But here I am complaining as if I had nothing better to do, when in actual fact Audi has delivered what might be the best compact luxury wagon in its class. Of course, it doesn't have a lot of competition. BMW offers its 184-hp 325 Touring that starts slightly higher at $40,800. Add all-wheel drive and the price quickly jumps up $3,000. Lexus came to the party recently with its 215-hp, $44,195 IS 300 SportCross. While pricier and more powerful its 620 L (21.9 cu ft) cargo capacity doesn't quite match the Avant's while rear-wheel drive is its only drive configuration. For sheer cargo capacity the 185-hp Saab 9-5 Wagon Linear, granted quite a bit larger in exterior dimensions too, deserves attention. It can haul up to 2,067 L (73.0 cu ft) - more than twice as much as the Avant. I only mention it because its $43,500 base price is fairly competitive with the Audi. After that you need to step up to a premium SUV or down in prestige and creature comforts to Subaru's sensational $34,995 227-hp Impreza wagon WRX to find any more competitors with anywhere near the Audi's combination of sporty AWD performance and wagon functionality.
But to Audi fans not one of the above is a reasonable option. To these none looks anywhere near as good while no more, except the BMW, offer anything close to its high level of perceived interior quality. And after spending a week in the A4 Avant I can appreciate why their loyalties are so strong. It's truly a wonderful car.