2019 Audi S4 review

What We Like

Performance: The S4 balances effortless acceleration, ample traction, and the automotive equivalent of fast-twitch fibers. It sprints from zero to 60 mph a second faster than the A4, and slows just as ably with smooth, even braking. All-wheel drive makes turns and cornering feel instinctual. The optional S Sport package adds an adaptive suspension and a slick rear differential that further sharpens handling. Driver-selectable modes adjust stiffness to conditions: Comfort for rough and broken roads, Dynamic when you need to squash body roll in spirited driving.

Comfort: The S4 is all about performance and luxury in equal measure. The suspension soaks up the road like a larger cruising sedan but retains firmness and control for fast turns and cornering. The standard seats are firm and supportive and — bonus — come with a massage function and heating. Sport seats with more pronounced bolstering are optional. Driver fatigue won’t be a problem, and the S4’s rear seats are comfortable enough even for long trips. The S4 also does an admirable job of reducing tire noise.

Technology: The S4’s infotainment setup is anchored by a 7-inch (base trim) or 8.3-inch multimedia display. Instead of a touchscreen, the system uses a dial controller and buttons. Navigation uses Google Earth mapping, which can be shown on the dash-mounted screen or in the digital gauge display, directly in the driver’s line of sight. Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™ come standard, and the excellent optional Bang & Olufsen audio system can handle a variety of music and volume levels with exceptional clarity. A few driver-assist features come standard, but more common ones, like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering, are optional or offered only on higher trims.

What Needs Improvement

Driver-assist systems: Every 2019 S4 has standard automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. However, like a lot of European luxury brands at the time, Audi reserved features like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane centering for its higher trims. That’s especially unfortunate considering that even in 2019 many economy cars came standard with these systems.