I’m positive that enthusiasts are more than familiar with the performance-oriented M and AMG models of BMW and Mercedes-Benz respectively. For the sake of those who are not, these cars are essentially tuned versions of the regular models of these two German car makers, fettled by their own in-house performance divisions.
Audi goes one up over them by having not one but two different line-ups of souped-up models, thanks to quattro GmbH, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer’s own performance arm. The RS models are the true performance models meant for genuine enthusiasts, while the S models are mildly sporty models for those who seek a little extra over the standard models but are not willing to compromise on ride comfort and day-to-day usability.
The latest iteration of the S4 has recently arrived on our shores. In its effort to minimise fuel consumption and carbon emissions, Audi decided to reduce the displacement and cylinder count of the engine from a 4.2-litre V8 to a 3.0-litre V6. In order to ensure that performance has not been compromised, the latter is aided by a supercharger.
Like before the S4 is available in both the saloon and Avant – Audi-speak for estate – body styles. For this road test, we take the saloon variant out to see if it is still a proper S model with the new, smaller engine.
Audi goes one up over them by having not one but two different line-ups of souped-up models, thanks to quattro GmbH, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer’s own performance arm. The RS models are the true performance models meant for genuine enthusiasts, while the S models are mildly sporty models for those who seek a little extra over the standard models but are not willing to compromise on ride comfort and day-to-day usability.
The latest iteration of the S4 has recently arrived on our shores. In its effort to minimise fuel consumption and carbon emissions, Audi decided to reduce the displacement and cylinder count of the engine from a 4.2-litre V8 to a 3.0-litre V6. In order to ensure that performance has not been compromised, the latter is aided by a supercharger.
Like before the S4 is available in both the saloon and Avant – Audi-speak for estate – body styles. For this road test, we take the saloon variant out to see if it is still a proper S model with the new, smaller engine.
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The new S4 adopts the contemporary family look of the A4, which is no bad thing for the current A4 is one handsome vehicle. As with its predecessors, it does not shout out its status as the S version of the A4 but the keen-eyed will pick out the few tell-tale signs, such as the S4 badges, quad exhaust tailpipes and the wing mirrors with aluminium-look housing.
It also wears the (almost too subtle) S line body kit, which consists of the front and rear bumpers with a sporty design, and sculpted side skirts. Complementing it is a set of striking 18-inch cast aluminium wheels wearing low-profile 245/40 R18 tyres. Black brake callipers emblazoned with the S4 logo peek out from behind the front wheels.
On the front fenders, aft of the front wheel arches, the ‘V6T’ logos discreetly hint at the forced-induced potential that lies beneath the aluminium bonnet.
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Inside it
When it comes to interiors, no one does it better than Audi. It is no exception with the new S4, which means that it’s stylish cabin not only use quality materials but the fit and finish is also top notch.
Interior equipment that are specific to the S4 include the multi-functional sports steering wheel with red stitching and S4 emblem, matching stitching on the gear gaiter and the S4-specific instrument cluster with grey dials.
Using the 6.5-inch colour display located above the central air con vents, the driver can navigate through the numerous functions of the fairly intuitive Multi Media Interface (MMI) system using the controls found on the centre console, even storing his preferred settings for the Individual mode of the Audi drive select (more on this feature later).
Sitting in the optional S sport seats fitted in the test car, the driver and front passenger have more than adequate space for both head and leg room.
At the rear, average-sized adults will have no qualms about the amount of space available. The luggage capacity of the boot is also decent at 480 litres; with the rear seats folded down, it increases to 962 litres.
When it comes to interiors, no one does it better than Audi. It is no exception with the new S4, which means that it’s stylish cabin not only use quality materials but the fit and finish is also top notch.
Interior equipment that are specific to the S4 include the multi-functional sports steering wheel with red stitching and S4 emblem, matching stitching on the gear gaiter and the S4-specific instrument cluster with grey dials.
Using the 6.5-inch colour display located above the central air con vents, the driver can navigate through the numerous functions of the fairly intuitive Multi Media Interface (MMI) system using the controls found on the centre console, even storing his preferred settings for the Individual mode of the Audi drive select (more on this feature later).
