Audi S4

Overview: Is the Audi S4 a Good Sport Sedan?

The Audi S4, a high-performance variant of the popular A4, has been thrilling auto enthusiasts for over three decades. This combination of four-door practicality and a performance punch makes the S4 ideal for buyers looking for a potent yet refined sports sedan. While the S4’s origins date back to the 1990s, this overview focuses on more recent generations:

• Audi S4 third generation (B7): 2006-2008
• Audi S4 fourth generation (B8): 2010-2016
• Audi S4 fifth generation (B9): 2018-Present

Note that Audi didn't produce an S4 for the 2017 model year. The S4 family includes the more powerful RS4 and the Audi S4 Avant wagon. To date, Audi has not made an S4 Allroad wagon.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Audi S4 cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Audi A4 Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Audi S4 offers:

• A compact sedan body style—an S4 Cabriolet (convertible) body style was offered for the 2008 model year
• Powerful engines, ranging from V8 to supercharged and turbocharged V6 options
• Quattro all-wheel drive system
• Sport-tuned suspension

Trims

Initially, the Audi S4 was offered in a single, well-equipped trim. Newer editions now come in Audi’s typical three-grade range: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Audi S4's cabin is marked by a driver-focused interior with luxury touches. The front seats feature prominent bolsters to hold occupants firmly during spirited driving while still providing comfort for long journeys. The S4's infotainment system, controlled through Audi's MMI interface, has evolved over the generations, with the latest models offering a responsive touchscreen display, virtual cockpit, and smartphone integration. Despite its performance orientation, the S4 maintains practicality with a spacious trunk and folding rear seats for additional cargo capacity.

Review: Which Years Of Used Audi A4s Are Most Reliable?

How It Drives

The Audi S4 delivers an exhilarating driving experience that isn’t ordinarily associated with sedans. The current B9 generation boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, enabling an Audi S4 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds. Earlier generations offered V8 (B7) and supercharged V6 (B8) engines, each providing their unique character and substantial Audi S4 horsepower ratings. The S4's Quattro all-wheel drive system ensures excellent traction and stability, while the sport-tuned suspension increases handling without compromising comfort. The S4's precise steering and robust stopping power contribute to its confident and engaging performance on winding roads and daily commutes.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave third- and fourth-generation Audi S4s four- or five-star (out of five) ratings for overall safety or specific frontal or side-impact crash performance. NHTSA has not evaluated the fifth-generation S4.

Reviews

Audi S4 reviews on Kelley Blue Book fall into the near-perfect category, as the three most recent generations have consumer scores that average 4.8 to 5 out of 5. Owner feedback about the S4’s reliability, quality, comfort, and performance is especially strong.

Learn More: Are Audis Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

Audi S4 FAQs

What is the BMW equivalent to the Audi S4?

Among the B9 S4 generation, the BMW M340i is considered the closest equivalent to the Audi S4. Both are high-performance variants of their respective brands' compact luxury sedans, offering similar levels of power and performance.

Is the Audi S4 faster than the A4?

Yes, the Audi S4 is significantly faster than the standard A4. The S4 features a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, and performance enhancements that result in quicker acceleration and better overall performance.

Is the Audi S4 a sports car?

While the Audi S4 offers sports car-like performance, it is technically classified as a high-performance luxury sedan. It combines the practicality of a four-door sedan with the performance capabilities often associated with sports cars.

What cars compete with the Audi S4?

The Audi S4's main competitors include the BMW M340i, Mercedes-AMG C43, and Cadillac CT4-V. These vehicles offer similar performance and luxury features in the compact to midsize sport sedan segment.

Is the Audi S4 a compact car?

The Audi S4 is based on the Audi A4 platform, which is classified as a compact executive car. However, its size is on the larger end of the compact segment, sometimes bridging the gap between compact and midsize classifications.

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