2009 Audi S4 Review
2009 Audi S4 Review





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Used S4 for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Plentiful power, standard all-wheel drive, attractive and well-crafted cabin.
Cons
- Cramped backseat, convertible's aging design.
What’s new
For 2009, the Audi S4 sedan and wagon have been temporarily discontinued as Audi readies new versions based on the latest A4 generation. The convertible version of the Audi S4 carries over unchanged.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Audi S4 is still a decent high-performance small luxury car, although the aging Cabriolet is rapidly becoming eclipsed by competitors. A forthcoming all-new sedan and wagon should thrust the S4 back near the head of the pack.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Audi S4 quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M) 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 $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$312/mo for S4 quattro
S4 quattro
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When Audi released its latest-generation S4 in 2004, it broke new ground by stuffing a 4.2-liter V8 under the S4's relatively compact hood. This, along with a sport-tuned suspension, bigger wheels and more powerful brakes, allowed the S4 to take on any of its high-performance German competitors. But times have changed. No longer is 340 horsepower a jaw-dropping spec in this segment, and nonperformance versions of rival cars now match (or beat) the S4's specs.
For the 2009 Audi S4, only the convertible version remains as a carryover from last year. The sedan and wagon have been dropped, as Audi is presumably readying new versions. A fully redesigned A4 sedan appeared this year, and it will serve as the template for the new S4 when it debuts. As for this year's S4 convertible, it maintains its good looks and excellent interior quality, two of the model's best selling points.
Because other brands have considerably upped the ante on their high-performance models, the S4 convertible no longer directly competes with the likes of the BMW M3. The Audi now sits, price- and power-wise, between the 300-hp BMW 335i convertible and the 382-hp Mercedes-Benz CLK550. From this vantage point, the 2009 Audi S4 remains a solid choice for those looking for extra oomph in their small luxury convertible.
Performance & mpg
The Audi S4 is fitted with a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 340 hp and 302 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. The latter transmission allows manual-style shifting via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system employs a 40/60 front-to-rear power split in normal situations to give the car a more dynamic attitude when cornering. Audi claims that an S4 Cabriolet with the manual transmission can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
Fuel economy for the 2009 Audi S4 cabriolet is rated at 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined for the manual transmission, and a slightly better 14/21/16 mpg for the automatic.
Safety
Stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist and front-seat side airbags (for both chest and head protection) are standard on the 2009 Audi S4 convertible.
Driving
Even though its numbers aren't comparatively as impressive as they once were, the 2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet still packs plenty of power and ability. The S4's top-notch underpinnings result in excellent handling on demanding roads, while still maintaining a comfortable ride. The Audi doesn't offer the precision handling of BMW's 3 Series, but the extra traction provided by the all-wheel-drive system just might make the S4 worthwhile, especially in areas of the country where otherwise sun-loving drivers have to navigate through inclement weather in the winter months.
Interior
Like every Audi, the 2009 S4 convertible features superb materials, excellent fit and finish, and efficient controls (although the optional navigation system isn't particularly user-friendly). The two-person rear seat is fine for children and small adults, but otherwise it's cramped. Cargo space is decent for a compact luxury convertible; total luggage capacity is 10.2 cubic feet, more than its German rivals.
2009 Audi S4 models
The 2009 Audi S4 is currently available only as a convertible (Cabriolet) in one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, performance tires, a power-operated and sound-insulated soft top, xenon HID headlights, 12-way power-adjustable seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, heated front seats, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.
Options include heated rear seats, a navigation system, a rear parking system, iPod connectivity and a Convenience package that adds 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, driver-seat memory and a Bose premium sound system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Audi S4.
5 star(82%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
43 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Road Machined
Road Machine, 12/24/2006
2007 Audi S4 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
This is my second S4; a black on black automatic sedan with carbon fibre trim; bluetook; parktronic; premium sound; navigation and front heated seats. The car is sensational - even better than the first. The combination of the handling with the steering wheel controlled tiptronic transmission is fantastic. The navigation is a first for me and is a fascinating feature as in the bluetooth … cell phone feature which is a must option in my view. This is a great road and highway vehicle; it comes close to handling as well as my 2004 40th Anniversary Porsche 911 coupe with short shifter, sport exhaust and H&R springs. The AWD with snows makes for year-round fun in the northeast. In short, worth the $$.
4.88 out of 5 stars
First months of ownership
RX Express, 05/07/2007
2007 Audi S4 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)
This is my first Audi/German car. I was looking for a fun, safe, classy car that would accommodate my 6 year old twins. I looked at all cars under 60k. The S4 fulfilled all my expectations and more. I still find new features on the car, i.e. the way it channels rain over the car not on the side windows and the memory of seat, mirror and climate settings tied to the remote. The build … quality is excellent. It is so solid. The speed is addictive. Cornering is phenomenal. It's limits cannot be safely explored on the street. I am a quattro convert.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Bang for the buck
mikebs4, 06/22/2012
2007 Audi S4 quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Simply the best car I have owned and here is my list of previous cars: 07 M5, 05 M3, 06 Cayman, 03 M5.
Just purchased a 07 S4 convertible with 24k miles.
This is an outstanding car for the money.
It performs very well, goes where you point it and blazing fast.
I smile every time I turn the key in the morning.
Gas mileage is what it is and you can average over 20mpg in the city if you … baby it. I have a family of 4 and this car is the perfect machine for a daily driver and fun for the dad.
And that Audi craftsmanship, you cant go wrong there either.
4.75 out of 5 stars
I love this car
Edmund, 10/08/2008
2007 Audi S4 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 6M)
This car is awesome. In no way too flashy. The audi S4 performs really well and gets the job done on the road. I chose it mainly because I wanted a complete package I could enjoy for years to come. It is also a pretty rare car and I have only seen one more other exact car as mine on the road. I have the dtm package on black so its a very low profile look. The exhaust sound is very … menacing stock and it sounds amazing with the windows down. The transmission shifts smoothly and the power is across the whole power band. Its amazing how you don't have to wait for any turbo to give you the extra power you need. Its all there.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Audi S4, so we've included reviews for other years of the S4 since its last redesign.
2009 S4 Highlights
Base MSRP | $57,125 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $312/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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