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The new 2009 A4 sits on the same platform as Audi's -5 series of vehicles, but does so as a 4 door sedan. Larger and roomier than the 2008 A4, this one is also available with the 2 liter turbo motor as the A4 2.0 TFSI Premium. That's a mouthful for what I would call the base AWD A4 sedan. In this car, the engine is set up to make 211hp; a 5% increase over the A3 level. The A4 is also avalable in wagon (Avant), convertible (Cabrio) and sport (S) trim levels, with varying powertrains, including a manual 6 speed option. The AWD A4 sedan starts off at $32,700.

The Volvo S60 2.5T with AWD sedan carries the low pressure turbo with 208hp. The Higher horsepower motor is not mated to the AWD system in this model. The S60 has a 109 inch wheelbase. It has the most front legroom of all the sedans, but only by a half inch. Prices for the S60 2.5T AWD start at $32,735

The 2009 Chrysler 300 series; developed under Mercedes ownership, was awarded one of Car and Driver Magazine's "10 Best" for its first 3 years in a row. The 300 is available w/AWD on the 250hp V6 Limited and Touring variations as well as the 340hp 5.7 liter Hemi V8 powered 300C . Based on the same platform as Dodge's Charger, the 300's AWD system maintains the rear-wheel-drive bias associated with high performance sedans. If you can swing it, I'd consider investing in an AWD 300C with the Hemi V8 and the Mercedes 5 speed automatic transmission. I believe it will be one for serious collectors down the road. Prices for the plush 300C AWD start at $39,625, while the V6 300 Touring model can be had for $33,140

Ford's Flex crossover has 3 trim levels, but the base level; the SE, is NOT available with AWD; just the SEL and Limited versions have that option. (Download SPECS here). With the same 3.5 liter/6 speed automatic drive train as both Taurus X and Edge, Flex boasts the longest wheelbase of the bunch with the biggest interior, but is also the heaviest. The turbo motor (Ecoboost) kicks the price over $40,000. But If you need to seat 7, your options are limited. This platform should work well for you. Interior shots highlight the cavernous legroom for second row passengers. Caring for elder parents? This is for you. AWD Flex SEL prices start at $33,200.

The 5 passenger RDX is more along the lines of a mini SUV, and it seems a bit conventional. Until you get to the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3 liter 4 banger! Having lived with a similar motor in an SVO Mustang back in the 80's for more than 230,000 miles, I can assure you THIS engine will be a BLAST. Pumping 240HP through the SH-AWD system on a short 104.3" wheelbase will make the P235/55R18 99V high performance all-season tires think they're on an NSX! Of course, the RDX's 3,933 lbs will be a bit sluggish from a standing start, but you will love the turbo boost once you're in motion. And the premium fuel goes pretty far; expect 17 - 22 mpg with the turbo 4. Prices for AWD RDX start at $33,895

The BMW 3 Series w/AWD is available as a coupe, sedan or sport wagon. There is a 230hp version inline 6 cyl. in the 328xi series, and a 300hp version in the 335xi series. Both are equipped with 6 speed manual gearboxes, with automatic transmissions available as an option. It weighs in at 3,582 lbs. and has a 108.7 inch wheelbase. Prices on the 328xi sedan start at $34,300

The Mercedes C Class is the lowest priced of the available Mercedes platforms.This next-generation C-Class sedan is larger than its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on driving dynamics, comfort and safety. The C300 Sport and Luxury models are available with the all new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Pricing at this AWD entry level (C300 Sport Sedan w/4Matic) starts at a surprisingly modest $34,840