Nah, a higher end Ford Fusion is an “American Audi”. Same performance, same handling (with the notable exception being the difference between Torsen and a viscous coupled AWD system)

Compare the fusion to an A4 and you’ll find the A4 feels cheaper. Now an A6 does not compare to a fusion, but a Lincoln continental blows it away.

It’s all in the eye of the beholder (luxury by name, or actual feel of luxury). If anything a Volkswagen competes with Honda these days. Utilitarian and bland... plus Volkswagen will have a random electrical failure that totals the car. Now if you had said Nissan you would have had a point (but the price point doesn’t match Ford)

??? An Audi is literally a more expensive VW. In that it’s the same platform, the same engines and drivetrains etc as VW, Skoda and Seat

I would never buy an A4 as they do seem cheap. An A6 is a very different car to drive. Wife had one the other day as a loan car.

The last Ford I owned was about 16 years ago so I don't know what they're like these days. Swapped it for a Honda Jazz/Fit and more recently I have a Golf. The build quality of the VW was a big step up from the Honda. Simply felt more solid and sturdy. Both have been reliable.

What’s interesting is that VW is a premium brand in germany and Europe. The lineup bein. Audi luxury, VW premium, Skoda utilitarian cheap, and Seat sporty cheap.