2009 Audi A4 - Drive Select and Specs - First Drive

But what may be the most impressive innovation of the new sedan is Audi drive select. First seen in the Cross Coupe Quattro crossover concept, this production version of ADS is a push-button system that allows the driver to choose between comfort, dynamic, and auto settings. And even though this sounds like systems in other cars, in the A4, switching between these settings creates a noticeable, dramatic change in throttle response, transmission shift points, the electronically controlled shock damping, and the power-steering boost and steering ratio.

Those who like the smooth steering of Audis past can opt for comfort mode, where ride, acceleration, and shifts won't spill a drop of coffee; but for twisting roads, those who crave the instant gratification a sport sedan can bring should switch to dynamic mode. In that setting our tester-shod with 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 summer tires-displayed crisp turn-in, immediate throttle response, and stayed glued to the road. But the system isn't perfect-dynamic's ride is a bit too harsh for everyday driving, and comfort's steering is too uncommunicative in turns. However, auto mode makes the best of both settings. If that's still not good enough, you can configure ADS to fit your needs. Controlled through the MMI (and perhaps the best use of any multi-system interface to date), choose between favorite suspension, steering, throttle, and transmission settings to create your ideal profile, with up to 24 possible combinations.

This is just the first generation of the system-it's easy to imagine future versions where changing the amount of steering and suspension input can be as easy and exact as adjusting bass and treble on the stereo. The A4 also uses dynamic steering, which provides a more direct ratio at low speeds, and can provide subtle countersteering in an emergency situation. While Audi is still working out what equipment will be standard and optional on U.S. models, you can expect ADS to be included in a package with dynamic steering and active suspension. Models not equipped with active suspension use a multilink/anti-roll bar setup front and rear, made largely of aluminum components. European models will receive features such as a lane-departure system and adaptive cruise control, but those aren't currently slated for U.S.-spec cars.

The A4 has grown a lot, just as the rest of its class continues to do. As good a car as it is, though, it's possible the increase in size may have left a hole in the U.S. marketplace. Audi may have to come up with a smaller sedan, one that could potentially compete with the upcoming 1 Series (too bad the name A2 has already been used). But at its core, the A4 is still the sport sedan that many enthusiasts love, and the new larger, more mature sedan is now even better prepared to take on its Mercedes-Benz and BMW rivals.