Tesla1856

This new purchase is a major decision for me. With all the negativity here, (but you guys know cars) ... I thought I better take another look.
The 2021 isn't on their website yet, so it will have to be the 2020

2020 Audi A4 45-TFSI Quattro Premium-Plus = $44,000
vs
2021 Acura TLX 2.0T Tech/SH-AWD = $43,500

So, the Audi-A4 is missing some tech (at this apple-to-apples trim level) ... but that's not the focus of this post.

I assumed the Audi-A4's Infotainment Interface would be like in our new Audi-Q5-e which we like (non-touchable screen and lower touchpad). Also, very similar to Acura's new system.

But what I see is a single (high-mounted) screen/ touch-screen. There is no lower touchpad (it's a "storage compartment" now) .
- So, your arm is fully-extended while using it. Think about that for a moment.
- Looks like most operations will take at least 2 clicks (due to left-icons and nested menus).
- We are expected to do handwriting-recognition on this, huh?
- Your hand is in the way of the same screen you are trying to see. Yeah, I know ... like an iPad (but that is mainly for "consuming media") . No, not like a SmartPhone as it's easy to move finger away from screen (or you are using 2 hands).

Can you tell I'm not too crazy about it ?
As far as I can tell, this is the new system that is filtering down into all their vehicles.

fiatlux

I prefer the touchscreen to a touchpad, so while you might see it as a negative, I see it as a huge positive.

Tesla1856

But mainly, you use a (low placed) Knob that also clicks-down to Select, and even left/right to go back or to related sub-menu. There is also 2 toggle switches (that each switch 2 ways) that get you to the main 4 systems.

It's knob is sorta-like the one in the 2014-MDX (but smaller, better placed, and more functional).

The TouchPad is really just for graffiti (letters). It's "recognition" seems good.

leomio85

I'm surprised how similarly priced they are. Assuming the A4 is underrated, the performance is likely the exact same for the 2G TLX as it seems the 1G TLX is about 200lbs heavier, and the 2G will likely be slightly heavier. As for the infotainment, it comes down to personal preference if you prefer touchscreen or touchpad. I actually do like Acura's infotainment touchpad idea.

SebringSilver

Having had our RDX for a year and a half, I have to say the True Touch system pretty much sucks. At the same time, I think the current A4 infotainment system is in no man’s land - neither as good to use as the older system with a dial and integrated writing pad, and not as visually appealing as the futuristic all touch screen system used in the A6 and Q8 etc.

Tony Pac

I think at the end it comes down to personal preferences.

When someone wants to spend $50-60K (CAD) to buy a car. Pretty much this person can buy an Audi, MB, BMW, Lexus or Acura. $2-3K won’t make a difference in a budget of $50K or $60K. But we go with what we believe it good for us. If badge was the only factor, everyone would have bought German, especially MB or BMW. But that’s not the case. Lexus, Acura still exist and Infiniti is trying to exist lol

Tesla1856

Well, we kinda know the 2021 Audi A4 will be at least $1000-$2000 more due to ... I don't know "new model" I guess.

Also, as I mentioned ... there are some significant options missing from the A4, (to bring to Tech trim-level). So, you are getting less there also. Only way I saw to add them is to more-up to more-expensive Prestige trim. However, that surpasses Tech feature-set and makes it more like an Advance.

Tesla1856

1. Well, while that is hard to hear, I appreciate your honesty.

2. Glad to hear I'm not the only one who noticed. Right, in addition to what I posted about ... it's different than the more expensive cars. I hate when they do that. Back in 2013, I noticed even Acura was "holding back" on the RDX (to upsell the MDX). It's just not called for. We buy the SUVs mainly on size/seating capacity.

fiatlux

Which features are missing from the Premium Plus that you can't add a la carte to match the TLX Tech? Seems to me that with the a la carte options, you can spec it to have all the Tech features, and then more.

BEAR-AvHistory

Have touch screens, the knob & push-buttons that can be programmed to the screen in use. Some functions work better with one or the other in many cases. Don't like to have to reach when I am driving so like the mouse functionality of the knob. Also the surface of the knob can take handwriting so thats an extra.

Would think with an all new car the TLX will have similar functionality.

pyrodan007

While I'm sad that the close by dial/buttons are gone in the newer A4, there are some things which may be better with a touchscreen. One of the annoying things is the letter recognition system, keyboard is sometimes much better and faster. Also, the buttons can be confusing to access some options. Hopefully newer UI fixes that.

AcuraFan1980

I love how the A4 drives but I’m not a fan of the updated body style to be honest.

cruiserchuck

I had a 2017 A4 that had a round dial that had handwriting capability. As a lefty, the handwriting feature was not good for me, but I liked the dial vs. a touchscreen. The dial was removed beginning in the 2020 models. The newest system for Audi seems to be two touchscreens, like in the Q3, Etron and A6.

