It didn’t have to be mentioned in the article to be a relevant comment (whether an A6 or 5000). You’re the one who also added “fine German engineering”. The 5000 showed that is not always the case. You seem to think only the literal words of an article are the only thing that can be discussed - that all else is taboo, and that most certainly is not always the case here.
All I’m going to add to this is, if my ‘82 Audi was any indication German engineering is grossly overrated. It was the biggest POS I have ever owned (and I’ve owned two GM products).
The problem is not with german engineering not making a good product, because quite often they do.
The problem is german marketing. They seem to always demand that you drink the kool-aid. It isn’t enough to buy a car because it has a good price and fills your needs. They seem to want you to be enthusiastic about their item because of its contribution to your eternal salvation, and it’s just a damn car!