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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  Complete Package - 2005 Audi S4
  By c2silver - November 29 - 10:06 pm

  Has 4 wheel drive, power, good visibility, and not too many other S4s on the road.

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  Never Loved a Car Until the S4 - 2006 Audi S4
  By Adam05.5 S4 - November 27 - 8:41 pm

  Fantastic car! Ive had Porsches, BMW Ms, and this 05.5 S4 is really the first car I really love. Its a great balance of understatement with raw power and fun. Fuel economy and lack of a few technical toys available on some 30k cars are my only complaints. Car handles fantastically. With winter tires, its unbelievable in the snow. No complaints! The exhaust note is just PERFECT.

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  A joy to drive! - 2018 Audi S4
  By Robert - November 21 - 9:20 am

  As advised by Edmunds, going with Premium Plus and adding Technology package and S Sport Package seemed to be the best value. Coming from 21 years of driving BMWs, I was doing a lot of research on why change. But with technology platforms changing so fast, I wanted to keep an open mind. It was a surprise that Audi S4 came out on top for me after two test drives and a lot of research. Interior, Exterior, performance, and driving comfort. Now, after 4 months of daily driving plus several long roadtrips, Im sure it was the right choice.

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  Never Again! - 2000 Audi S4
  By goingbacktojapan - November 17 - 10:26 pm

  In the 18 months Ive owned this vehicle I put in over $3000 in repairs & maintenance. Something is continually going wrong with this car: Fuel gauge unit, throttle body, fuel line, ABS control unit, CV boot, turn signal. These were not minor repairs as the parts and labor were very expensive. I hope to sell this care very soon. I will never own another Audi.

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  Love at first drive! - 2001 Audi S4
  By Sherl - November 14 - 1:36 am

  I fell in love with this car the first time I test drove it. It has awesome performance as well as a nice ride - you just feel good when you drive this car! Sometimes, though, love comes at a stiff price. 4 months after my warranty expired, the car required $2,000 in repairs - described as "normal wear & tear" items. 8 months later Ive dropped another $2,500 to have "routine" items repaired. Ive never had this much go wrong with a car!!! I have too much invested now to walk away, and I do love driving this car... But, my next car will not be an Audi.

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  Best overall!!!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By Brad - November 9 - 1:24 pm

  Fun, fast and high quality.

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  lil woody on rails - 2005 Audi S4
  By Bobert - November 4 - 2:48 am

  This car rips! After one year, have not found handling limits yet. V8 not torquey in muscle car style but really screams towards redline. Throw your bike or skis in the back and go carve up (and down) a canyon. Bose stereo took quite a while to break in but worth the wait. Where else can you get this level of performance and a stick w this level of practicality?

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  One great Audi! - 2002 Audi S4
  By EL - November 2 - 11:52 pm

  This is an all around great car. Its an absolute blast to drive, and you can blow away most cars youll encouter at the red light on your way home from the grocery store. Plus, its just a little bit different, which is always good.

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  Simply the finest car on the road - 2006 Audi S4
  By S4Ken - October 31 - 5:44 pm

  I dont care what anybody says, Audi has blown away MBZ and BMW in the worst way with this car. There is nothing this car cannot do... I can go in the snow without chains, but smoke Mustang Cobras all day long at the same time. Mileage is poor, but if you are worried about MPG, you have no business owning a car of this caliber. This is my 3rd Audi, and definately not my last. I have owned MBZs, Lexus, and had much experience with Beemers, but this car embarrasses them.

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  Instant Fun.......Just Add Me! - 2005 Audi S4
  By PsyMD - October 31 - 10:53 am

  I bought this vehicle new as an 05 leftover. I can truly say this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. I never thought anything on four wheels could be more fun than my 99 Prelude, but this is like a Prelude on steroids! I love the slightly lower- key styling (no fins, spoilers, etc.) and the aural excitement from that V- 8. Handling and performance are both superb. Ive seen many mentions of this cars low gas mileage, but Ive been averaging about 23-24 mpg. The main downside so far is that the generally beat-up streets of Baltimore City are eating my tires at an insane rate (not really a fault of the vehicle, though). For a car this spirited and fun, however, its worth it!