GomerPyle

As other have said, the A4 is an option if the size of the A6 and the performance of the S4 are non-issues. The new A4 isn't exactly a sloth (2.0T is 211 hp and 258 lb-ft torque). On paper with the automatic it gets 0-60 in 6.6, but feels faster than that. Gone is the off the line hesitation of the the B7s.

The A6 with the 3.2 is a bit slower, but since you mentioned AWD, I don't think you can get quattro unless you get the 3.0T or better, which is slightly faster than the A4.

If budget is a consideration, the base price on an A6 is more than the S4, and obviously more than the A4. For leasing though, I don't think you'll find any deals on S4s. They sell without any incentives.

From my experience I like the A4 better than the S4 in terms of ride quality and comfort. The A6 blows the A4 away in those categories. For commuting, S4 hands down.

Here's my suggestion. Have her test drive all 3 and see what she really wants. And on another note, I completely agree with you about the C-class. They are awful in just about every aspect. Their interiors are on par with Chevy's, err, Chevrolets.

ahcow

She drives twice a week, and leases, yet has a budget... hmmm, maybe she should spend on some finance courses instead of a car. Not trying to be an *** but that's the fact. It doesn't make any money sense but it's her money, whatever...

Also, does she really need the performance? I don't think the CLK 350 is lightning fast but it isn't slow either. Does she find it lacking in performance? If not, then just tell her to get a C300 4matic, 328ix or A4 2.0T. Heck, maybe even an A3 will do.

m444

There might be some price incentives on new 2010 A4 2.0T quattro cars.
Time for some test drives. Put in your zip code and cheap local offers....

http://www.audiusa.com/us/brand/en/offers/regional.html

adbender

A6 3.0T will have the same tuning potential as the S4.

just a thought.

eli992

hey thanks all i really appreciate how nice you guys are here at audiworld
some things i should of mentioned was that she's 24 and her father shares the car with her during the week (mon-fri), and she uses it when she comes home from work (which she commutes with the train because manhattan parking and traffic is disgusting).
I know for a fact that the 3.2 A4 might be a choice but thats not her style, because knowning her (just like all girls) if she can afford more, they wont downgrade (clk350 was around 50k optioned up)
she doesn't really need the power, but she doesnt drive like a snail either.
she usually does 65-70 in the posted 50 mph speed limit, so you can say she might appreciate the pickup more
to be honest, I love the look of the new s4 and would of gotten that instead of my 335i coupe.
the only difference was i got my car a month before the 2010 s4 came out and i was with no car since my other lease ended, so i pulled the trigger on that
to be honest the 335i with le mans blue is truely a beautiful car. I can't complain at all with my choice, but im deffinately happy that im with that instead of an A5 3.2.

DeanS4

I don't understand people when they state that the B8 interior is better than the A6.

To me they look identical - same dash, same trim, same steering wheel, same center console. Am I missing something?

gdsm3

I thought I was the only one with that opinion. Only real differences I see are the larger chunk of wood used for the center console and the door panel arm rests are probably stitched leather instead of that cheap molded stuff used in the B8 (NA). I've never actually sat in an A6 before though...that car is just too big for my needs to have considered it.

LeadToRome

+1, I thought that pic of an A6 interior above was a pic of an S4 until I read closer.

m444

The A6 is bigger and takes a larger space on the road. It also generally gets worse gas mileage, but if these are not issues, then the A6 could serve fine. If she could swing the dollars, then the S4 is a nice setup. She should really do some test drives.

Ynnekdude

I'd say the mileage difference is negligible. I can get 27 hwy without even trying.