By Gunnar Heinrich

Audi's entry-level A4 sedan has won German newspaper Bild am Sonntag's Golden steering wheel award; besting others (ahem, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) in "the midsize class."

The award has been given out annually since 1975 and quad-ringed company expressed excitement that the A4 had won.

"This is a great success for the new A4 and the Audi brand, backed by a motivated and committed team," said Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler at the award ceremony.

Including the predecessor (diminutive) 80, Audi has sold more than 8.5 million A4s.

[Source: Audi]