2019 Audi S4 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

New entry-level Premium trim levelPart of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017

　　Coming off of a full redesign last year, the Audi S4 sport sedan returns unchanged, just the way we like it. The S4 has historically been the attainable luxury sport sedan, and the traits we've always appreciated — performance, technology and everyday usability — haven't changed.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Audi S4 Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$189/mo  for S4 Premium quattro

　　S4 Premium quattro

　　Premium quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,200 MSRPPremium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $54,500 MSRPPrestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The cabin is thoroughly modern with bright displays, the latest in smartphone integration and excellent ergonomics. The only available powertrain, a turbocharged V6 producing 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, is powerful and responsive, and its handling prowess is aided by an optional S Sport package that adds a trick rear differential and adaptive damping, which lets the S4 take turns like a race car.

　　The downsides are few: The S4's rear seating area is a little smaller than average, and it takes time to acclimate to all of the available technology. The S4 is more aggressive than rivals such as  BMW's 330i xDrive M Sport or Mercedes' AMG C 43, without compromising on luxury or tech.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

8.5 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Audi S4 Premium Plus Sedan (turbo 3.0L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	8.5 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	9.0
Interior	8.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	8.5

　　

Driving

9.0

　　The breadth of performance makes the S4 a true gem in this class. With its stout acceleration, ample traction and impressive ability to handle quick directional changes, the S4 is a match for anything in its class. Occasional brake fade seems to be the only mark against the Audi.

　　

Acceleration

9.0

　　From a standstill, the S4 responds a little leisurely. But keep your foot in it and a moment later the S4 is accelerating fiercely. In our testing, which used the S4's launch control, the S4 blasted to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. That's plenty of power for everyday driving.

　　

Braking

8.0

　　The pedal is firm but easy to modulate in routine driving, and you can trust the brakes during enthusiastic driving as well. There's sports-car-worthy performance here, with stops from 60 mph in just 105 feet. But track testing revealed a noisy ABS and brake fade after multiple panic stops.

　　

Steering

8.5

　　Variable steering efforts are available. All are accurate and well matched to their respective setting. Feedback can be lacking, even under spirited driving. But when pushed to the limit, the S4 communicates the available front grip quite well.

　　

Handling

8.5

　　The sport rear differential, part of the S Sport package, enhances the S4's enthusiastic turn-in. Even sports cars would have a hard time matching the S4's pace on a tight, twisty road. Longer sweepers, however, tax the Audi's front tires to the point of moderate understeer.

　　

Drivability

9.0

　　While the eight-speed automatic can be a little too eager to upshift in Drive, you can easily fix that by selecting the transmission's Sport mode. With its stout V6 and adjustable drive modes, the Audi can adapt to all conditions.

　　

Comfort

9.0

　　The S4 delivers performance and luxury in equal amounts. Driver fatigue, no matter the road, is at a minimum, and the S4 manages to strike a fine balance between capability and usability.

　　

Seat comfort

9.0

　　The S Sport front seats are wonderful examples of very supportive yet non-intrusive seating. The front seats offer heating but not ventilation. The rear seats are more than adequate for a sedan of this size, providing comfort on longer trips.

　　

Ride comfort

9.0

　　The optional Sport Adaptive Damping is the way to go on the S4. Comfort mode handles rough and broken road surfaces with aplomb, while Dynamic mode keeps the body in check even under the most spirited driving.

　　

Noise & vibration

9.5

　　The S4 is relatively silent at all speeds, well-isolated from both road and wind noise. Only under hard acceleration does the engine's pleasing V6 snarl become prominent. Tire noise is minimal, which is a pleasant surprise for summer-rated tires.

　　

Climate control

9.0

　　Clear, self-explanatory and easy to use, the S4's three-zone climate interface sets an example for the class. The pressure-sensitive buttons seem like unnecessary flair, but they work without delay. It's refreshing to see climate control not buried in an on-screen menu.

　　

Interior

8.5

　　From the moment you open the door, you'll be struck by the S4's cohesive and easy-to-use cabin design. Friendly ergonomics and style are at the top of their class.

　　

Ease of use

9.0

　　It's hard to argue with an Audi interior — the controls are clear, logically arranged, and consistent in both look and feel. The configurable instrument panel does take some time to learn, but it presents a wide array of information. Audi's MMI becomes intuitive after only a few uses.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.0

　　Even with the wonderfully supportive sport seats, the S4 is as easy to get in and out of as any other small luxury sedan. Taller rear occupants might have to duck their head to clear the roofline, but there is ample door opening for a graceful entry and exit.

