DRIVEN + VIDEO: If You've Been Trying To Make Sense Of The All-New Audi A4, Let Us Help...

Since its launch, the all-new Audi A4 has been causing a bit of controversy. That's because its exterior design is rather conservative. I use that word lightly.

For many people, they would have a tough time recognizing the last-gen car from the all-new one. That can be problematic for many as looks are a critical component of autos.

But as I said when I wrote my review of the A4 last year, it is a very impressive product if you don't get too wrapped up in its exterior sheetmetal. While it's not a revolution, it's a very handsome evolution of the four rings' design.

And then there's the technology. Audi has done a fantastic job of packaging together its vehicles' tech to make them compelling. Take, for example, its TFT instrument panel or the Google Maps in the navigation. One of my favorite touches is the passive safety integrated into the door panel — If a vehicle is approaching from behind the LED lighting turns red warning you NOT to exit.

See exactly what I am talking about via Kelly Blue Book's review of the Audi A4, below.

A4 fans are going to love it, that's for certain. But if you're looking for a luxury sedan that's great to drive, offers class-leading technology, looks great and is even a bargain in its market segment, you'll be hard-pressed to do better than the latest Audi A4.

TheSteve - 2/12/2017 2:38:33 AM

+2 Boost

Oh, the car has a lot of technology. THAT's what makes it good. Thanks for the pointer </sarcasm>

Agent00R - 2/12/2017 10:15:48 AM

0 Boost

From an Audi owner that's a bit of a harsh critique!

TheSteve - 2/12/2017 7:04:10 PM

+2 Boost

Agent00R: I don't believe in tech for tech's sake, or tech=good. Also, just because I drive an Audi (2015 Q5 3.0 diesel) does not mean I drank the kool aid and believe Audis are the best. Mine suits me well. Your mileage may vary.

I roll my eyes when someone touts "advanced technology." What tangible benefit does your "advanced technology" give me? Lower purchase price? Fewer repairs. Lower maintenance costs? No? Oh, actually the opposite in all cases. Okay so what are the pluses? I might be willing to pay more, have more frequent and expensive repairs if they're offset by the benefits. So what are they?

It looks cool. Demos well in a showroom. Looks impressive on an overhead screen at a product launch. Gives the prospective consumer the imagined understanding that the product is "better" because it's "cutting edge." Yeah, yeah... but that's just marketing crap designed to sell product. What are the REAL benefits? I mean to the new owner of your product?

I'm NOT a tech-basher. I'm not an old-school "wishing for the good old days" sort of guy either. I just look at the results, and I don't care if you pull them off using some impressive new tech from the future, or some old-school gadget from 1976. It's the results that matter.

I return you to "it's great because it has advanced technology."

Agent00R - 2/12/2017 11:15:07 PM

-1 Boost

I hear you, @TheSteve. I subscribe to your thinking here as well; however, I will say after driving the all-new A4 all of the advancements are a move in the right direction.

As all vehicles get more complex so will the complications. But, if you drive a new Audi with some of its new tech there's no way you will walk away and say it was a worse user experience — from the TFT IP to the passive safety in the door card to the way the car reads speed limit signs to keep you honest. That's what it's all about, delivering a better user experience.

It's very tough to find a stripper vehicle these days unless it's a track-focused product. I know as I adore simple cars.

malba2367 - 2/12/2017 11:05:45 AM

+3 Boost

Unfortunately this is where the majority cars are going....The millenenial generation is more interested in cell phones than cars, and in car tech is more important to them than driving dynamics, performance, styling etc. Is somewhat sad to see where the auto industry is headed with all the tech and self driving on the horizon.

Agent00R - 2/12/2017 11:15:27 PM

-1 Boost

Nailed it.

TheSteve - 2/13/2017 1:19:07 AM

+2 Boost

I'm confused by what 00R really means:

In the post of 2/12/2017 11:15:07 PM, 00R writes "...there's no way you will walk away and say it was a worse user experience..." and "...That's what it's all about, delivering a better user experience...."

But when malba2367 says "Unfortunately this is where the majority cars are going...sad to see where the auto industry is headed..." 00R responds "Nailed it."

Huh? It's a better experience...yet it's sad?