From its all-weather performance, understated looks, and premium feel, Audi’s S4 is one cool, calm, and collected sports sedan. For 2018, it migrates to an all-new generation riding on the new MLB Evo lightweight platform that debuted on last year’s A4.
Despite wearing sporty front and rear valances, and a slim rear lip spoiler, the S4 retains a low-key appearance. Different wheels, matte metal finish mirror caps, and a quad exhaust tips are your biggest clues.
After a brief stint with supercharged power, Audi returns to turbocharging with the S4. The engine remains 3.0-litres in displacement, but it’s an all-new design that’s a part of the Volkswagen Group modular engine family. Thanks to a twin-scroll turbo design the engine produces an impressive 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase of 21 hp and 44 lb-ft. Audi also dropped the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the outgoing car in favour of the ubiquitous ZF eight-speed automatic transmission found in many of its competitors and a variety of Audi models. If you’re wondering where the six-speed manual went, you’re a generation too late – the new S4 isn't offered with a clutch pedal.
All S4s also come standard with Quattro all-wheel drive that features a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split for balanced handling; depending on conditions, up to 85 percent of power can be shuffled to the rear wheels. A torque-vectoring rear differential is also available. Standard suspension with adaptive dampers provides a firm but comfortable ride.
On the inside, the S4’s cabin is pure business class, drawing from the key technologies seen in the A4. A black headliner, aluminum trim, and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel join sport front bucket seats that feature a standard massaging function. Standard on all trims is an 8.3-inch MMI touch navigation system that offers integration of Android and Apple smartphones, plus on-board WiFi. Optional is the stunning 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit fully reconfigurable instrument cluster first seen on the TT sports coupe, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The S4 is available in two trims: Progressiv and Technik.
Standard equipment on the Progressiv trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlamps with automatic high beams, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, power sunroof, leather-upholstered sports seats, power front seats with driver memory, heated front seats with massage function, split-folding rear seats, aluminum interior trim, illuminated sill plates, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated auto-dimming exterior mirrors, tri-zone climate control, proximity key with push-button start, hands-free power trunk, navigation, USB port, Bluetooth, electronic parking brake, reverse camera, selectable drive modes, and sport suspension.
Technik trim adds 19-inch wheels, ambient LED interior lighting, power-folding exterior mirrors, full TFT instrument cluster display, Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, Audi connect telematics service, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree parking camera.
Pricing for the Progressiv starts at $58,000 with the Technik selling for $62,100.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
