Overview & Reviews

With its line of S models, Audi has built a reputation for delivering understated luxury along with a healthy dose of performance. Supporting the foundation of this reputation is the Audi S4, which is a sportier variant of the already-proficient A4 entry-level luxury sedan. As such, both of these Audis benefit from handsome styling, excellent interior design and materials, cosseting comfort and superior road-holding thanks to all-wheel-drive traction.

Where the S4 and A4 differ is in performance. Throughout its run, the S4 has boasted higher power output, sharper handling and impressive braking capabilities. Shoppers seeking a used S4 may, depending on the model year, have several body styles from which to choose. On the downside, the S4 has typically lacked the crisp handling performance offered by some of its rivals. Overall, though, we hold the Audi S4 in high regard.

Current Audi S4
Unlike previous generations, the current fifth-generation Audi S4 is only available as a sedan. The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet. The S4 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (S tronic) sends power to Audi's rear-biased "Quattro" all-wheel-drive system.

Inside, you'll find (in true Audi tradition) one of the finest cabins in the sport sedan class. The overall design is demure but classy, and although the center console is rather button-happy, Audi's updated MMI electronics interface is now much friendlier to use than before. The seats are supremely comfortable in the front, offering plenty of support through corners and over distances. Like the A4, the S4 offers a reasonably large backseat should your sport sedan be called on for family duty.

The S4 comes with an ample list of standard luxury features like xenon headlights, selectable driving settings (known as Audi Drive Select), tri-zone climate control and leather/faux-suede upholstery. Upgrades include bigger wheels, an adaptive suspension, a rear limited-slip differential, keyless ignition and entry, navigation and a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The S4 shines thanks to its strong supercharged V6, sharp handling and a forgiving nature made possible by Quattro and that optional limited-slip rear differential. Even driven aggressively, the S4 imparts confidence to the driver. Grip is tenacious and the chassis is communicative. Even so, ride comfort is commendable and cabin noise is pleasantly hushed.

Used Audi S4 Models
The current Audi S4 represents the fifth generation in the model's lineage, debuting in 2010. An optional rearview camera and blind-spot warning system were made available the following year. For 2013, the S4 received a slight styling update (with more angular grille/headlights) and a revised MMI control interface. That year also saw the switch to electric-assisted steering. Apart from lacking Audi Drive Select as standard (it was optional though), these latter S4s are similar to today's version.

The previous, fourth-generation Audi S4 was available in a variety of body styles. The sedan and wagon (Avant) were sold from 2006-'08, while the convertible (cabriolet) lasted from 2007-'09. Relative to third-generation S4s, the fourth generation offered refreshed styling, a revised chassis and a more sport-biased Quattro system, though these changes represented more of a revitalization effort rather than a complete redesign.

Under this S4's hood was a 4.2-liter V8 that generated 340 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. As with today's S4, this generation model had additional performance-oriented modifications, including a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires and more powerful brakes.

Inside, front occupants were treated to a comfortable and functional cockpit. The backseat was more cramped than in the current car, and the electronics systems may seem a bit dated now. The electronics interface, in particular, could be quite frustrating to use with the optional navigation system installed. Leather seating was standard, and interior trim, lighting and controls were all of high quality.

The similar third-generation S4 was offered for 2004 and '05. This was the model that introduced the 340-hp V8 engine and expanded S4 availability to the sedan, wagon and convertible body styles. As with the fourth-gen S4, transmission choices were either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. At the time, the installation of such a powerful V8 in a small car raised some eyebrows, and indeed it boasted more power than BMW's contemporary M3 or Mercedes' C32.

In reviews of the third- and fourth-generation S4, we commented favorably about the car's broad power band, multiple body styles and high-quality interior. Downsides were a cramped backseat and handling that wasn't as razor-sharp as the M3's. The fact that the current S4 no longer has the V8 engine should make these generations a more novel, collectible choice in coming years.

Previous to these newer S4s, there were two other generations of the Audi S4 -- a second-generation vehicle, available from the 2000-'02 model years, and a first generation, available from 1992-'94.

The second-generation model was based on the A4 sedan and wagon of its day, and it came equipped with a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp. Quattro was standard, and Audi offered either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. In Edmunds' S4 road tests at the time, we found the car very enjoyable to drive, as it struck an ideal balance between outright performance and everyday comfort. Our main complaint about this model was the familiar lack of rear-seat room.

The first-generation Audi S4 was a performance variant of the Audi 100 sedan (later A6) sold from 1992-'94. These S4s came with a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine capable of 227 hp. Quattro was again standard, and these cars were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission only. After 1994, they became known as the S6. First-generation S4s are a relatively rare find today.

