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2017 Audi A4: powerful, tech loaded, refined luxury sedan

Published 1:30 am Friday, March 3, 2017

by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer

Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.

Mother Nature was not kind during my week behind the wheel of the 2017 Audi A4 sedan, 2.0T quattro S tronic. What I learned was the A4 could take whatever was dished.

Snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain and even sideways rain were no match for this German luxury sedan. It efficiently got me to my next destination without fret, almost like it was glued to the road.

That’s only the practical side of the A4 – which only scratches the surface when it comes to this car’s endearing qualities. The exterior is sleek and modern. It is powerful, refined and blessed with outrageous road manners. And its state-of-the-art technology will provide years of worry-free enjoyment – and impress the neighbors.

Probably for those reasons – and more – Kelley Blue Book named the 2017 A4 a “Consumer Best Buy” among luxury cars.

The A4 offers customers a sporty driving experience with a 2.0-liter TFS engine that delivers class-leading horsepower and a newly developed S tronic dual clutch transmission that helps optimize fuel efficiency. Standard quattro all-wheel drive offers superior traction and handling.

Audi drive select allows the driver to choose between four modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. Each choice changes gear shift points for increased throttle response, steering assistance, damper control and adaptive cruise control adjustments. If you get bored, change them just for a change of pace.

My tester came with a Manhattan Gray Metallic coat of paint, 18-inch, five-spoke wheels, powerful wheel arches and a crisp, wrap-around shoulder line that flows seamlessly from the hood to the rear. LED lightly only adds to the elegance.

The interior is even better, thanks in part to a Prestige Package that adds $8,600 to your bottom line. Highlights include leather seating surfaces with hot and cold options and multiple adjustments, a virtual cockpit with MMI navigation on a 12.3-inch display, LED interior lighting package, power sunroof, and Bang and Olufsen advanced sound system with 19 speakers, 775-watts and 16-channel Class D amplifier.

A heads-up display lets you know just how fast you’re going (along with the speed sign) through your windshield. Adaptive cruise control allows you to dial in your speed and distance control allowing you to kick back while the Audi takes charge.

And, of course, you can text, cruise the internet, send and receive phone calls and basically pretend you’re in your office – if you so desire. If your marooned in traffic, just pull over and conduct a little business. There’s more than one way to be productive.

In addition to those already mentioned, safety features include electronic stability control, active lane assist, high-beam assistant, traffic sign recognition, rear-view camera, rain and light sensor and parking system with top-view camera.

2017 AUDI A4 SEDAN

BASE PRICE: $39,400

AS TESTED: $54,275

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.