design and quality that buyers expect. As a result, Audi is being recognized for their products in lists such as Car and Driver's 10 best for the 2nd straight year among many other industry awards and sales are skyrocketing faster than BMW and Mercedes-Benz's.

gkearns56 - 12/6/2012 5:55:37 PM

+1 Boost

I own a new Audi S6 and LOVE the car. I've had BMWs, Benz and this Audi and can NOT say anything bad about it. It's a beautiful vehicle with wonderful craftsmanship.

TauronB2G - 12/6/2012 5:41:23 PM

+3 Boost

Naaaaa they are still kissing BMWs ass.
T

TheDepressingTruth - 12/7/2012 12:50:09 AM

+2 Boost

What's the official car of MotorTrend?....Which ever one is paying us.

cidflekken - 12/7/2012 3:29:37 AM

+2 Boost

Clevelandsteamer, The "S" versions don't have completely different sheetmetal or suspension, only brakes and wheels/tires as standard. the sport suspension is available as an option on non "S" versions, which is really only lowering the height by 20mm. Other than that, the chassis are set up essentially the same. Also, optional wheel/tire combos are available on non-S versions.

And, no, the A7/S7 aren't an entirely different class than the A6/S6. They are built from the same platform, with only minor differences in chassis setup. Plus, the A7/S7 is in a completely different price class than the 6 Series, with its base price almost $20k lower for any "comparable" model. That would be like saying that the 5-Series and 6-Series are in the same class.

cidflekken - 12/7/2012 3:46:41 AM

0 Boost

I just want to add that all this gushing over Audi products is a mystery to me, honestly. For C&D to say that the S6 "put the hurt on the E63 and M5" is such an overstatement, well at least regarding the E63. The E63 lost points on subjective criteria like styling and lost points for fit and finish because of the windshield wiper issue. Other than that, beyond 0-60, the E63 blew the doors off the S6, and outhandled it. Granted it is priced higher, but MBs traditionally are most costly. And with the E63 now getting 4Matic as standard in the US, the 1/4 mile times should easily be in MBs favor.

I drive an S5 now and have to honestly say that I want to truly love this car, but I cannot. It's gorgeous. It handles well. The interior is superb. It is fast as hell. But I just cannot find myself loving it. This car feels heavier than any of the 3 SUVs I've owned in the past. I have had more issues with squeaks and rattles than I've have in any of my previous cars (Acuras, Nissans, Toyotas). Crazy vibrations were abundant from the stereo, which I had to fix myself b/c the dealer couldnt' fix it after almost 8 hours with the car. And, honestly, it's not fixed, but more honestly, it shouldn't have been an issue from the start. The only other car I had issues with from squeaks, rattles, and vibrations was…wait for it…my 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. Again, I've had 2 Acura Integras, a Honda Civic coupe, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Toyota 4Runner, a Lexus GS, and, most recently a Nissan 350Z Roadster. As much as I truthfully want to love my S5, almost every day I long for my 350Z back.

Additionally, I was given an A4 as a loaner car when the Audi dealer spent the day trying to cure the issues. The squeaks and rattles in that car, with only 10k miles on it, were so much worse. And the 4-cylinder engine sounded so anemic. The transmission set up frustrated me to no end. Just the mildest touch on the throttle had me literally launching the car, almost uncontrollably. it was actually a very scary experience. Sure, it accelerated short-distance very well (as is evidenced by most Audis today), but anything above 60, the car was out of breath and sounded like a toy airplane on its last breath. I remember thinking that none of the 4-cylinder cars I owned from Acura/Honda sounded or felt anything like this. And i actually discouraged a friend from getting the A4 for these reasons.

lmariorod - 12/7/2012 5:18:04 AM

-1 Boost

What a pathetic rant. I love my S5.

cidflekken - 12/7/2012 6:23:58 AM

0 Boost

why is it pathetic? Just b/c you don't agree. Sorry, but that's my experience, which created my opinion. You don't like it, too bad. I'm glad you love your S5. I like mine, I don't love it.

GermanNut - 12/7/2012 12:59:58 PM

+2 Boost

cidflekken, a bad Audi ownership experience for you does not mean everyone has a bad Audi ownership experience.

The reason why Audi has been winning these comparison tests is simple:

When looked at as a complete package, Audi provides the same if not better levels of luxury, quality, technology, and design. The performance is only slightly less than the BMW M5's and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's - but not $20,000 less.

In conclusion, with Audi for $20,000 less you get the same if not better levels of luxury, quality, technology, and design than its BMW and Mercedes-Benz counterparts and performance that is say worth $10,000 less but not $20,000. Therefore, in the end, the Audi wins.

cidflekken - 12/7/2012 2:12:30 PM

-1 Boost

Germannut, I'm not just talking about the recent comparison. I'm talking about the product line altogether, which is why I gave the example of my own car and the loaner car I was given.

And of course I realize that my experience isn't the same for everyone. But, when I have two different cars, from two different dealerships, having the same problems, that says alot to me.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I had another loaner car, an A3, when Audi was tinting my windows, and though it didn't have the same degree of rattles and squeaks, the quality of the interior left alot to be desired. Granted, this is Audi's entry-level car, but I expected something more than what my 1996 Honda Civic gave me.

cidflekken - 12/7/2012 3:02:27 PM

-1 Boost

and regarding the price differences, we all know that the higher price points for the higher-tiered models for marques like BMW and MB are paying for the brand and as a demand control measure. Take out price and the E63 would have won that comparison. Take out the subjective exterior styling category, and its margin of victory widens.

GermanNut - 12/7/2012 6:33:42 PM

+3 Boost

I think Audi, in particular the A7, gets people interested in the brand. Middle age buyers and women could likely care less about peformance. When they see the shape and the interior they're sold and purchase the vehicle.

People I know that have purchased Audis recently only have good things to say about their ownership experience.