 Yes, it's that good. I owned the current generation Passat, but traded it in a few years ago for a 328i. I loved the beemer and always missed the Passat for its all around good road manners and build quality. Needless to say the Audi is a finer automobile than the Passat with similarities. This is our 3rd Audi in 10 years. They are underrated. This is as good as it gets for a mid sized sedan. And it's design, inside and out is classic and practical, and will look good on the road for years. The new generation should have had a little more standout change. You will be very pleased with your gas mileage. Once you buy a German made vehicle you will find it difficult to settle for anything else.....in my opinion. And my updated review: 6 months later. I grew very bored of this Audi, because, well, it's boring. It is actually little better, if at all,than the Passat. Coming up my driveway into the garage is where the turbo lag problem really " shines". The front wheel drive in combination with the light front end and too powerful engine is downright dangerous if you are trying to pass someone. Many times, I nearly lost control of the car. It is time for Audi to add more value to this car. It is just too bare bones for 40k. You don't see many on the road in the luxury drenched area I reside....that's telling. Yes we have an Audi agency here, and it's not very good either.