By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 24, 2017) The A4 appeared as part of a rethink of Audi’s model numbering scheme, replacing the 80/90 in 1996. That car shared its B4 platform with the fourth generation VW Passat, which also featured a longitudinally mounted engine driving the front wheels. Built on a 103-inch wheelbase and spanning 178 inches overall, the B4 Audi placed the brand squarely in the compact luxury segment as its entry-level offering.

That role has since been taken over by the A3, which shares its platform and transverse front-drive layout with the VW Golf. And rightly so, because the current A4 is significantly larger than its progenitor, sitting on a 111-inch wheelbase and stretching 186 inches overall.

It uses the VW Group’s modular MLB platform that is shared in one form or another by everything from the Q5 and Q7 SUVs to the A6 sedan. It is no longer the small sedan it once was, being only slightly narrower and shorter than the last generation Audi A6.

Growing up can have many positive effects, often in terms of greater maturity. This move into adulthood, however, need not dull one’s sense of humor or mischievousness. You can still be a fun person to be around. unfortunately, the 2017 A4 seems to have lost too much of its edge.

It’s no longer the light, cozy sport sedan with which you could have fun. That spot has been taken by the A3, and moved the A4 up in both size and seriousness. It handles well, though the steering has lost some feel, rides well, aided by the longer wheelbase and its effect on damping rates, and the combination of the 252 hp/273 lb.-ft. turbo 2.0-liter and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic not only perform admirably, they return decent fuel economy (24 city/31 highway/27 combined says the EPA).

But as the old expression goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

This is a problem faced by all automakers, but that is especially apparent in those vehicles made by the Germans. BMW’s 3 Series, though still arguably one of the best sport sedans available anywhere, has been overtaken by the drive to add technology and luxury.

“Less is more” has been replaced by “More is better,” and the result, though beneficial to the bottom line in terms of profit per unit, has begun to suck the soul out of these vehicles. An arms race has broken out, and no one knows how to back away from the brink, so every iteration adds another layer between driver and car; seducing with fit, finish, materials and tech, but ultimately dulling the senses that make cars like this appealing.

Despite its greater size, the A4 is not a heavyweight, and its greater size does make the cabin — especially the rear seats — more hospitable. The $1,000 Comfort Adaptive Damping suspension allows you to alter ride firmness, and take the edge off the 245/40-18 tire’s response to bumps and potholes. And you can drop $8,600 for the Prestige package to dress up, scale up, and even move up the social ladder, but none of this stuff brings greater driving satisfaction.

The A4 has become more of a cocoon and, in its quest to lessen the world’s intrusions, it dials down the feedback and increases its warnings of impending danger. Most annoying was the way the instrument cluster would strongly suggest engaging the adaptive cruise control in order to keep the distance to the vehicle ahead large and constant.

Eliminate this flashing nuisance, and no Michigander would have thought anything amiss, as you either keep up and keep close or get run over on our roads. Yet, given the safety appeal, there was no quick shortcut that allowed you to engage the system. If the situation is that dire, protocol would suggest that the driver would be asked if he would like to engage the system, and allow him to press one of the steering wheel buttons to instantly engage the unit. Whereupon it should be possible to quickly adjust the following distance and adjust the speed. Unfortunately, the A4 is better at scolding than helping.

Which pretty much sums up the 2017 A4. It is more mature, but also more risk adverse. It has more tech and a greater level of luxury, but it sacrifices the analog — feel and response — in order to provide it.

Undoubtedly the A4 has more capability than ever, but it doesn’t seem to possess the soul that makes you want to take advantage of it. And that, my friends, is a shame.

The Virtual Driver