2011 Audi S4 Review
2011 Audi S4 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Superb supercharged V6
- sharp handling
- sumptuous interior trappings
- excellent fuel economy.
Cons
- Artificial steering feel
- button-happy control layout
- old MMI controller is standard equipment.
What’s new
HD radio and a rearview camera are now included in the Navigation package; blind-spot assist is offered as a stand-alone option; the Titanium Sport Package includes 19-inch wheels with interior and exterior trim pieces.
Edmunds says
The sonorous V8 is still absent, but we don't miss it. The 3.0-liter supercharged 2011 Audi S4 remains an invigorating performance machine in a stealthy sedan body.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$223/mo for S4 Premium Plus quattro
S4 Premium Plus quattro
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
We thought we'd miss the V8 that powered the last-generation Audi S4. Thought we'd pine for its 4.2-liter song, its substrata rumble summoning visions of Saturday night drag racing in Bavaria. But it turns out that the supercharged V6 in the 2011 Audi S4 is every bit as good as its predecessor, and even better in some regards. It accelerates the S4 from zero to 60 faster. It releases prodigious torque in the humblest parts of the power band. With two fewer cylinders, it sits farther back of the front axle and helps the S4 achieve a weight distribution of 55 percent front/45 percent rear. And it delivers the best fuel economy in its class.
Sorry, V8: out of sight, out of mind.
The V6's sublime response is matched to the S4's equally obedient transmission and chassis. The standard six-speed manual offers the purest driver's experience, but the optional seven-speed automated manual is just as sweet and even returns better mileage. All-wheel drive comes standard and sends 60 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels. Hard-core tarmac attackers can opt for the Driver Select package, a system that includes adjustable suspension damping, steering assist and an active rear differential.
Derived from the regular A4 sedan, the S4 boasts a high-quality cabin with leather seating and clear, attractive gauges. An excellent navigation system and optional Bang & Olufsen premium audio system make the journey to your destination a multisensory affair. But controls for simple functions like fan adjustment, for example, are needlessly complex, and Audi's MMI (Multi Media Interface) only ranks about average for its ease of use.
For most enthusiast drivers, the S4's combination of performance and all-wheel-drive practicality should be just about perfect. Of course, there are other choices to consider. Price-wise, the 2011 Audi S4 competes most closely with sedans like the BMW 335i and Lexus IS 350. The BMW is normally the standard-bearer in this segment, but the S4 edged it out in our last comparison test. Just be careful with adding options; a loaded S4 can shoot past $60,000, at which point you're in league with the 2011 BMW M3, 2011 Cadillac CTS-V and 2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Still, with its class-leading fuel economy, Olympian balance and flowing rivers of supercharged V6 torque, the S4 is a great pick.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Audi S4 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through Audi's AWD system, which features a torque split of 40 percent front/60 percent rear. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (S tronic) is optional. A sport rear differential (which varies torque between the rear wheels) is also available.
In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped S4 sprinted from zero to 60 in a quick 4.9 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is above average for this class of car, with 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the manual. The S tronic returns 1 mpg more on the highway.
Safety
The 2011 Audi S4 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and hill-hold for the manual transmission. Rear side airbags are optional. Also optional is "Active Braking Guard," an element of the adaptive cruise control. If it detects an imminent collision, it alerts the driver and primes the brakes for full stopping power. In Edmunds brake testing, the S4 stopped from 60 mph in a short 109 feet.
In government crash testing, using revised guidelines for 2011, the S4 earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested the S4, although the related Audi A4 earned a top "Good" rating in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.
Driving
The 2011 Audi S4 is a sharp-handling car, with tenacious AWD traction and little body roll to speak of. Although it corners extraordinarily well, it also provides a reasonably comfortable ride. The optional Audi Drive Select system pushes the S4 into full-tilt mode at the press of a button. As a nearly $4,000 option however, we'd skip it; the S4's standard suspension, throttle and steering calibrations will suffice for most. The only downside to the S4's handling is its steering, which feels artificial with sometimes unpredictable weighting.
The supercharged V6 is a smooth, strong engine with instantaneous throttle response. Aside from the subdued supercharger whine, you'd probably never guess there's forced induction going on under the hood. The standard manual transmission shifts smoothly, though its clutch travel and shifter throws are a bit long. An excellent alternative is the dual-clutch automated manual transmission. It snaps off rapid shifts either by itself or through your own inputs via wheel-mounted shifters. Even if you're a serious driver, there's no shame in ordering this automatic option.
