BMWBig6

Nice write-up (as usual) Mark. I echo your sentiments about ADS being the best of both worlds, but I do understand the appeal of the standard-suspensioned A4. I don't know what the actual production breakdown is for sport pkg-equipped cars to std suspension cars, but I would guess only around 10% of cars are spec'd with the sport package. Even if my numbers are off, I'm certain that we're in the minority. But I know my tastes are not exactly "normal" and I march to a different drummer, so I'm just glad Audi offers something for people like me as a factory option.

The standard A4 suspension has a really nice compliant ride that reminds me of the C6 A6 with a little more feedback. Anybody looking for A6-type ride quality in a more agile body (with a slightly more athletic experience) will probably enjoy the B8 A4 with standard suspension.

markcincinnati

Hopefully Audi will see fit to offer the sport seats as a stand-alone option for those who want the nicer, more supportive seats, but who want the Camry-like feel while cruising down the hiway.

I guess I must have a "delicate" sense of balance, for I swear the A4 with the standard suspension and seats comes close to making me the driving experience version of walking on ice with leather soled shoes -- it just seems THAT close to slip slidin' away.

I know that is NOT literally true -- but I have grown so used to the "snake in a rat hole" responsiveness of the 19" sport package and ADS equipped version, that almost anything else seems, well, d a n g e r o u s!