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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  Elegant, yet pugnacious - 2005 Audi S4
  By Graham - April 14 - 9:28 pm

  A beautiful car that can blow a 645 off the line. Okay, maybe it cant beat an M3 off the line but in my opinion its better looking, you get AWD, it has an automatic for traffic and pedals when you want to shift manually, a much sweeter exhaust sound...not to menton a much better ride. My 911 has sat in the garage since I bought the S4.The only bummer is the gas mileage.

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  pros and cons of S4 convertible - 2005 Audi S4
  By Rick - April 6 - 11:49 pm

  A fun car to drive. The quattro is awesome and adds much performance. This car is as much fun in snow as it is with the top down in summer. Great handling in ALL weather conditions. I think that Audi is improving its customer service but it is not yet as good as Lexus or Mercedes. You will need to soon replace the standard performance tires that come with the car. I recommend getting all weather tires to rotate onto the car in winter for both performance and economy. Tiny trunk if you put the top down. The cars interior has very little storage. The drink holders are awful expect a spill. Tiny rear seat not comfortable for adult. However, overall, I like the car, drives great, and it is fun!

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  Excellent in the snow - 2005 Audi S4
  By eric in wyoming - April 2 - 2:48 am

  I purchased my new S4 in November, and with the original performance Dunlop tires, nearly totaled it with the first snowstorm. New 18 inch Pirelli Snowsports (even though they recommended 17 inches with new rims of course) completely solved the problem with minimal compromise in ride and handling quality. I cross shopped an M3 and CTS-V, but living in the snowbelt, the quattro was the clincher. Forget the gas guzzler tax and definetely go for the manual transmission. The dealership even let slip that theyll pay for a new clutch under the scheduled warranty if you accidentally burn the original one out.

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  good car so far - 2005 Audi S4
  By Rade - March 30 - 9:21 pm

  only one problem as the diagnostics computer had to be replaced after continious check engine light malfunctions. Totally solid in the rain and any other driving condition. She loves to drink, but i suppose one should be able to afford the fuel if they can afford the car.

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  Bought it used - 2004 Audi S4
  By R - March 28 - 9:01 pm

  Have only had the car (2004 S4 sedan) for a few weeks, but I love it so far! I bought it used with high mileage for a 1 year old car. But it runs great, and as every other owner has said, lots of fun to drive, extra power in all gears, and 4WD to boot. I test drove a BMW 330xi, but compared to the 330ci it just didnt seem to have the same power. A better comparison to the S4 would be the M3xi -- oh, but theres no such thing! )

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  2005 Audi S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By VW - March 14 - 4:49 pm

  Wonderful car, have been driving it for 4 weeks. I find myself taking the long way home just for fun. For those who want it all in a car that can be driven year round in the NE, this is it.

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  Creamy Smooth... Perfect! - 2005 Audi S4
  By eli - March 13 - 10:53 pm

  The S4 Cabriolet is the most beautiful convertible on the road, to the elegant eye. It is sooo creamy and smooth, that I just want to rev the engine in neutral. It is so beautiful, it sounds like an automotive sonatra. Physically, it is beautiful from every angle, inside and out. And it is satisfyingly fast and dominant on the freeway, with the ladies hair flowing out of it. It makes others jealous to see such a perfect convertible. Love it, except for gas mileage!

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  This Cab is perfect!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By S4 CAB in Cali - March 12 - 10:45 pm

  I have owned the cabriolet for a month now and I must say that it has far surpassed my expectations. The inside of the cabin is just beautiful. The car gets long glances all the time - on the highway, in parking lots, etc. Once you tune the sound system properly, it sounds amazing (the subpar sound had me worried for a while). Power is superb and visibility is not that bad for a Cab. Mileage can be poor if your foot is made of lead, but easy acceleration brings it back to average. But wheres the fun in that!!!

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  The Perfect Car? - 2000 Audi S4
  By Jim - March 12 - 1:17 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling. Great summer cruiser and ski vehicle. 27mpg on trips. Tends to sandblast rocker panels over time. Essentially a 4-wheel drive, 4-door Corvette I can use to haul my kids to the ski slopes!

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  My S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By tmiele - March 8 - 3:25 pm

  My 2004 Audi S4 is a great car! I had a 2000 S4 for four years and 50,000 without experiencing any problems. It was fun to drive all year long. The 2004 is even better. Everything has been improved.