Sitting in the optional S sport seats fitted in the test car, the driver and front passenger have more than adequate space for both head and leg room.
At the rear, average-sized adults will have no qualms about the amount of space available. The luggage capacity of the boot is also decent at 480 litres; with the rear seats folded down, it increases to 962 litres.
Driving it
With peak outputs of 333bhp at 5500-7000rpm and 440Nm from 2900-5300rpm, the new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine enables the S-tronic equipped S4 to power to 100km/h from rest in a respectable 5.3 seconds, despite its not insignificant kerb weight of 1685kg. Top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.
Its stonking low-end torque is perfect for in-town driving, allowing the S4 to easily squirt through gaps in traffic, while its muscular mid-range punch makes for quick and effortless overtaking manoeuvres on expressways.
The S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox only serves to enhance the fortes of this compact yet powerful engine with its rapid and smooth gear changes. Strangely, there seems to be a very slight hesitation from the transmission whenever the driver uses either the paddles or gear lever to manually downshift.
The driver can alter the characteristics of the steering, accelerator, gearbox and dampers of the S4 by choosing one of the four modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual – of the Audi drive select system.
As mentioned, the Individual mode allows the driver to tailor the vehicle settings (via the MMI) to whatever he prefers, and recalling them at the touch of a button.
With peak outputs of 333bhp at 5500-7000rpm and 440Nm from 2900-5300rpm, the new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine enables the S-tronic equipped S4 to power to 100km/h from rest in a respectable 5.3 seconds, despite its not insignificant kerb weight of 1685kg. Top speed is electronically capped at 250km/h.
Its stonking low-end torque is perfect for in-town driving, allowing the S4 to easily squirt through gaps in traffic, while its muscular mid-range punch makes for quick and effortless overtaking manoeuvres on expressways.
The S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox only serves to enhance the fortes of this compact yet powerful engine with its rapid and smooth gear changes. Strangely, there seems to be a very slight hesitation from the transmission whenever the driver uses either the paddles or gear lever to manually downshift.
The driver can alter the characteristics of the steering, accelerator, gearbox and dampers of the S4 by choosing one of the four modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual – of the Audi drive select system.
As mentioned, the Individual mode allows the driver to tailor the vehicle settings (via the MMI) to whatever he prefers, and recalling them at the touch of a button.
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Traction on the S4 is impeccable, courtesy of the standard quattro all-wheel drive system and the sticky Pirelli P-Zero rubbers. The torque distribution might be rear-biased but it is next to impossible to kick the rear end out at sane speeds, even with the ESP switched off. In fact, when thrown into corners, the S4 washes out when the loud pedal is prodded.
Nonetheless, this Teutonic executive sedan proves itself to be a pretty good drive when driven tidily. And its ride comfort is more than acceptable, ranging from almost cushy in Comfort mode to compliant in Dynamic mode.
To me, the single most annoying feature of the S4 is the steering. Regardless of the mode selected, there is hardly any feedback through it, and the weight feels unnatural. These make it hard for the driver to have utmost confidence in the vehicle when he is really getting it on in the car.
Nonetheless, this Teutonic executive sedan proves itself to be a pretty good drive when driven tidily. And its ride comfort is more than acceptable, ranging from almost cushy in Comfort mode to compliant in Dynamic mode.
To me, the single most annoying feature of the S4 is the steering. Regardless of the mode selected, there is hardly any feedback through it, and the weight feels unnatural. These make it hard for the driver to have utmost confidence in the vehicle when he is really getting it on in the car.
Conclusion
The new S4’s blend of understated styling, everyday usability and capable performance is as good as it gets. It is a true Q-ship, perfect for the few who prefer not to show off what they have underneath the bodywork.
Throw the plethora of standard equipment and it’s not unreasonable pricing into the mix and what you get is a truly desirable car. I can almost dismiss the woeful steering…
The new S4’s blend of understated styling, everyday usability and capable performance is as good as it gets. It is a true Q-ship, perfect for the few who prefer not to show off what they have underneath the bodywork.
Throw the plethora of standard equipment and it’s not unreasonable pricing into the mix and what you get is a truly desirable car. I can almost dismiss the woeful steering…
