I was pretty heartless when I laid into our Sport-package-equipped 2009 Audi A4 Avant for its harsh ride on LA freeways. Today I got the wagon on a back road to see if I liked the tradeoff in handling. And I really do.
Considering it weighs nearly 3,900 pounds, our A4 Avant really changes directions quickly, even on roads with very tight corners where I would expect it to understeer at least a little. Now I understand that 69.3-mph slalom speed. The A4's steering usually feels pretty vacant to me (and that's unrelated to our repair concern), but it weights up nicely off-center in these situations and I didn't mind the lack of feedback (much). And the brakes feel good.
This car is fun. And both the seating position and seat design are spot-on for this kind of driving. I'll be requesting our Audi A4 the next time I take a road trip... which will be carefully plotted to avoid the interstate.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 13,939 miles
carguy622 says:
04:41 PM, 05/28/09
I can't believe I'm going to say this (because sometimes I get a little sick of the BMW suspension tuning love) but BMW manages to make a nicely toss-able 3 series wagon that also rides nicely and gobbles interstate miles.
This isn't necessarily and Audi bash, but I much prefer that cars are tuned to be comfortable, especially a family type vehicle like this, with the best handling they will allow while not crossing the threshold into harsh riding.
mike63amg says:
05:00 PM, 05/28/09
Did you park the car in the middle of the road, after a bend no less?
Seriously, it's nice to have an informative, serious entry after the Oldham-picks-a-Hyundai-over-a-Bimmer publicity stunt.
carguy622 says:
08:23 PM, 05/28/09
mike63amg: I looks like they are moving. I can't tell for sure if there is a driver. I hope they wouldn't park in the middle of the road. If you use a fairly quick shutter speed you can get the wheels to "freeze".
mike63amg says:
09:08 PM, 05/28/09
As you can see...
http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/2008/06/2009-mercedes-benz-sl63-schizo----but-in-a-good-way.html
...Edmunds doesn't always legally park their cars.
By editor_karl on June 2, 2008 4:33 PM
"Is that legally parked? On a bend on a hill in the middle of the road!"
Legally acquired car photos and good photos rarely go hand-in-hand.
carguy622 says:
09:42 PM, 05/28/09
mike63amg: Fascinating... I'd say that's dangerous.
bmwbig6 says:
03:58 PM, 05/29/09
Re: "This isn't necessarily and Audi bash, but I much prefer that cars are tuned to be comfortable, especially a family type vehicle like this, with the best handling they will allow while not crossing the threshold into harsh riding."
You don't have to choose between either end of the spectrum anymore (or worry about striking the perfect compromise). Audi already has the answer to this problem, and it's called Drive Select. BMW has a similar type of solution in its newer offerings.