Audi's high-tech A4 is going to force BMW to up its game

Audi

For decades, the gold standard for compact sports sedans has been the BMW 3-Series. However, since its introduction in 1995, the Audi A4 has been working to end the Bimmer's reign.

Business Insider tested a sporty variant of the current generation A4 and found the car to be comfortable luxury sedan and yet a highly competent performance vehicle.  

As much as we liked our Audi test car, we couldn't help but feel that the seven-year-old design was beginning to feel dated. 

So for 2017, Audi will release the fifth generation the sedan, and, at first glance, it looks fantastic and still boasts all of the A4's traditional charm and style. At the same time, the new car will also incorporate many of the newfangled features we loved on Audi's more recently released offerings. 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2017 A4 will hit US showrooms this spring.

Here's a closer look at the new 2017 Audi A4.

The BMW 3-Series has been the king of the hill for more than 30 years. For 2017, the A4 will force BMW to up its game.

BMW

The fifth-generation A4 will be significantly different from the current model.

Audi

But it will still be instantly recognizable as an A4. Especially when you park it next to the current generation car.

Audi

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