Extreme competition can make shopping for the right compact German sport sedan a daunting task. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all offer compelling vehicles at similar prices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. In this video, we focus on things you should know about the Audi S4, which is one of our favorites in the segment.
The 2018 Audi S4 is a very attractive proposition for car shoppers wanting something between a traditional entry-level sport sedan and the ultimate high-performance, and oftentimes compromised, variant. In Audi's case, the S4 is more expensive and capable than the lesser A4, but it's more attainable and well rounded than the extreme RS4.
Standard feature highlights for the base S4 Premium Plus trim include 18-inch wheels with summer tires, a sunroof, Audi Select drive modes, Audi's MMI infotainment system with a 7-inch display, heated front sport seats with power-adjustable side bolsters and massage functions, a rearview camera, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, low-speed forward collision warning and mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Prestige trim adds a virtual intrument panel, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, a navigation system, an 8.3-inch display, and the Audi Connect system (with a Wi-Fi hotspot, vehicle monitoring and some remote feature control through an app). All of these items are available as options on the Premium Plus trim with the Technology package.
We highly recommend adding the S Sport package that includes adaptive suspension and sport rear differential. Also available is the Driver Assistance package that adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams and a traffic sign reader.
At the moment, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 sedan is the S4's closest competitor and is similarly priced. It also delivers matching levels of driving exhilaration. The C43 has a more traditional luxury car feel while the S4 is more minimalistic and tidy, even though feature content is comparable.
The BMW 340i xDrive sedan is a little less expensive, but in order to make it competitive with either the Audi or the Mercedes, you'd have to load it up with M Sport options, bringing the price up to a similar level. The 340i is somewhat handicapped in this race since it's older, having been out for about four years.
For the time being, the 2018 Audi S4 is the class leader. It delivers impressive performance with no appreciable sacrifice in comfort or refinement. Use all of Edmunds' available tools to help you find the perfect one.
2018 Audi S4 Overview
The 2018 Audi S4 is offered in the following submodels: Sedan. Available styles include Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). S4 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 S4 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 S4 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Audi S4?
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $65920. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3991 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3991 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $61929.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $60575. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3469.2 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3469.2 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $57105.8.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 5.7% below the MSRP.
We are showing 3 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $60575. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3609 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3609 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $56966.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 5 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $65815. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3985 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3985 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $61830.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $65730. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3979 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3979 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $61751.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $65375. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3979 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3979 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $61396.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $66030. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3963 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3963 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $62067.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $64165. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $2000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $62165.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 3.1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
The 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $61380. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is trending $3698 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $3698 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $57682.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) is 6% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) 2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Audi S4 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi S4 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 S4 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What do people think of the 2018 Audi S4? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Audi S4 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 S4 a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 S4.
