Audi S4

From 80.620 euros
  • Bodywork berlina
  • Puertas 5
  • Plazas 5
  • Power 341 cv
  • Consumer goods 7,0 - 7,2l/100km
  • Trunk 420 - 495 liters
  • Assessment 4,4

They say that taste is in the middle ground. That much tires and little bores. The range of Audi A4 it is designed to meet the needs and tastes of many types of customers. From those who are only looking for an average sedan for everything to those who approach the same concept from a point of view of extreme sportsmanship, as is the case of the Audi RS Avant 4. And in a middle ground we find the Audi S4.

We have tested this car:

Test Audi S4 Avant 3.0 TFSI 354 hp

Not reaching the levels of the RS but offering more power, performance and feel than the "regular" A4 range, the S4 is the middle ground where you get the best of both worlds without parting with huge amounts of money in the process. The first Audi S4 we met was in the first generation of the A4, back in October 1997. For each edition of the sedan there has been an S version in various formats: sedan, station wagon and convertible.

The current model, the fifth generation, was launched on the market in 2017 with a gasoline engine. In 2019, coinciding with the mid-life restyling, the S4 loses its TFSI mechanics and only has a TDI variant in two possible formats, saloon and Avant. In this way Audi it adjusts to the increasingly strict emission and pollution policies set by the European Union.

Technical characteristics of the Audi S4

Like the rest of the family, the Audi S4 rests on the well-known Volkswagen Group MLB platform. This scalar and modular structure is used in a large number of models of the German conglomerate, such as the Audi A5, Audi A6, Listen Q5 and also Volkswagen Passat. It is characterized by the transverse position of the engine and the sending of power to the front wheels.

For the specific case of the S4, Audi has tweaked certain aspects of the MLB platform so that it can deal with the increase in performance safely. The suspension has also been modified, reducing the height by 23 millimeters. with respect to a standard A4, plus of course other adjustments such as the steering or the traction system that have nothing to do with a general performance model.

The Audi S4 is offered in two possible versions; saloon and Avant, both with the same external dimensions. 4,77 meters long, 1,85 meters wide and 1,40 meters high. To these levels we must add a battle of 2,82 meters that allows an approved passenger compartment for five passengers. Cargo volumes range from 425 liters for the sedan body to 495 liters of minimum capacity for the Avant.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Audi S4

As we have already said before, the facelift of 2019 meant, among other aspects, the change of mechanics. Historically, the S4 had always had a lighter variant of the RS 6 Avant's V4, but not anymore. Currently the only version available is a diesel engine that always arrives attached to an MHEV system, which includes a 48-volt auxiliary electrical diagram to reduce consumption and emissions, in addition to being certified with the ECO label.

This small electrical diagram helps the combustion engine in early acceleration phases, releasing stored energy during braking. The main block is a Three-liter V6 TDI developing 341 horsepower and a maximum torque of 700 Nm between 2.500 and 3.100 revolutions. The management is entrusted to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox.

As standard the Audi S4 comes with a system of permanent quattro all-wheel drive which guarantees higher performance and safety. Thanks to the whole set, the S4 sedan and Avant have performance figures worthy of a sports car. From 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4,8 seconds and top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h. Data more humble than those of his brother RS, but sportier than those of the standard range.

Equipment of the Audi S4

Medium range, medium equipment. The A4 is one of the most complete sedans on the market, it has extensive equipment, although only a small part of it comes as standard. The Audi S4 has starting with elements that the rest of the normal models only find in the optional list, although obviously without reaching the level of the RS that does have everything.

In terms of aesthetics, the S4 will be recognized by its specific bumper design and by the multiple emblems scattered throughout the bodywork. Unlike the standard range there are no different finishes, just a host of exterior customization options. There are more possibilities when it comes to improving the dynamics, being able to count on a dynamic steering and a quattro sport differential on the rear axle.

If we refer to the technology and the equipment itself, the S4 and the S4 Avant come as standard with LED headlights, self-locking center differential, aluminum effect mirror caps, sports and electric seats, matt aluminum trim, leather and Alcantara upholstery, three-zone climate control, navigation system, digital instrument panel, multimedia screen, and outstanding safety equipment and driving assistants.

The Audi S4 on video

The Audi S4 according to Euro NCAP

Although we have talked about the substantial changes in the S4 range with respect to the standard models, in terms of security, the entire A4 family has the same levels of security. Euro NCAP has completed its crash tests and has determined that the S4 and S4 Avant have the highest possible certification, five stars. The best data has been collected in the protection sections for adult and child passengers with a rating of 89 and 87 out of 100 respectively. These valuations are still valid after the 2020 renewal as there is no change in the structure of the vehicle.

The Audi S4 of Km 0 and second hand

If we want to opt for an Audi S4 that is not new, in the second-hand and second-hand channels we find a discreet range of possibilities. Since it has been on the market since 1997, there are five generations within our reach, in addition to various bodies, both saloon and family, including an S4 Cabriolet. S4 depreciation percentage is low, so the second-hand units hold their prices well.

Scanning the market we see how the cheapest units are for sale with prices close to 7.000 euros for models from the early 2000s with extensive accumulated mileage. if we go to Km 0 channel the offer is non-existent but there are units with low mileages, focusing exclusively on fifth-generation models prior to the 2019 facelift. They mount the V6 TFSI, and its prices are interesting, with a great differential with respect to new models.

Rivals of the Audi S4

The S4 family is so at an intermediate point that it is difficult to find direct rivals. Its mechanical and potential limbo does not offer any direct opponent. But there are similar options like the Mercedes-AMG C43 of 390 horses or the BMW M340i of 370 horses. The two offer similar power mechanics, two possible body formats, but neither of them offer MHEV solutions or diesel alternatives. The prices are also similar in all three cases.

Highlight

  • ECO label
  • dynamic behavior
  • equipment and quality

To improve

  • Price compared to the standard range
  • High weight
  • Optionals price

Audi S4 prices

Considerably more expensive than a normal A4, but cheaper than an RS 4 Avant. The S range of the Audi A4 remains once again at an intermediate point. The starting price of the Audi S4 is 80.620 euros, no discounts for the sedan body. The family unit slightly raises the minimum price to a starting price of 82.710 euros, without offers or promotions.

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