Audi's new b8 A4
 

Looks pretty good IMO and a little BMW-ish. Due up later this fall.

Is it better than a 335?

I saw one today on the streets of Munich, in while. Looks great. The A4 and A5 stand out in a sea of 3ers and C-classes.

It's been out for months in some markets. An X5world member has/had one.

We were in Germany last week and saw several around. Overall they looked decent but the back seemed very bland.... almost Japanese looking...

No it is not better than a 335i. Take it from an avid Audi enthusiast. The company has failed to put in a proper engine (it has a 3.2L V6, 265hp). To add insult to injury it's barely less expensive than a decently equipped 335xi sedan.

Audi's problem is this: too many choices. There are the two A4 engines and the two performance variants. BMW has only one performance model. It simplifies the lineup and leaves more room for price differences. If the A4 3.2 was eliminated, leaving only the A4 2.0T (211hp, 258lb ft, quattro), S4 (3.0 supercharged V6, 330hp, quattro) and RS4 (4.2L n/a V8, 450hp, quattro) it would be perfection. A diesel could be added into the mix as well, with DSG and manual transmissions available on every model. Sounds amazing. I wish I hadn't made it up.

BTW: It looks incredible. But sometimes looks aren't enough. I would definitely pick the 2.0T Avant if I were to get an A4, because it combines the fabulous new four-banger (which has more torque than the V6) with the new Avant's sexy lines. It's fuel efficient, fun, spacious, luxurious and stylish, at a reasonable price.

Where does that leave the tepid-looking E90? Incredibly bland and super-Japanese???

The only reason we would look at one is that there is an audi dealer 1.9 miles away, and we haven't driven to NH yet for a E91.

3/4 Volks/Audi products have burned up on us. :tsk:

I can see how you could say that but for some reason the Audi rear end looks more bland the 3 does..... could just be me though....

Love the rims in the second pic...