2017 Audi S4 Quick Review

Tell me about this car

The Audi S4 is a faster, sportier version of the excellent B9-generation Audi A4. It is the fifth model to wear the S4 badge, and the first Audi to feature an all-new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, which produces 260kW and 500Nm. It is available as a sedan or a wagon (called an Avant), with prices starting from $99,900 and $102,900 respectively. It is on sale in Australia now.

Strengths

• Performance. The S4’s turbocharged engine generates effortless power. Its new engine combines seamlessly with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that is smooth and refined. It’s a fast car, but it is happy at a relaxed cruise as well. The standard quattro all-wheel drive system has great traction.

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• Value. Both the S4 wagon and sedan are cheaper than ever, and they’re filled to the brim with equipment including every bit of safety and driver assistance technology available in the normal A4. Even without a single option the S4 is a very well equipped car.
• Economy. Fuel efficiency has improved with the new engine, which now sips 7.7L/100km in the sedan and 7.8L/100km in the wagon. The old supercharged engine used 8.1-8.4L/100km.
  
  
• Interior. The S4’s interior has the same impeccable fit and finish inside as the regular A4. Extreme attention to detail and excellent ergonomics makes it a nice place to be. Aluminium dashboard and console inlays are standard, though an optional ‘Performance’ pack switches them out for carbonfibre trim, which looks fantastic. Also included in the pack are premium leather seats with massage function and red brake caliper paint.
  
  
• Technology. The S4 has an extensive range of standard safety tech, but it can also be optioned with Audi’s brilliant Matrix LED headlights, an awesome Bang & Olufsen stereo and a head-up display.

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Weaknesses

• Sound. The new turbocharged engine in the Audi S4 sounds good, but compared to the old supercharged engine it has lost some excitement and drama. It’s now a much more cultured and muted engine sound, whereas the last car had an angry bark to it, which we miss.
  
  
• Ride. On most roads the S4 rides very well with its standard adaptive dampers working away, but occasionally uneven roads make it feel a little unsettled and bumpy.
  
  
• Inconspicuous. Visually, the S4 downplays its sportiness. It is a little bit lower and has uniquely designed bumpers, sill trims, exhaust pipes and lip spoiler, though it’s still quite discreet. Buyers paying this much for a car may prefer more overtly sporty styling to stand out against ordinary A4s.

Any rivals I should consider?

The Audi S4 slots into a hotly contested segment against the BMW 340i, Mercedes-Benz C43, Jaguar XE S and Infiniti Q50 Red Sport.