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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  best car car for the money - 2002 Audi S4
  By jason white - March 3 - 6:06 pm

  this is the the most increditable car owned

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  Love my S4 - 2002 Audi S4
  By MIke - February 28 - 6:24 pm

  The car is great. The fun you can have in four door. The 250hp engine really comes to life and you can feel it just go and go. The quattro system is unbelieveable and the ESP is a nice addition. THe interior is very retro and new, not boring like every other car out there. I love my Audi!!!!!

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  It Kicks - 2001 Audi S4
  By oxnox - February 27 - 6:40 pm

  Amazing car! Extreemly tuneable engine. Not as high performance as an M but much more practicle and accessable.

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  AUDI s4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By AliasAlias - February 27 - 1:06 pm

  This Car is A great Car

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  perfect! - 2002 Audi S4
  By charles - February 26 - 8:51 pm

  great perfomance,nice styling.

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  Dr. Jeckill & Mr. Hyde - 2014 Audi S4
  By Mike Kalnitzky - January 18 - 9:06 pm

  This car can be a street racer or a daily commuter and does both well. This was my first Audi with an automatic (7 speed duel clutch) transmission. I do not miss the manual and cannot think of buying another car without the duel clutch transmission. I was sorry to see that the 2018 S4 is back to an 8 speed automatic because of the torque spikes of the new turbocharged 3.0 V6. I have a 2018 Audi Q5 on order. It has the duel clutch transmission.

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  My second AUDI - 2012 Audi S4
  By Rich - November 11 - 12:25 am

  In 2008, my wife and I bought a new A4 3.2 6 speed manual, with all the features. We still love it. After over six years of use with no problems, we began to get a warning that one of the headlights were defective. I couldnt see anything wrong (they all illuminated correctly, it seemed) so I took it to the Audi Dealer to get it checked out. While waiting for the fix, my wife and I toured the showroom. That caught the eye of a salesman of course. Interested in a new Audi, He asked? No just getting our 08 headlight fixed, I answered. 08? Might be time to trade, he suggested. Well, we love our A4 but they dont come with V-6s any more and we like manual gearboxes. Have you driven a 2.0T? He asked. Yes, and it isnt even close to the V-6. I answered. And I really dont want to spend what a new S4 costs. He showed us a recently traded in 2012 S4 in near mint condition and I bought it after a short test drive. After nearly two years, I still love it. It gets about the same fuel mileage as the 08 3.2 A4 (unless you use the extra power the supercharger provides) and it is simply a absolute joy to drive. Ive owned a lot of nice cars over the years but the V-6 S4 is the perfect combination of power, comfort and prestige.

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  Highly recommend buying - 2004 Audi S4
  By nothingleft - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I also got one of the first cars available. The power is available at anytime and comes on smooth and consistent. The seats are the best I have ever seen, and the car just begs to be driven and driven hard. I find it hard not to grab the keys and head for the twisties everytime I look at it. The S4 is surprisingly a very comfortable ride without the harsh and punishing rides often associated in this class of car. I feel I could drive this car across the country without a single complaint from me or my passenger. The V-8 rumble is irresistable to the ears!

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  coming up on a year and still love it - 2015 Audi S4
  By david Z - September 7 - 10:52 am

  I had a 2006 corvette and a 05 acura tl. This car is like a combo of both I got it due to the security of the awd but at least touring on the highway it handles well is super comfortable and in S mode is quite fast. I did the upgraded leather and tech package and all in all it feels like it cost easily 40,000 more then I paid for it. It is not a flashy car but understated and beautiful.It gets returned for the lease in a month. I will miss it. Nits to pick the computer is horrible the time it takes to boot up, the lack of music for minutes after starting the car. My wifes escape sync system is better. Styling tends to blend in not a flashy car by any means. Still a very comfortable cruiser. I had fun tackling the twisties in W VA.

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  Vrooom Vrooom - 2013 Audi S4
  By David - April 13 - 4:17 am

  Love this car!