The A4 sedan remains embroiled in a longstanding rivalry with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series, but the Cadillac ATS is a strong new rival that deserves attention.
The Cadillac ATS is GM's best small luxury car ever, with remarkable handling and the top-notch CUE infotainment system.
The BMW 3-Series is still the most popular with the traditional crowd of driving enthusiasts, though the latest 3-Series has become heavier and quite a bit more expensive; its turbocharged inline-six offers brilliant power, however.
The C-Class received some extensive changes for 2012, including a new base turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the C250, so it's now pretty much up to snuff with the A4's more fuel-efficient sensibilities.
The Infiniti G37 is an interesting alternative, sporting BMW-like handling and matching it with Japanese design flair, but it can feel a bit coarser with respect to road noise and powertrain refinement.
Acura's TL is worth considering, too, for its somewhat roomier backseat, composed ride, and surprisingly good handling, especially in all-wheel-drive versions.
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 2013 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2013 Acura TLBrowse Used Listings |  2013 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Cadillac ATSBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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Magnificent design and technology sets the Audi A4 apart, but it's not quite as sporty as its BMW and Cadillac competition. |
The 2013 Acura TL is a comfortable, attractive, and well-equipped luxury sedan--but in top SH-AWD guise it morphs into something that even driving enthusiasts will find compelling. |
The 2013 BMW 3-Series is safe, fuel-efficient, and well-connected, yet it delivers the class-leading performance and handling that enthusiasts have come to expect. |
With unerring focus on handling, Cadillac finally has the 3-Series' number with the 2013 ATS. |
For those who are image-conscious yet value-conscious, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class sedans and coupes make a lot of sense. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $32,500 | $35,905 | $32,550 | $33,095 | $35,350 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Mid-Size | Compact Cars | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan Automatic 2WD | 4-Door Sedan 320i RWD South Africa | 4-Door Sedan 2.5L RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 250 Sport RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2013 Audi A4 vs. 2013 Acura TL | 2013 Audi A4 vs. 2013 BMW 3-Series | 2013 Audi A4 vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS | 2013 Audi A4 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
