OF COURSE, the interlocking rings that mark this as an Audi lack the allure of a spinning propeller or a three-pointed star. But the new A4 has brought enough excellence and innovation to start changing the status quo in the compact luxury market, particularly at the entry level. Despite a few equipment and dynamic deficiencies, the A4 2.0 is an excellent package that offers much in terms of presentation, function and engine/multitronic transmission performance. Indeed, the "other German" is now "the German" to beat.