2024 Audi S4 Sedan

　　

2024 Audi S4 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2024 Audi S4 is the higher-performance version of the A4, a perfectly admirable choice among compact luxury sedans. Historically, shoppers of European sedans have expected more athleticism, and the S4 meets those expectations with a significant increase in power over the A4 and much sharper handling. This year, several features have migrated down to the base trim, making it more attractive than before. As one of the more well-rounded choices in its class, we heartily recommend checking out the S4.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi S4 Premium 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

　　$192/mo  for S4 Premium

　　S4 Premium

　　Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $53,800 MSRPPremium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $56,800 MSRPPrestige 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $61,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Stealthy performance

From outward appearances, the Audi S4 doesn't look much different from the A4. Keen observers will note the subtle badging and a few styling details; otherwise, it hides its potential for performance. That could be a good thing if you're a driver who prefers to draw less attention to yourself but desires the kind of power and handling the S4 delivers. With 349 horsepower (compared to the A4's 201 hp) and a sport-tuned suspension, it's a significant upgrade from the A4.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Audi S4's most direct rivals are the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series. While the base versions compete with the A4, the higher-performing models such as the AMG C 43 and M340i battle against the S4. The Benz is more luxurious and refined while adding a healthy dose of power, while the BMW is the more responsive and athletic choice. The S4 occupies the middle ground, delivering a delightful mix of refinement and athleticism. As pointed out in our Expert Rating below, we only have a few minor complaints that can easily be ignored.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the S4 drive? Our test car rocketed from 0 to 60 mph (with the help of launch control) in just 4.3 seconds. More impressive is the speed through the quarter mile: It blazed through at 107 mph. The engine makes plenty of power everywhere and it sounds great doing it. This is one of the quickest sedans in the class.

　　Handling is just as impressive. The S4 combines quick and accurate steering with standard all-wheel drive for excellent stability. We measured 0.95 g on the skidpad, and we're sure the S4 will impress novice and experienced drivers alike.

　　The S4's brakes offer good stopping power and excellent smoothness around town. But the noisy antilock braking system will raise some eyebrows (and heart rates) in panic-stopping situations due to the loud buzzing and intense vibrations from the antilock hardware. This is really the only performance demerit for the S4.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S4? The S4 is impressively comfortable. Driver fatigue, no matter the road, is minimal. The front seats are very supportive and comfortable, but we'd advise opting for seat ventilation because the nonventilated ones can get stifling on hot days.

　　The adaptive suspension is the way to go on the S4; it's only a bummer that it's optional. Comfort mode handles broken surface roads with ease, while Dynamic mode keeps the body in check even under the most spirited driving. The S4 is relatively silent at all speeds and well isolated from both road and wind noise. In fact, the S4 is so quiet and comfortable that you can forget you're driving a performance sedan.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below