Interestingly this review does not have anything in common with any other review I've read. In particular, the mention of body roll - every review I have read, every testamonial, and 6 test drives on my part and I have not experienced any significant roll, nose dive, or steering strafe. The words I have read, and personally associate with this car are "tight, dialed in, agile". In fact I can't recall a single review of the e90/e92 in the past year that has derided it's suspension. I would be very, very, very surprised if your car kept up with a 335i on a road course. I'll personally ship you a case of beer if you can find me one mag review that puts the A4 even close to the 335i in the skidpad or slalom. It isn't going to happen. I've owned an A4; great car although a tad lethargic (and unreliable), not a lot of nose dive, definitely some understeer (fwd bias :/), and about as much body roll as my g35; which I found to be significantly worse than the 330i or 335i.
Throttle response is a little odd too, since most reviews mention a distinct lack of turbo lag, and almost unbeliavable passing gear speeds (c&d got a 50-70 and 70-100 time that equalled the M5).
Seriously though, some of your comparisions are a little whacky you have to admit. Comparing the trunk to a sedan? Same with the rear seats. It isn't as roomy as my G35 sedan either - but you know....it's a coupe. Actually, think of a current coupe on the market right now with a trunk as big as the 328/335. The G coupes is about 1/8th the size with no fold down seats. Same goes for the rear leg room - it's got more room in the back than the IS350 *sedan*. It's easy to say its claustrophobic when comparing it to a not-so-wee A4.
Oh and intrusive seats. Heh, in 10 years of using those same sport seats I've yet to hear a single disperaging remark about them. The interior is not up to par with an Audi, no - but the seats. Those seats are like heaven.
Oh, I'm wondering if the car you drove had paddle shifters? They've been the source of universal praise - incredibly fast, easy to use, etc... I'm thinking you didn't like them.
I do admit it is no M3, of course I don't understand the comparo's to the M3. The M3 is half way to being a purpose built car. It's stiff as hell, a relatively harsh ride, has LSD, runs in the high revs. The 335i is still a 3-series. Better to compare it to the S4. (which it will likely trounce).
Anyway ya, you don't like it - seems most people who drive em do. Enjoy your A4.
