[aas5]

To me the difference is very simple. i don't think many people cross shop Audi and Acura. Each brand attracts a different kind of people. I have plenty of friends that drive MDXs and 1) I can't see them driving an Audi, 2) they are definitely not car enthusiasts and 3) they definitely didn't look at Q5/Q7 before getting an MDX. At the same time, a few people that I know that drive Audis are into cars and would never consider even thinking about getting an Acura. Very different cars. How many people have seriously cross-shopped the two?

I think it comes down to reliability and comfort with an Acura vs. a statement / style / driving exerience with Audi, just like it is with other German cars.

Another key point is as someone here has already mentioned the cost of the Audi leases. They just suck. Not sure how Audi financial is thinking about leasing but there is no competition. I was in the market for a new car a few months ago and really wanted to get an A7 or an S6. Leases on them were way more expensive than on comparable BMW or MB. It almost feels like Audi thinks it offers better features and class than other German manufacturers which is definitely not the case.