Audi Earns Most First Place Honors Within Luxury Segment in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings

source: Audi of America

  • Audi earned top-ranked honors with more first place finishes and podium wins than any other luxury automaker in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings for second half of 2022
  • Five Audi models across various categories awarded first place finishes recognized for excellent technology and safety
  • MotorTrend updates Ultimate Car Rankings twice a year; award criteria based on value, safety, and over 70 years of vehicle-testing experience

Five Audi models were awarded first place finishes in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings for the second half of 2022. Additionally, Audi of America was the top-ranked manufacturer, with more top three finishing podium wins than any other luxury competitor on the list. In total, 9 models were awarded podium finishes in the rankings.

The 2023 Audi A5 Sportback, A6 sedan, A6 allroad, A7, and Audi Q8 came in first place in the compact luxury fastback, midsize luxury sedan, midsize luxury wagon, midsize luxury fastback, and midsize luxury fastback SUV categories respectively. These models were all praised for their innovative design and high-tech interior. The 2023 Audi A3, A4 sedan, and A8 came in second place in the subcompact luxury car, compact luxury sedan, and full-size luxury car categories, while the 2023 Audi Q7 came in third in the 3-row luxury SUV category.

“Only the very best cars, SUVs, and trucks perform well in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings,” said MotorTrend Buyer’s Guide director Zach Gale. “We recognize the most well-rounded vehicles available today, ones that are fun to drive, offer impressive tech, and have great long-term value ratings. Because buyers have high standards, we do, too. Achieving excellence in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings system is not easy, but first-place and top-ranked award winners are the best vehicles around.”

MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings launched in 2020 to help the average car buyer better understand their options, and it uses the long-running Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year award programs as a foundation. The ranking system considers performance of intended function, fuel economy and driving range, technology and design innovation, value, and safety. The vehicles are rated on a 10-point scale, and any model whose scores approach or surpass 8 is delivering an above-average or excellent performance.

Audi A5 Sportback

  • Awarded first place in the compact luxury fastback category, MotorTrend praises the A5 Sportback for “great design, strong fuel economy, and the sportback’s usable cargo space”.
  • The A5 body styles are sophisticated, upscale, and athletic, making them a great choice for luxury buyers who also enjoy driving.
  • This vehicle is known for its svelte styling, big trunk space that increases practicality and suberb driving dynamics.

Audi A6 sedan

  • The Audi A6 sedan was granted the top spot in the midsize luxury sedan category. “All-around solid performance has kept the Audi A6 near the top of a very competitive segment,” said Buyer’s Guide director Zach Gale. “In the latest MotorTrend rankings update, it’s earned a first place ranking – a real accomplishment in a class full of choices.”
  • The A6 sedan 45 has a standard powertrain that is a turbocharged four cylinder with 261 horsepower 273 lb-ft of torque. The A6 sedan 55 has a standard powertrain that is a turbocharged six cylinder with 335 horsepower 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • The 2023 A6 model line exhibits dynamic Audi technology, and leverages improvements from the 2022 model year. The A6 45 and 55 TFSI see improved accessibility to Driver’s Assistance, with the entry premium trim now receiving Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance as a part of the Convenience package.

Audi A6 allroad

  • The A6 allroad was granted the top spot in the midsize luxury wagon category. The ultra-quiet cabin, excellent material and build quality across the entire A6 family have been praised by Motortrend.
  • It has a standard powertrain that is a turbocharged V-6 with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • New for the 2023 model year, the A6 allroad now has the option to add a black dinamica headliner available for the Prestige trim level.

Audi A7

  • The Audi A7 was granted the top spot in the midsize luxury fastback category. With its compelling design, MotorTrend adds “it’s not just about exterior style” and that, the A7 also offers “excellent tech and good safety scores, too.”
  • It has a standard powertrain that is a turbocharged V-6 with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • The front end of the vehicle is home to a wide grille with slim, geometric LED headlights on either side, with the interior featuring a multitude of screens and buttons that are expertly laid out and effortless to reach.

Audi Q8

  • The Audi Q8 was designated as the first pick in the midsize luxury fastback SUV category. Standard for the Audi Q8 for the 2023 model year are HD Matrix-design LED headlights, headlight washers, and coming/leaving home animation for both headlights and taillights.
  • There is a sophisticated and sturdy environment inside the Q8, with premium materials and expertly aligned panels.
  • The brand’s flagship SUV provides a balance of performance, spaciousness, and design.

Buyer’s Guide director Zach Gale states, “Since we launched MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings in 2020, one thing has stood out about Audi in the luxury world: consistency. Audi has consistently been a strong performer.” For more details on MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings, visit https://www.motortrend.com/cars/