Interior
The Audi S4's cabin is one of the nicest in this class. The control layout is attractive, if button-happy, and the seats are both supportive and comfortable. Available two-tone color schemes add a bit of flair.
The MMI controls are conveniently arrayed around the console-mounted shifter on models equipped with the navigation system. However, in S4s without navigation, the controls are mounted on the center stack and reaching forward to operate them is a hassle. This MMI is also an older design, with inferior graphics, more confusing menus and no joystick-like knob that makes certain inputs easier.
Other controls are generally intuitive and well laid-out, though accessing certain features can be frustrating. Adjusting fan speed, for example, is a two-step process. Like the A4, the S4 features a roomy cabin that can accommodate four adults for an extended drive. Trunk space is average for this class of car, with 12 cubic feet.
2011 Audi S4 models
The 2011 Audi S4 is a high-performance sedan available with either the Premium Plus or Prestige option packages.
Standard equipment for the Premium Plus includes 18-inch wheels with summer tires, a sunroof, automatic xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, foglights, automatic wipers, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power sport seats, leather and faux-suede upholstery, heated front seats, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, a dash-mounted MMI electronics controller and a 10-speaker stereo with single-CD player, iPod interface, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The S4 Prestige adds 19-inch wheels, a rearview camera, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, driver memory functions, keyless ignition/entry, voice controls, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, an MMI controller mounted on the center console and a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage, real-time traffic and HD radio.
The navigation system with rearview camera is optional for the Premium Plus package, as is the upgraded audio system. The Audi Drive Select Package, available for Prestige models, adds adaptive suspension dampers, an enhanced steering system, a sport rear differential that can distribute torque individually to each rear wheel, and selectable driving settings. Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, full leather seats and a power rear sunshade with manual rear side shades.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Audi S4.
5 star(97%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Audi S4
car510, 04/09/2011
2011 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 6M)
This Audi S4 is now my 10th car, and it exceeds all my expectations.
Over the years, I've had a BMW 325, 328, 335, and a Lexus IS 350.
The Audi S4 exterior is beautiful, the interior
is gorgeous, and the drive is outstanding.
I love having a manual transmission, and the Audi Drive Select takes driving to a different level.
Even the base stereo system is pretty good.
I'm not an … audiophile, so I was concerned about not getting the B&O system; but I have no regrets.
It's loud, it's crisp, there's an amplifier, a subwoofer, tweeters, speakers, and it gets the job done.
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent vehicle!
Larry, 06/06/2010
2010 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM)
The car is absolutely, all around, excellent! I have owned a BMW M3, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes E350. This blows all of them away!! Fast, Fun, Quality and space makes this a best buy in my book! I love the style, gas mileage and absolute fun I have when I drive it. I read a review somewhere that said don't test drive unless you are ready to write the check. No truer words have been … spoken.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best All-around
harold_k, 04/27/2013
2010 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM)
This car simply has it all. Compared to competitors it has the best interior of any, classy, luxurious, quality. It's fast, but not too fast to use on the street. The handling is superb, traction is outstanding especially with the Active Rear Dif option. It is grown up and elegant, a head turner anywhere, but aggressive without being gaudy and can be turned loose and feel like a pure … speed machine. Take it on seriously curvy switch-back type mountain roads and you will realize was this car was born to do. It is the perfect all- a-rounder, not a kid racer and not a stuffy old guy car. It is a perfect blend of all aspects the someone looking at this range of car could want.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2011 Audi S4 Premium Plus with S Tiptronic
bdknights, 09/09/2011
2011 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 7AM)
I just purchased this car as a CPO with 7700 miles on it.
It is Meteor Gray with black/red interior.
Options include the Nappa leather package, Bang & Olufsen stereo, Pirelli P-Zero's, and iPod connection.
The performance of the vehicle is incredible at every level.
I sold a '04 BMW M3 and '02 Porsche 911 because I needed an AWD vehicle.
The S4 performs equally or better than both of … those vehicles.
Power is instantaneous and shifting is smooth and controlled.
Interior design is well laid out with easy access to controls.
The MMI system takes a little getting used to but overall it functions well once it is learned.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Audi S4, so we've included reviews for other years of the S4 since its last redesign.
2011 S4 Highlights
Base MSRP | $47,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $223/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat4 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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