2017 Audi A4 vs. Lexus IS

When you purchase a luxury vehicle, you should expect it to come equipped with top-of-the-line features. From safety to performance, everything should meet your exacting standards. Both the 2017 Audi A4 and the 2017 Lexus IS aim to meet these criteria, but only one exceeds them. Our team at Audi West Palm Beach have put together this comparison so customers in the West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, and Stuart areas will know precisely which vehicle that is. 

Safety Features

Most cars will claim to be safe, but not all can earn both a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2017 Audi A4 is one such car. These commendations are due in large part to the rigid galvanized steel unibody with multistep anti-corrosion protection that supports the sedan. Highly effective 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes have also been installed for maximum stopping power.

One of the most intuitive features in the A4 is Audi pre sense. Pre sense was designed to prevent accidents whenever possible, and to lessen the severity of those that can't be avoided. High-tech radar and motion sensitive cameras are installed around the frame of your car to monitor the proximity of other vehicles. If one of you begins drifting, your car will apply extra brakeforce and send alerts. If the collision is inevitable, doors will lock, windows will close, and your seatbelt will tension to keep you secure.

The 2017 Lexus IS has not yet earned any commendations from the NHTSA or IIHS. It does include several safety technologies, but nothing nearly as advanced as Audi pre sense. And due to the lack of safety awards, one must also wonder how rigid the frame of the IS can actually be in comparison to the sturdy Audi A4. 

2017 Audi A4 vs. 2017 Lexus IS: Interior

The interior of the Audi A4 can't just be comfortable; it must be stylish, too. To add a touch of class to the A4 aesthetic, the vehicle is accented with Aluminum Ellipse and black inlays,¹ as well as a soft ambient LED lighting package. A start/stop button for keyless ignition sits beside the tilt and telescoping steering wheel. And for perfect temperature control, you can take advantage of the tri-zone climate adjustment.

The robust Audi 10-speaker sound system with MP3 and CD compatibility can be controlled through vehicle voice controls. Bluetooth® wireless² is also added for hands-free calling and music streaming. A 7-inch MMI^® infotainment touchscreen sits in the middle of your console, where you can engage phone integration or pull up HD Radio. Dual SDXC slots are built into the console, allowing you to store 64GB of media.

Altogether, the Lexus IS includes less sophisticated technology than the competition. A lack of SDXC slots means drivers can't store their media, and smartphone interfacing is not nearly as intelligent. HD Radio is included; however, the vehicle lacks MMI^® infotainment. Tri-zone climate control is also unavailable. 

Performance Specifications

With a 2.0L turbocharged fuel stratified injection (TFSI) 4-cylinder engien found in the A4, drivers can achieve an impressive 253 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite this exceptionally high power, the engine still maintains 33 MPG highway and 25 MPG city,³ and snags a Tier 3 ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) rating. Few cars can achieve so much strength while eating up so little fuel.

An S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission with front-wheel drive makes for smooth and efficient gear shifting with high traction, so you can remain safe even on slick roads. Meanwhile, high-strength five-link independent steel spring suspensions moderates stability.

The Lexus IS also includes a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. But without the presence of streamlined TFSI technology, the engine can only reach 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A lower Tier 2 ULEV rating also means that this less efficient vehicle can only maintain 32 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. 

2017 Audi A4 vs. 2017 Lexus IS Review

While both the 2017 Audi A4 and the Lexus IS earn the title of luxury vehicle, only the A4 is outfitted with the high-power engine and tremendous safety and entertainment features to embody that label. To see for yourself, you'll have to schedule a test drive.

If you're a driver in the West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, or Stuart areas, feel free to contact Audi West Palm Beach for more information. Our knowledgeable staff can walk you through all the more detailed specifications. Contact us today to learn more!

1. Decorative inlay options will vary based on model and interior color combination. See your dealer for details.

2. iPod integration and Bluetooth® wireless technology require compatible devices.

3. All fuel economy figures are EPA estimates, unless otherwise noted. Your mileage will vary. See www.fueleconomy.gov for more information.