User Reviews:

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  Great car - 2000 Audi S4
  By cutterhead - July 31 - 3:49 pm

  Purchased this car new and have really enjoyed it. Now that its 8 years old Im thinking about something else, but this one is still a lot of fun and I only have 65k miles on it. No major problems but have had issues with the navigation system (ok, maybe in 2000 it was OK, but really is a joke by todays standards) a hand full of sensors and what Im told is carbon build up on the intake plenum that seems to need cleaning all the time.

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  Supercar in a sedan! - 2004 Audi S4
  By jpez - July 14 - 2:40 pm

  I just bought this car as a certified pre-owned. So far I love the car! It is so fast and comfortable to drive! All the luxury I can ever need and fast enough to keep up with most of the sports cars on the road. All with all wheel drive and 4 doors! I can take my daughter to school in it, go through bad weather or run it at the track. This car was made for a family guy like myself who doesnt want to let go of the kid in them!

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  From 97 A8 to 05 S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By AndyCap - July 3 - 12:18 pm

  I just traded in my 97 A8 and never looked back. The A8 also had the 4.2 V8, but it a slug compared to this better aspirated version. A V8 as it is supposed to be. 340 HP mated to the road with precision and grace. The cabin is ergonomic and smart. Bucket seats are comforable for long distance, and keep you snug through the high speed curves. The controls all make sense and are exactly where they should be. The exterior design is stealth, a this car looks like an A4, but drives like the German sport car it is. Indeed a "Wolf in sheeps clothing" My wife even called it cute until she heard the rumble of the V8. This car sounds like a beast when it growls.

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  Very cool - 2005 Audi S4
  By numonyx S4 - June 8 - 4:19 pm

  Even after 3.5 years and 44.5k miles, my recent purchase of a used 2005 S4 is a fantastic drive. The look and performance is awesome. I love the acceleration, braking, handling, and sound of this "tiger in sedans clothing". It provides just the right amount of sedan for my business use, but allows me to have a blast driving down the coastal highway 1 setting top pace for all the "weekend sport cars".

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  Fun car - 2007 Audi S4
  By Justin Haar - June 7 - 10:32 pm

  I love this car. It is one of the most fun cars you will ever drive. Putting that top down in a matter of seconds and zooming down the road with the air blowing in your face is just spectacular. The roar of the engine from the exhaust sytem is just invigorating. Love it.

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  05.5 S4 4dr aka"D BEAST!" - 2005 Audi S4
  By Barry - June 2 - 3:44 am

  I have owned my B7(chassis designation) S4 for 1.5yrs. now and love it. Build quality and fit and finish are second to none. The nav, XM radio and Bose sound systems are exellent. Im so pleased with the handling of this car, that its the first vehicle ive ever owened that i havent made any mods to the suspension. I have however added aftermarket intake,exhaust and software upgrades. Which go a long way in remeding one of the S4s few faults weight!.At a curb weight of 3902lbs with the 6spd tiptronic,you wont win many drag races against worthy opponents. My best friend owns a 05 comp pkg BMW M3 SMG, and even he grudgingly admits the S4s handling and overall performance makes it a superior car

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  Understated excellence - 2004 Audi S4
  By Homer742 - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  Ive owned my 2004 S4 for almost two years now (bought w/ 15k miles), sufficient time both to get over any new car puppy love and to notice any reliability issues. Well, Im still in love and the only reliability issue was a balky sunroof switch that was replaced under warranty. At first glance, it appears to be a mild-mannered A4: solid German engineering in a conservatively styled sedan. But once youve settled into a front seat that holds you tight and heard the V8 grumble to life, you know this is no A4. A few corners at high speed and one highway on-ramp are all thats needed to confirm that youre driving an agile machine that carries speed deceptively well.

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  Fun car to own and drive - 2004 Audi S4
  By Nick - April 9 - 3:46 pm

  Car is an everyday car with performance, although a bit heavy. Glad I bought it and has been worth it so far. No major repairs needed as with the other reviewers and Im just under 30k miles and put 6k on when I bought it used. Have run it through snow, sleet, and rain and it hasnt failed me yet! I would recommend this car if youve got income to spend on it snacking on fuel every opportunity it can get.

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  2008 Audi S4 - Chesterfield,VA - 2008 Audi S4
  By wojo38 - March 31 - 10:16 pm

  Love this car! Rips up the road with ease and provides a smooth stable ride. Rear seats are a bit tight but I dont ride back there

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  Best in B-segment. - 2004 Audi S4
  By 04S4 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  More versatile than an M3 and more sporting character than a C32 AMG and S60R...Car and Driver likes it better than the M3 and C32, and so do I. If you want a smooth rocket-ship with plenty of torque on tap for just about anything you want to do, its there. Quattro handles like a dream and the car looks awesome.