　　

Driving position

9.5

　　With the combination of the sport front seats and the S4's exceptionally ergonomic and highly adjustable steering wheel, drivers of all sizes will be able to find a suitable position within a few seconds. Driver fatigue is unlikely to ever be an issue. The S4 definitely sets a benchmark.

　　

Roominess

7.5

　　Front occupants have ample head-, legroom and shoulder room. While taller passengers might find the rear seat a tight fit behind a taller driver, two passengers would be comfortable for moderate distances. That's on par for not only the class but for most midsize sedans.

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　Bucking the trend of high beltlines and even higher trunks, the S4 is an example of a modern sedan that offers good visibility. Blind spots are minimal.

　　

Quality

9.0

　　All-around build quality is excellent and on par with what we've come to expect from Audi. There are no unsightly connections, welds or hinges. The brushed aluminum interior trim does look and feel plasticky, but that's the only letdown.

　　

Utility

7.5

　　While performance is the S4's key draw, it provides the same utility as the regular A4 sedan. There's a suitable amount of trunk space and storage.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　Storage isn't abundant, but there's enough room to keep your phone, sunglasses, parking card and drinks easily accessible while driving.

　　

Cargo space

8.0

　　Though the trunk isn't overly large, the load height is reasonable, and the cargo area is free of any intrusions or irregularities.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

　　Easily accessible LATCH anchors are included in the rear seats, and the adequate door opening minimizes inconvenience.

　　

Technology

8.5

　　The S4 fits right in with other offerings from Audi in its excellent integration of entertainment- and safety-related technology. Modern and easy to use, the S4's systems seem wholly integrated rather than an afterthought.

　　

Audio & navigation

9.5

　　The Bang & Olufsen audio system is excellent, capable of handling a wide variety of music and volume with exceptional clarity. Navigation uses Google Earth and is viewable on the center-mounted display as well as in the S4's Virtual Cockpit display.

　　

Smartphone integration

9.0

　　Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, but the native Audi systems are so good that all of our drivers preferred not to use their phones for anything other than Bluetooth audio.

　　

Driver aids

7.5

　　Along with a not-too-intrusive and easily defeatable stability control, Audi offers its Pre Sense predictive system that supplies maximum braking performance when an accident is anticipated. Rear and side assists, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are available at extra cost.

　　

Which S4 does zzdcar recommend?

　　For the most flexibility in option choices and affordability, we'd opt for the Premium Plus trim. Its numerous packages and stand-alone options let you tailor your car to perfection. We recommend adding the S Sport package for its adaptive suspension and trick differential.

　　

2019 Audi S4 models

　　The 2019 Audi S4 is a five-passenger luxury sport sedan that is the high-performance version of the A4 sedan. It is available in three trims — Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige — with each trim adding increasing levels of luxury and technology features. All models come with a powerful, turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (349 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque). All-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

　　The Premium model is new for 2019 and comes with 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, automatic LED headlights, heated side mirrors, sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power front seats with heating and massage functions, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, an auto-dimming rearview and interior ambient lighting.

　　On the technology front, Premium models come with a 7-inch multimedia display, Bluetooth, voice control, remote access via a smartphone app, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features include low-speed forward collision warning and emergency braking and Audi Connect Care emergency telematics.

　　An available Convenience package adds driver-seat memory, satellite radio, a security alarm, rear collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and keyless entry and push-button start.

　　Premium Plus trim adds all of the Premium model's Convenience package items plus Virtual Cockpit digital instrumentation, an upgraded multimedia system with a larger 8.3-inch display and a handwriting recognition pad on the center console, a navigation system, expanded Audi Connect subscription services including a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an inductive smartphone charging pad with a signal booster.

　　The Prestige trim includes all of the above and adds a head-up display, traffic-adaptive cruise control and active lane centering, a top-down parking camera system, and a 19-speaker premium Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system. All but the audio system are exclusive to the Prestige trim.

　　Options for both the Premium Plus and Prestige trims include the S Sport package (red brake calipers, adaptive suspension dampers and sport rear differential), the Warm Weather package (ventilated front seats and premium leather upholstery), the Cold Weather package (heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel) and an adaptive steering system.

　　

2019 S4 Highlights

Trim: Premium quattroPremium Plus quattroPrestige quattroPremium quattro

　　

Base MSRP	$50,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$189/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles