The 2014 Audi A4 Quattro Triptonic is a winner in the mid-size class, packing a lot of punch while delivering the steady good looks expected of the car maker. In top form both in terms of looks and technology, it stands out with its sporty, yet balanced character.

The dynamic styling of the 2014 Audi A4 Quattro catches your eye from the moment you see this car with the 18-inch, 10-spoke RS design wheels, Audi xenon plus lighting with LED DRL tail lights and aluminum window surrounds. The distinctive design details – such as the stainless-steel underbody protection, the single-frame grille with vertical chrome bars and the range of wheels – underscore its strong character. The ice silver metallic paint was gorgeous and just seems to fit this car perfectly.

Audi’s interior keeps getting better and better while obviously chasing perfection. The interior of the Audi A4 features all of the classic strengths of the brand’s uncompromising workmanship, finely coordinated colors and materials and logical, intuitive controls. The Audi A4 offers luxurious climate-controlled comfort seats for the driver and front-seat passenger. Small fans provide three-speed ventilation to the seat cushion and back. The trunk has a capacity of 16.95 cu ft. Capacity with the rear seatbacks folded down (a standard feature in the Quattro version) is 33.97 cu ft. There is also a wide selection in the areas of communication and infotainment. The versatile MMI navigation plus system can be combined with the Bluetooth car phone online, which connects the A4 to the Internet and brings the tailored Audi connect services on board. Another highlight is the sound system from Bang & Olufsen.

With its permanent all-wheel drive, the Audi A4 all-road Quattro is equally at home both on and off the road. The chassis of the Audi A4 is made largely of aluminum and is very technically sophisticated. The front axle is a five-link construction with a trapezoidal-link axle at the rear. The electromechanical power steering is sensitive and highly efficient. Audi also offers the optional Audi drive select driving dynamics system with efficiency mode.

Audi drive select can be paired with other technologies such as the sport differential, adaptive damper control and dynamic steering, with the latter’s superposition gear capable of varying the steering ratio. ESC with electronic limited slip differential is standard in all A4 models with front-wheel drive. Using slight braking interventions at the front inside wheel, the system makes handling more neutral and ensures high grip when exiting the curve. What also enhances the driving experience is the 2.0-liter supercharged I4 engine with 220 horsepower mated with an eight-speed Triptronic automatic transmission. Along with the power comes strong fuel efficiency of 20mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway.

With the S line body package adding a more aggressive front fascia, the 2014 Audi A4 Quattro hits just the right note for those wanting a luxury car that makes an impression. We truly enjoyed driving this tremendous automobile and were pleasantly surprised to see the sticker price as tested of $43,845. With rivals trying to nip at their heels, the folks at Audi obviously understand that they can’t rest and must keep pushing the needle with performance, styling and pricing. They hit the mark with the 2014 Audi A4 Quattro!