Tesla1856

By ala-carte do you mean adding:
- Driver Assistance Package = $1500
- Navigation Package = $1600

But looks like you would still be missing (at least)
- Interior LED Ambient Lighting
- Traffic Sign Recognition

Might as well just go Prestige for $2000 more. However, I was trying to match 2021 TLX-Tech/SH-AWD (not Advance).

Tesla1856

1. Interesting. I guess that is why it was so big.
2. Had not thought of that requirement. Yeah, I like the dial also.

fiatlux

The Premium and Premium Plus do actually get an "Ambient LED interior lighting package" as standard equipment. It's just that they don't get the fancier "Ambient LED interior lighting plus package". In all honesty, the ambient lighting stuff is pretty gimmicky. You'll try it out once, think it's kind of neat, and then never really notice it every again.

I don't know if folks feel otherwise, but I don't find the traffic sign particularly useful. I have the same thing in my Volvo where it reads the speed limit and displays it in the HUD and in the gauge cluster. I guess maybe it's nice if you're in an unfamiliar area, but I tend to go with the flow of traffic irrespective of the posted limit, so it's more of a distraction than a benefit to me.

I'd also point out that the Premium Plus trim for the Audi includes as standard the Virtual Cockpit, power folding mirrors, USB ports in the back, 3-zone climate control, 40/20/40 folding rear seats, and as options cooled seats up front, heated seats in the back, and a heated steering wheel. These are things you can't get with the Tech package (and some of which you can't even get with the Advanced package). I don't know about you, but I'd much rather have that set of features than the set on the TLX.

Tesla1856

First, thanks for the time and research you put into these answers.

1. I think it's impressive, especially at night. I guess people driving new/premium cars all the time get used to it.

2. Also impressive and handy ... I like it. This is the car's "intelligence" showing in daily driving.

3a. Right, that would be better in a $45 premium sedan (point to the A4). But I don't mind the TLX hard-gauges too much (since there is a good-sized screen in the middle).

3b. Good catch. Now that is nice ... it's got the TLX/Tech beat there also. I sure would have liked Folding-Mirrors on the TLX without having to move all the way up to Advance.

3c. Nice, but not really my thing. I think the TLX's HVAC is adequate

3d. True, but for $800 extra

I think I found another ... the 19 inch wheels are also $800 extra.

Yes, they are very close. They are likely even closer, comparing Prestige and Advance. But those are basically $50k cars. I really wanted something closer to $40k .

CaliAtenza

You get massage seats too, on the S4/S5...now that is a nice party trick for the drive home from a long day at work. .

Tesla1856

1. I'm not sure, but looks like you might have a 3rd-gen RDX ? If so, your comment carries even more weight because you actually have a system similar to new TLX.

2. I found this. Interesting, as are some of the blog comments:
https://jalopnik.com/future-audi-int...fil-1840457095

mapleloaf

Interesting article that basically explains why Acura went to the true touch pad. As we see more and more touch screens each with multiple menu functions,we will see more and more distracted driving, unless drivers play with it all before they leave the garage. However, as some people struggle to cope with simple functions such as turning off Auto Stop, I doubt they would want to spend the extra time setting up their screens before departing.

I find it interesting that some of the performance seeking drivers here are leaving out the HP and Torque superiority of the TLX vs the Audi 4....although for me that's not a factor.

fiatlux

That's because the HP and torque is not really superior. We know that Audi underrates their power; the A4 45 2.0T does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds with "only" 252hp. There is no way the TLX is pulling that off. We'll be lucky if it's less than 6 seconds; my guess is 6.2s. You can look at the Q5 and RDX as the A4/TLX analogs: the heavier (4200lb) Q5 with that 252hp engine is over half a second quicker to 60 than the lighter (4000lb) RDX with the "more powerful" 272hp engine. How is that possible? Because enthusiasts know the Audi 2.0T is making closer to 300hp at the crank.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

As mentioned in the the thread the accord is already doing 5.3s for 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile in 13.9@104mph.

acura is limiting the output of the rdx awd to protect the awd system. The question is if that's still the case for the tlx awd.

AcuraFan1980

I would assume car insurance costs for an Audi would be higher then the Acura. Wouldn’t know as I never owned a German car but it’s what I hear.

Tesla1856

I know ours did when we went from 2014 Acura MDX to 2020 Audi Q5e. But it's easy to see why ... a 6 year old $45k vehicle to a brand new $64k vehicle.
$19k is like a whole other car.

BEAR-AvHistory

Like the guys said, for those who are interested in performance, they know the actual difference. Quick & dirty (car weight/1/4 mile mph) can be factored to give you a pretty good power estimate. The Germans lie like a rug in understating true horsepower.

BHP by Weight & Terminal Speed

3.8 to 60 can be manipulated with gearing & traction. The 495BHP StingRay 2.8 is a prime example. A 3850lbs M340 doing 114mph can give an interesting number of crankshaft power.

