Why the tech-heavy 2017 Audi A4 epitomizes 21st century luxury

The writer doesn't seem old enough to be a certified Splenda Daddy, but he is working perfecting his cloying, artificial sweetness.

GermanNut will lose his mind at the gush over the Audi Camry oops A4, sorry.

I used to think they were the same person, but one sells Audi's, and the other is paid to constantly say Audi is awesome everyone else sucks (and apparently either he or Audi reeeeeeeally has an inferiority complex with BMW).

JRob, it's nice to see you again. Looks like you're enjoying discussing BMW's sales decline over in the BMW forums.

I think a very big reason for Audi's success in the US market as well as globally is due to the fact that it appeals to the millennial generation. Audi as a brand doesn't have the old man's image that comes to mind when people think of Mercedes-Benz nor does it have the boy racer image that comes to mind when people think of BMW.

Audi is the progressive German brand. It combines the luxury of a Mercedes-Benz with the sporty driving dynamics of a BMW (at least what used to be sporty driving dynamics). The technology is best-in-class as witnessed by the Audi Virtual Cockpit, Audi Traffic Jam Assist, and numerous other technology and safety features. The interiors have always been top notch and continue to be among the best available. The reliability, which used to be a weak point for Audi, has now been drastically improved as witnessed by the number one position in Consumer Reports and a higher ranking than BMW in JD Power and Associates quality surveys

With 67 consecutive months of marketshare gains and more than doubling US annual sale since 2005, it is very clear that Audi has broad-based appeal. Audi has increasingly captured buyers away from its competitors considering BMW's annual sales are down 8.4% YTD and it has seen several months of declines greater than 10% this year.

I think it's ironic when you use the words "I think", because no, you don't. Audi thinks, then they cut you a check and a script. You should replace "I think" in all your posts with "Audi wants me to say..."

A positive percentage increase however consecutive due to good sales of one or two SUVs is not indicative of Audi's success in the U.S.
Audi's sedans can't touch Merc, BMW or Lexus.

Crossovers are outselling sedans so Audi's SUV sales strength has been a huge boost. Audi's U.S. sales have increased 135% in 10 years.

Well, considering the lengthy delay with the new A4, it had BETTER be a really good product. The C went on sales almost a full 2 years prior (in NA) and the current 3 has been around since 2013.

and @cidflekken--whom I never agree with--the C Class kills the Audi Camry in every possible way.

Audi took the successful A4 model and gave it a few design tweaks but more importantly loaded it with the latest technology features and improved the driving dynamics.

Audi's A8 will bring hugely differentiated styling and even more technology. Heck, the A8 will be a Level 4 autonomous vehicle! If there is any car that will epitomize the 21st century car it will be the next A8.

AS a second tier premium car - competing with Buick, Volvo, and Lexus/Infiniti - the A8 will be overpriced for what it offers - and will end up with the same six sided grille that virtually everyone from Ford And Chevy on up are now using. THe problem is that - with the exception of the real first tier leader - the S-class - cars like this are simply not selling - and worse - Audi has never actually sold many in this class too. Audi is second tier because it is basically a small sports sedan manufacturer - not a prestigious large luxury brand. Mercedes defines the space between the second tiers like Audi and Lexus - and the Ultra Luxury Rolls and Bentley. In fact - with the Maybach - they even encroach on the Rolls territory. Unfortunately for Audi - they have no chance to "compete" with MB - they are not in the same class. In Luxury - technology is not the main buying factor - the "elan" is. In making its cars all look like a small car they make - Audi never had that high end desirability. And it will take decades for them to get it - even with new styling - and I bet it won't be that different too.

Once again, do you have any proof that Audi is a second-tier premium brand besides your subjective criteria of car size? Your credibility is only getting reduced further by once again failing to provide proof to support your claims.