2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Audi A4

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with its dynamic stance and sleek design. It featured a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, while the distinctive spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive appearance. Inside, the IS offered a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with the bold and modern exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the otherwise contemporary design.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 presented a clean and conservative exterior, serving as a perfect canvas for its striking Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The A4's interior mirrored this aesthetic restraint, with high-quality materials and a well-integrated dashboard. The 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and ambient lighting added a modern touch, though the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system appeared somewhat out of place. Overall, the A4 exuded a sense of understated sophistication.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, starting with the IS 300 RWD's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-litre V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, while the IS 350 AWD cranked up to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Audi A4 40 TFSI came with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic DCT and Quattro Ultra AWD. It achieved 8.2 L/100 km in combined driving and accelerated to 100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds. The A4 45 TFSI offered 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, with a sport suspension and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds. Despite its power, the A4 felt less fast than expected, but its refined engine and responsive steering made for an engaging drive.

The 2021 Lexus IS provided a driver-centred experience with adjustable seating and supportive F Sport seats in the IS 350. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, ample storage, and a 305.8-litre trunk. Rear seating was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with limited legroom.

The 2022 Audi A4, while snug, offered exceptional front-seat comfort with power adjustments and a three-zone climate control system. The rear seats were less spacious, with limited legroom and hard plastic seatbacks. Interior storage was minimal, but the 340-litre cargo space was well-finished and practical.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus Enform services with trial subscriptions. The Mark Levinson audio system was a standout feature, offering superb sound quality.

The 2022 Audi A4 featured the MIB3 version of Audi MMI with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, supporting smartphone functions and offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen audio system provided satisfying sound, though the infotainment screen's placement was less elegant.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Audi A4, with its top-of-the-line safety features, included Audi Pre Sense, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.