Overview
The Audi S4 occupies a candy spot in Audi’s lineup, boosting efficiency over the A4 sedan upon which it’s primarily based whereas retaining docile sufficient manners to be a cushty day by day driver. The S4 isn’t as adept at carving up canyon roads as opponents just like the BMW M340i or the Mercedes-AMG C43, however the turbocharged V-6 engine’s 349 horsepower and Quattro all-wheel drive system present greater than sufficient oomph. Fortunately, the potent powertrain is paired with robust brakes, and the automated gearbox executes speedy shifts. The S4 additionally doesn’t sacrifice a clean journey to realize its athletic dealing with, one thing discerning drivers can recognize. The cabin is a significant draw due to a trendy design, high-quality supplies, and sharp, responsive infotainment screens. The S4 deftly combines luxurious and efficiency right into a well-rounded, low-key sports activities sedan.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the Audi S4 provides a number of ordinary tools, together with adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and a heated steering wheel. All S4s are additionally now fitted with a collection of parking sensors and distant engine begin through the myAudi telephone app, whereas the Navigation package deal (non-compulsory on Premium Plus and customary on Status) features site visitors signal recognition and predictive adaptive cruise management. There are additionally new paint colours, with Iris White changed by Arkona White and Tango Crimson swapped out in favor of Progressive Crimson.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
Each S4 comes with the identical powertrain and wheels, however the trim ranges replicate some main know-how variations. The Premium Plus trim—which comes customary with a 360-degree rearview digicam, a bigger 12.3-inch gauge cluster with Audi’s Digital Cockpit navigation, a wi-fi telephone charger, and entrance and rear parking sensors with rear site visitors alert—presents the most effective stability of tech and worth. Premium Plus additionally unlocks the accessible S Sport package deal, which provides eye-catching crimson brake calipers and a torque-vectoring rear differential. We additionally counsel the Magma Crimson seats to boost an in any other case monochromatic inside.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
All S4s ship with a 349-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that syncs with an eight-speed computerized transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Whereas the model we examined was faster than most rivals, the engine response and exhaust sound—each vastly essential traits of a sports activities sedan—have been much less visceral than anticipated. Regardless of its subdued engine character and lack of handbook transmission, the V-6 delivered substantial thrust on demand, seamlessly transitioning between relaxed and responsive. Additionally spectacular was its computerized gearbox, which had reactions that appeared so perceptive, we discovered the need to shift for ourselves was nearly eradicated—effectively, virtually. Trying on the numbers, the S4 ranks above most opponents in efficiency. Nonetheless, the expertise lacks the emotion and sharp dealing with responses of prime rivals. Its chassis is its biggest power, with tautly managed physique motions and compliant damping that make it equal elements sports activities and luxurious sedan. The S4 could be very exact and straightforward to manage; its correct steering, glorious cornering stability, and tenacious grip on the tarmac boosted our confidence to torpedo on-ramps—but it surely additionally cruised calmly round city. Though the brakes have been tremendously responsive, they have been sensitive at metropolis speeds. The fluctuating suggestions additionally interrupted the enjoyable on curvier sections of highway the place the brake pedal may really feel too smooth.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
The S4 sedan earned 21 mpg within the metropolis and 30 on the freeway for a 24-mpg mixed ranking in 2023, in keeping with EPA estimates, and we anticipate comparable numbers for 2024. As soon as we check it on our 75-mph freeway fuel-economy route, which is a part of our in depth testing routine, we will consider its real-world mpg. For extra details about the S4’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Audi is a benchmark of inside high quality, and the S4 is additional proof of this. Each cabin is trimmed with marvelous supplies and customary options akin to diamond-stitched sport seats with therapeutic massage options. Together with impeccable match and end, the inside is racy and opulent. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, easy controls, and extremely adjustable seat present an distinctive driving place. Nevertheless, we discovered its front-seat consolation to be diminished by overly stiff cushions. The S4 has a quiet inside which additionally contributes to its calm demeanor—for higher or worse. Regardless of having a 13-cubic-foot trunk—tied for smallest in its class with the C43 sedan—the S4 held a powerful variety of carry-ons. Whereas its inside storage is common, the sedan can retailer a wide range of free gadgets and private belongings supplied they don’t seem to be too huge. In contrast with the Infiniti Q50 Crimson Sport 400, the Audi is a significantly better journey companion. We solely want the S4’s again seat have been larger and passenger area up entrance extra beneficiant.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi matches each S4 with a ten.1-inch middle infotainment display screen and ample infotainment choices. Together with customary Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the MMI system we examined responded rapidly to instructions and had user-friendly controls. Whereas it is throughout the driver’s line of sight, sure areas of the show require leaning ahead to achieve. Sadly, the S4 not features a rotary controller on the middle console, which helped make the system simpler to function.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The sports activities sedan contains a number of customary driver-assistance options, including adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping help to the usual tools record for 2024. For extra details about the S4’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Normal forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Out there blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Normal adaptive cruise management
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
The S4 has an atypical guarantee that aligns with most opponents.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
Specs
Specs
2020 Audi S4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$62,840 (base worth: $50,895)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct gasoline injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2995 cm3
Energy
349 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed computerized
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001, 255/35R-19 96Y A0
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.0 in
Size: 187.5 in
Width: 72.7 in
Top: 56.2 in
Passenger quantity: 92 ft3
Trunk quantity: 12 ft3
Curb weight: 3927 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.2 sec
60 mph: 4.2 sec
100 mph: 10.7 sec
130 mph: 19.5 sec
Rolling begin, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
High gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
High gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
¼-mile: 12.8 sec @ 108 mph
High pace (governor restricted, mfr’s declare): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 23/20/27 mpg
Extra Options and Specs
