Audi S4

Audi S4 Overview

The Audi S4 combines handsome styling with luxury appointments and exceptional performance. With an emphasis on superior comfort, interior materials, and design, the Audi S4 is also known for its excellent handling because of its all-wheel drive.

Audi S4 History

In 1981, the Audi S4 was introduced for the first time with a total of five generations appearing in the lineup. It has been available as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon with a convertible version being added during the third generation. However, by the fifth generation, the convertible and station wagon options were dropped and only the sedan was imported to the United States. The original version of the Audi S4, the C4, was equipped with a 2.2-liter, inline, five-cylinder, turbocharged engine with a small number of cars being made with a 4.2-liter V8.

• The B5 generation was designed with a 2.7-liter, V8 twin turbocharged engine.
• The B6 and B7 generations both had a 4.2-liter, V8 engine.
• The B8 generation was designed with an inline six-cylinder, 3.2-liter engine.

How It Drives

The most current version of the Audi S4 comes standard with the manufacturer's impressive quattro all-wheel drive. Though it is designed to split the power for more traction, it is weighted to the car's rear for superior cornering performance and exceptional grip - even during inclement weather.

The Audi Drive Select gives the driver the ability to customize the ride by dialing in several different options including increasing the electronic power steering system's heft, increasing the response of the transmission, punching up the throttle, and tweaking the comfort of the ride.

Used Audi S4 Value

Though the first generation of Audi S4 may be difficult to find these days, consumers who want to enjoy the famous luxurious appointments of this German-made car will find plenty of other options. Since its debut in 2010, the fifth generation of this car has offered only a single body style, the sedan, which has features such as a rear view camera, a blind-spot warning system, and optional Audi Drive Select in subsequent updates.

Design & Performance

Drivers who want a sedan with smooth handling and excellent performance will find the Audi S4 is an excellent choice. For its 2016 version, the Audi S4 features a 3.0-liter, V6 engine that is intercooling, supercharged, and direct-injected. It pushes out 333 horsepower with 325 lb-ft of torque but still maintains a smooth transition between gears that belies its speed. The EPA estimates that the Audi S4 gets 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg along the highway when outfitted with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi S4 versions with a manual transmission are estimated to return 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Exterior design features include:

• Small trunk spoiler
• 18-inch wheels
• LED daytime running lights
• Updated grille
• LED taillights

Powertrain & Engine

For its current generation, drivers will find that the Audi S4's 3.0-liter, V6 engine is mated with their choice of two transmissions: a seven-speed, dual-clutch version with paddle shifters or a six-speed manual. Although the Audi S4 has a top speed of 155 mph, it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in only 4.9 seconds.

Body Style & Interior Comfort

The Audi S4 is the epitome of understated class and style. Nowhere is this more evident than within its interior. With extremely comfortable front seats that offer lots of support over long distances and while cornering, the designers of the Audi S4 didn't forget the backseat either. It's large enough to comfortably seat the family. Luxury interior features that come standard on the Audi S4 include:

• Audi Drive Select that allows the drivers to select different driving settings
• Leather or faux suede upholstery
• Xenon headlights
• Tri-zone climate control