Overview
The Audi S4 occupies a sweet spot in Audi’s lineup, boosting performance over the A4 sedan upon which it’s based while retaining docile enough manners to be a comfortable daily driver. The S4 isn’t as adept at carving up canyon roads as competitors like the BMW M340i or the Mercedes-AMG C43, but the turbocharged V-6 engine’s 349 horsepower and Quattro all-wheel drive system provide more than enough oomph. Thankfully, the potent powertrain is paired with strong brakes, and the automatic gearbox executes rapid shifts. The S4 also doesn’t sacrifice a smooth ride to achieve its athletic handling, something discerning drivers can appreciate. The cabin is a major draw thanks to a stylish design, high-quality materials, and sharp, responsive infotainment screens. The S4 deftly combines luxury and performance into a well-rounded, low-key sports sedan.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the Audi S4 adds a host of standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a heated steering wheel. All S4s are also now fitted with a suite of parking sensors and remote engine start via the myAudi phone app, while the Navigation package (optional on Premium Plus and standard on Prestige) gains traffic sign recognition and predictive adaptive cruise control. There are also new paint colors, with Iris White replaced by Arkona White and Tango Red swapped out in favor of Progressive Red.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Every S4 comes with the same powertrain and wheels, but the trim levels reflect some major technology differences. The Premium Plus trim—which comes standard with a 360-degree rearview camera, a larger 12.3-inch gauge cluster with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit navigation, a wireless phone charger, and front and rear parking sensors with rear traffic alert—offers the best balance of tech and price. Premium Plus also unlocks the available S Sport package, which adds eye-catching red brake calipers and a torque-vectoring rear differential. We also suggest the Magma Red seats to spice up an otherwise monochromatic interior.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All S4s ship with a 349-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that syncs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. While the version we tested was quicker than most rivals, the engine response and exhaust sound—both hugely important characteristics of a sports sedan—were less visceral than expected. Despite its subdued engine character and lack of manual transmission, the V-6 delivered substantial thrust on demand, seamlessly transitioning between relaxed and responsive. Also impressive was its automatic gearbox, which had reactions that seemed so perceptive, we found the desire to shift for ourselves was virtually eliminated—well, almost. Looking at the numbers, the S4 ranks above most competitors in performance. Still, the experience lacks the emotion and sharp handling responses of top rivals. Its chassis is its greatest strength, with tautly controlled body motions and compliant damping that make it equal parts sports and luxury sedan. The S4 is very precise and easy to control; its accurate steering, excellent cornering stability, and tenacious grip on the tarmac boosted our confidence to torpedo on-ramps—but it also cruised calmly around town. Although the brakes were tremendously responsive, they were touchy at city speeds. The fluctuating feedback also interrupted the fun on curvier sections of road where the brake pedal could feel too soft.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The S4 sedan earned 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway for a 24-mpg combined rating in 2023, according to EPA estimates, and we expect similar numbers for 2024. Once we test it on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate its real-world mpg. For more information about the S4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Audi is a benchmark of interior quality, and the S4 is further evidence of this. Every cabin is trimmed with marvelous materials and standard features such as diamond-stitched sport seats with massage features. Along with impeccable fit and finish, the interior is racy and luxurious. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, straightforward controls, and highly adjustable seat provide an exceptional driving position. However, we found its front-seat comfort to be diminished by overly stiff cushions. The S4 has a quiet interior which also contributes to its calm demeanor—for better or worse. Despite having a 13-cubic-foot trunk—tied for smallest in its class with the C43 sedan—the S4 held an impressive number of carry-ons. While its interior storage is average, the sedan can store a variety of loose items and personal belongings provided they’re not too big. Compared with the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the Audi is a much better travel companion. We only wish the S4’s back seat were bigger and passenger space up front more generous.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Audi fits every S4 with a 10.1-inch center infotainment screen and ample infotainment options. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the MMI system we tested responded quickly to commands and had user-friendly controls. While it’s within the driver’s line of sight, certain areas of the display require leaning forward to reach. Unfortunately, the S4 no longer includes a rotary controller on the center console, which helped make the system easier to operate.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The sports sedan includes several standard driver-assistance features, adding adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to the standard equipment list for 2024. For more information about the S4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The S4 has an ordinary warranty that aligns with most competitors.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Audi S4
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$62,840 (base price: $50,895)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2995 cm3
Power
349 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
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
Length: 187.5 in
Width: 72.7 in
Height: 56.2 in
Passenger volume: 92 ft3
Trunk volume: 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 start, 5–60 mph: 5.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
¼-mile: 12.8 sec @ 108 mph
Top speed (governor limited, mfr’s claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 23/20/27 mpg
