Audi S4 Review

2010 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro Sedan

There have been four movies in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise. Dozens of high-performance cars have been featured in each film, yet none of them has been an Audi S4. A grave injustice? Somehow, we think this slighting will suit the typical S4 owner just fine.

Unlike the rather ridiculous cars in the movie series, Audi's S4 is an ideal real-world performance car that delivers high levels of both luxury and performance. Based on Audi's A4 luxury sport sedan, the S4 features hardware modifications that increase the car's capabilities in regards to acceleration, braking and handing.

Throughout its various iterations, the S4 has boasted superior traction thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, understated but handsome looks and an attractive cabin with high-quality interior materials. The availability of multiple body styles is another plus. On the downside, the S4 has typically lacked the crisp handling performance offered by some other competing cars. Overall, though, we hold the Audi S4 in high regard. And rest assured, the S4 won't be appearing in an "FATF" flick anytime soon.

Current Audi S4

Though Audi is currently readying an all-new S4 sedan and wagon based on the latest, redesigned A4, the current Audi S4 is based on an older platform and is currently available as a convertible (Cabriolet) only. Under its hood is a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Compared to the A4 convertible on which it's based, the S4 also has additional performance-oriented modifications, including a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires, and more powerful brakes.

Inside, front occupants are treated to a comfortable and functional cockpit. Although the rear seat is fine for small children, adults seated back there will likely complain about a shortage of legroom. Leather seating is standard, and interior trim, lighting and controls are all of high quality. Other standard items include a power-operated soft top, power front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. A navigation system is optional, but difficult to use because of an antiquated electronics interface.

Used Audi S4 Models

The current Cabriolet is part of the fourth-generation Audi S4 that debuted for the 2006 model year. For the S4 sedans and Avant wagons, production ended after the 2008 model year. 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. The sedan and wagon got these upgrades in 2006 at the start of the generational cycle, but the Cabriolet wasn't updated until the 2007 model year.

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 later car, 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 M3 or Mercedes' C32. In reviews, 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.

Previous to this model, 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.

As is the case for many performance-oriented cars, there is a chance that a used Audi S4 has been driven harshly. Many have also been modified for additional performance. Interested buyers would be wise to spend additional effort on vehicle inspection. Feature-wise, there is not much difference between the years of this generation, though S4 enthusiasts typically gravitate to late-build 2001s and 2002s.

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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC AUDI S4 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.