BHP by Weight, Terminal Speed & Elapsed Time

FLYGUY31

I have a 2019 A4 PP + with the dial MMI and have zero issues with it. Muscle memory kicks in after a few months and I never need to look away from the road. I'm reluctant to move to a touch screen but know eventually all cars will have them. Mazda does it both ways..touch when parked, dial when driving. I think that's very smart. The Virtual Cockpit really sets the Audi apart from most other cars as theirs is probably the best in the industry. My car stickered at $51 and I got it for mid 40s. With navigation, BO stereo, cold weather package. I think for the money, it's a great car.

Tesla1856

Not sure if anyone else is cross-shopping the Audi A4, but ...

New for 2021, all models now come with Quattro AWD
Also, looks like Audi has moved (Surround) Top-View Cameras from Prestige trim, down to Premium Plus (which is only $45k).
It also has Power-Folding Side Mirrors.
https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/mo...gine-trim.html

Nothing wrong with Premium Plus. However, if you want NAV and/or the upgraded Sound System, (instead of ala-carte), you might want to spring for Prestige anyway ... as it comes with HUD and other stuff.
If getting Prestige (95% loaded), the only other thing you might want is Ventilated Front Seats (for $800).

KeithL

I neither love or hate the touch pad, what I don’t like in the UI and graphics. How does Acura always seem to look like they are older graphics especially when you look at much of the competition.

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm from my experience the UI and graphics are pretty high res and sharp in the 3g rdx. Pretty competitive I'd say.

Tesla1856

Yes ... others have mentioned that the screen placement on the more affordable Audis look a little "stuck on" or an after-thought. To tell you the truth, I never really thought about it in our new Q5e ... as the interior and tech as a whole is a nice upgrade over the old 2014-MDX. Additionally, it's placement doesn't seem much different than the new generation Acuras ... but yes, I can see why people might say that.

So, I think I found out a possible explanation of how this came to be. I was watching a YT review of a 2014 Audi RS7. It has a similar screen, but it is completely hidden when the car is off. However, when you turn the car on, the motorized screen slides-out and tilts-up into basically that same position. So, while the car is in use, the screen is perched up there on the top of the dash anyway. Now-days, there is really no good reason for it to hide-itself, and gets rid of some expensive complexity.

KeithL

resolution is fine, the color pallet and the style of the graphics just seems bland compared to say the Germans or even Genesis.

Tesla1856

Since this has kinda turned-into a Audi vs Acura thread, I thought these might be relevant or helpful to others. These are 2 years old, so you can only assume 2020/2021's are this good or slightly better.

Yes, Acura's SH-AWD is very good, but don't assume everyone else's is unsophisticated or inadequate:


And since we started with "Tech" ... I thought this was good (but you have to watch and read closely).

Tesla1856

I saw an older Audi-S4 sedan in the parking lot today. I had a "Supercharged" badge on the side.
Any idea what year-model or series that was ?

Does that mean it was a 2010-2016 model ?
Looks like I should have taken more notice of the grill-work ?

https://www.carsdirect.com/audi/s4

It was older but well kept. It looked nice.

CollinR4

Spot on with the year. As one of the big three magazines called it the 'Tupercharged" S4 since it had supercharged on the fender but listed as 3.0T on the trunk. Very fun car with 7-speed dual-clutch and last S4 with a manual available.

Tesla1856

Welcome to the Audizine thread.

So I read that 2021 Audi A4 is suppose to have a 12v mild-hybrid system added this year. Shouldn't that show-up on the Audi site somewhere in Specs, or like while you are "Building" the car online?

Also, does the new 2021 (USA gasoline version) of the S4 have something similar, or is just the V6 engine like usual ?

Carnage719

But the Q3 got a version of the new in-dash vs tablet infotainment system. Go figure.

Tesla1856

Interesting ... sorta like the A6 . They have so many models, they seem to be trying different things in different models, maybe to see what people like, or maybe so each can be a bit different.

Saw an recent-model A5 2-dr Coupe on the road the other day. Pretty sweet (I still miss my old 2-dr Accord).

Tesla1856

Not sure around the 2020 A4, but ...
In the new 2021 A4 (with the full Touch-Screen) I noticed you can graffiti-write the whole word (across the whole screen) with your finger at once.
On many systems, you have to do it one letter at a a time.

Tesla1856

This looks like a nice Audi sedan:
https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/e-tron-gt

The Porsche version is already for sale:
https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/taycan

But back to reality.
New Audi-Q4 e-Tron coming ... that is about $20k cheaper than the current e-Trons.
https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/q4-e-tron

New model so will qualify for $7,500 rebate
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml

Tesla1856

For this little Audi-Thread, I think this info fits here and some of you might find it interesting:

2021 Audi A4 and A5 Have Hybrid Power and More Standard Luxury Features
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-202...xury-features/

New Audi MMI infotainment technologies to offer richer entertainment experience, faster processing power and greater functionality. Anticipated introduction starting this fall for most 2021 Audi vehicles.
https://media.audiusa.com/en-us/releases/409

And yes ... the Wireless Apple CarPlay seems to be working on my new A5.