Vehicle Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Review After much cross shopping, including the Mercedes C43 AMG, I ended up replacing my 2010 Audi S4 Prestige (7A) with a relatively loaded 2018 S4 (S- Sport and winter packages, 19" wheels, Dynamic Steering). I've only had it for one week so this just my first impression, which is mixed. What's better in the 2018 S4: suspension (more compliant with no loss of grip); brakes (less grabby with no loss of stopping power); steering (still lacks feel but quicker and more accurate, particularly off center); front seat adjustability; instrument panel; parking & driver aids; headlights; fuel economy. What's better on the 2010 S4: exterior styling (except the lights); throttle response; transmission (DCT); difference in driving experience in different mode settings (comfort, auto, dynamic). It looks like the 2018 wins by a knockout but it doesn't. The new car is really let down by a tendency to bog on initial throttle application. It feels like some combination of poor transmission tuning, a very soft throttle tip-in setup, and some degree of turbo lag. It can be a party pooper and the car doesn't come alive in Dynamic mode they way the old one did. We'll see if the 2018 S4 grows in on over time. I've already discovered that using the paddle shifters helps with throttle response. I've already shifted this car "manually" in one week more than I did in the old S4 over seven years. The ZF 8-speed in the new S4 responds pretty quickly to the paddles but doesn't cope well with stacked downshift requests. I read that the terrific new 10-speed auto in high performance Chevies drops multiple gears in an instant. More to follow once my new S4 passs the 1,000 mile break in period. Edmunds asked for an update, so here it is at 5,000 miles (February 2018). I have warmed up to this car considerably. The performance is sneaky in that very potent acceleration, cornering and braking occur with so little fuss that it's easy to caught out going much faster than appreciated. It reminds me of riding my BMW S1000RR in that regard. What is really impressive is how well a car with this performance deals with slogging on the daily commute. When surrounded by other cars that limit enjoyment, I put the car in Auto or Comfort mode, set the dynamic cruise control (on secondary roads as well as highways) and let the car deal with it while I listen to the excellent B&O sound system. When conditions and traffic permit, I switch to the Dynamic mode with or without manual shifting and go for it. The steering and handling are excellent and with the sport diff the car actually wants to rotate, which is a rarity in front-engine Audis. The issue of delayed downshifts and throttle response persist but these are largely eliminated when Dynamic and Manual are selected. I think my original disappointment with Dynamic mode was because I followed the recommendations for light throttle inputs during break-in. There is now a distinct difference between modes, Dynamic is very crisp but happily does not cause the ride to become too brittle or edgy. The only other irksome problem I've had so far is a weak HomeLink transmitter. I have to carry the remote in the car because the built-in unit often fails to open or close the garage door. I believe this is because they relocated the transmitter from under the front fascia in the B8 to somewhere in the back end of the car in the B9 version. Indeed, if the HomeLink doesn't get a response when I approach nose-in, I can turn the car around and present the back end to the garage and it will work. But that's tiresome so I keep the remote in the car. Seems a dumb fault in $65K luxury sedan. I had no such problem with by B8 S4 or with my '14 Audi Q5 TDI. So as you can see, I have warmed up considerably to this car and would strongly recommend it to any enthusiast who wants a 4-season sport sedan that copes equally well with felonious speeds and daily driving. Every time I get in the car I look forward to driving it and the interior, including the virtual cockpit. I have also been saved a few times now by Audi Pre-Sense, Lane Assist and Cross Traffic Assist, so the technology is excellent. At 5,000 miles there have been no mechanical issues with the car and it will easily get 24-25 mpg measured at the pump unless relentlessly flogged in which case it will be in the teens. One last point - when I bought the car I was told by an Audi service manager that the 18" Audi OEM wheels I used for winter in my B8 S4 would fit the B9. Wrong! These wheels didn't clear the calipers of the new car so I had to buy aftermarket 18s to which I fitted Nokian Hakkas. Not the sportiest winter tire but absolutely the best in terms of stopping and going in snow.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 Audi S4
2018 Audi S4 inventory listings Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Audi S4 for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 35 new and 54 used and CPO 2018 S4s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 47500 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Audi S4. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 6367 on a new, used, or CPO 2018 S4 available from one of 2630 dealerships in your area.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2018 audi s4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended) 24 combined MPG 21 city MPG/30 highway MPG
2018 audi s4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), 8-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (recommended) 24 combined MPG 21 city MPG/30 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Audi S4?
Available Audi S4 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, Convertible
Available Audi S4 2018 Trims: Premium Plus quattro, Prestige quattro, quattro
Exterior Colors: Brilliant Black, Mythos Black Metallic, Ibis White, Navarra Blue Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Tango Red Metallic, Florett Silver Metallic, Glacier White Metallic, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Estoril Blue Crystal Effect, Brilliant Red, Light Silver Metallic, Misano Red Pearl Effect, Monsoon Gray Metallic, Moro Blue Pearl Effect, Arctic White, Aviator Grey Metallic - Audi Exclusive, Deep Sea Blue Pearl Effect, Ebony Black Pearl Effect, Meteor Gray Pearl Effect, Sepang Blue Pearl Effect, Sprint Blue Pearl Effect
Interior Colors: Black premium leather, Black leather/sueded microfiber, Rotor Gray leather/sueded microfiber, Black/Silver premium leather, Magma Red premium leather, Black/Red Fine Nappa premium leather, Black/Silver leather/sueded microfiber, Silver w/Black Piping, Black/Brown Fine Nappa premium leather, Black/Red premium leather, Ebony, Ebony premium leather, Red w/Black Piping
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Auto Climate Control, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Aux Audio Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Bluetooth, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Heated seats, Post-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Leather Seats, Navigation, Parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, USB Inputs, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Keyless Entry/Start, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system, Back-up camera, Mobile Internet, 360-degree camera, Heads up display, Adaptive Cruise Control, Soft Top, Upgraded Stereo, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Cooled Seats
