and also AWD.

 

B9 A4 is very impressive per my test drive. If I am in the market in this category of cars, it would on the top of my list.

 

why are they almost all awd?

 

CR happens to be one of the organizations that appreciates the handling and foul-weather benefits of AWD. It is also a publication that, unlike the enthusiast magazines, is often read and consulted by drivers who are not particularly skilled at driving on slippery surfaces and will often depend on AWD.

 

I guess no one knows. Maybe they buy the most popular models or, depending on where they are based (Ct.?) that might be what readily available?

 

Not at all. 1) We were talking about where the A4 ranked, not any possible Audi emissions issues and 2) Jill always seems to feel the need to take a contrarian position when the conversation is rolling along and pretty much everyone is in agreement. I guess it keeps us on our toes. :-)

 

Wonder if the IS would have placed any better had they used the IS350 AWD and not the IS300 AWD. Both utilize a 3.5L V6 but one puts out 306hp vs 255hp

 

Probably so. The IS350 AWD is a very competitive car that deserves to be higher in the rankings.

 

As critical as I've been of the current 3-series, I still feel it is the marginally the best in it class. It is the most well-rounded entry level sports sedan. The Audi's interior is a notch above and the Merc's is two notches up, but the Bimmer is still nice and it's still slightly more entertaining to drive with superior powertrain options. Anyhow, I suppose it's my personal bias because I care a lot more about driving dynamics than 95% of people. The A4 is probably the better car for the majority of folks who don't care about engines, chassis engineering, and steering response.

BMW needs to get it right with the next 3er because the F30 was so lukewarm, otherwise they'll be left in the dust. The F30 is basically a refreshed E90 with more modern tech and watered down driving dynamics. It's a marginally better "car" than the E90 but not even close to being a better BMW. They barely pushed the buck forward with the new model whereas Mercedes and Audi really did their homework and put a lot more effort into their redesigns.

I don't think BMW did enough with the new 7-series from a design standpoint but they've never understood the full-size flagship sedan market well. They know the midsize market well and appear to have done their homework with the upcoming 5-series. Let's hope that bodes well for the 3er.

 

One of the dumbest and strangest things I have seen Lexus do.

 

The main problem with the current 3-series is that they dumped what was (arguably) the best hydraulic power-steering system in the world outside of a Porsche for the distinctively-less-tactile electric unit of today. It does the job, but just doesn't have the same feel. And why was it dumped? To avoid the problems associated with servicing it and fluid-leaks, of course, but the main reason was that the electric boosters put slightly less drag on the engine and marginally (probably less than 1 MPG) improve mileage. As for me, I'd rather have the old system and pay (slightly) more at the pumps.

 

Mercedes did that in the facelift last-gen C-class. C300 4-matic sedan got a detuned version of the C350's motor.

 

Very well said. C&D has also pressed some BMW execs on this and they've reiterated that their "customers" don't want heavy, tactile steering.

It's such a shame really. The bean counters have basically made it clear that people like me don't matter to the company anymore. Whenever I drive my E90 I experience both a feeling of joy and sadness; joy because of how excellent and communicative the steering and chassis are, but sadness because I know it's likely that no BMW will ever give me that joyful feeling again through my fingertips.

 

Wonder where would the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia would fall on this list?

 

The 3 and 5 series have gone more mainstream and thus softer and more isolated to appeal to wider range of consumers. But go ahead and try enthusiast oriented 2 series, and you will be pleasantly surprised.