2022 Audi S4
MSRP Range: $51,900 - $60,200 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2022 Audi S4


360°



+63
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Audi S4 excels at combining eye-opening performance with a refined ride, and it offers excellent all-day practicality and comfort. Unfortunately, Audi hasn't integrated its latest technology into the S4 as smoothly as we'd like.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,095 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $52,995 |
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Edmunds suggests you pay | $46,900 |
What Should I Pay
2022 Audi S4 Review


byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
, rating written byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Turbocharged V6 provides strong acceleration
- Poised handling bestows confidence
- Attractive interior with high-quality materials
- Quiet and relaxed over long distances
Cons
- Interior storage is merely adequate
- Touchscreen interface looks like an aftermarket add-on
What's new
- Carbon-fiber interior trim is standard for 2022
- Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017
Overview
The 2022 Audi S4 is a refined high-performance sport sedan. It's quick, capable and attractive, yet it's understated, accommodating and easier on the wallet compared to rivals including the Mercedes-AMG C 43. It doesn't have the flashy styling or loud exhaust found on many high-performance BMWs. Despite that, the S4 is a significant performance upgrade over the A4 and is one notch below the even-higher-performing RS 4.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$196/mo for S4 Premium
S4 Premium
vs
$170/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
The S4 gets its performance chops from a turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive, a sport suspension and upgraded brakes. Its impressive acceleration, athletic handling, well-designed interior, ample tech and comfortable ride make for a great all-around luxury sedan. Check out the Edmunds' Expert Rating below for more information on how the S4 drives, what we think of its tech, our verdict and much more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
great
8.1/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
The Audi S4 excels at combining eye-opening performance with a refined ride, and it offers excellent all-day practicality and comfort. Unfortunately, Audi hasn't integrated its latest technology into the S4 as smoothly as we'd like.
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 skid pad, 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.
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 skid pad, 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.
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 Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2022 Audi S4 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? Well designed from the start, the S4 is one of the easier sedans to use. Switches and controls are clearly labeled and work with pleasing precision. The 10.1-inch touchscreen, with Audi's newest infotainment software, is clear and relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, because of the S4's older interior design, the screen isn't well integrated and looks tacked on.
Getting into the S4 is easy, though taller rear passengers might need to duck. The driver will enjoy one of the best seating positions in the class. The supportive seats allow for plenty of adjustment, as does the nearly perfect steering wheel, and visibility to all sides is very good.
Getting into the S4 is easy, though taller rear passengers might need to duck. The driver will enjoy one of the best seating positions in the class. The supportive seats allow for plenty of adjustment, as does the nearly perfect steering wheel, and visibility to all sides is very good.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? Well-integrated technology has always been a highlight of any modern Audi. The S4 has Audi's newest touchscreen interface, and our test car was also equipped with the optional digital gauge cluster display known as Virtual Cockpit. While the touchscreen's graphics are sharp, the screen looks tacked on.
The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system's sound quality didn't blow us away, but the upgrade from the standard audio system is worth it. Wireless Apple CarPlay capability is standard.
We were less impressed by the S4's advanced driver aids. Many are not standard, a disappointment on a car at this price. On top of that, our test car's forward collision warning system was overly sensitive. On one occasion it made a rather eye-opening overreaction on an open highway with light traffic.
The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system's sound quality didn't blow us away, but the upgrade from the standard audio system is worth it. Wireless Apple CarPlay capability is standard.
We were less impressed by the S4's advanced driver aids. Many are not standard, a disappointment on a car at this price. On top of that, our test car's forward collision warning system was overly sensitive. On one occasion it made a rather eye-opening overreaction on an open highway with light traffic.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Though the S4's trunk isn't large, the load height is reasonable and the cargo area is free of any intrusions or irregularities. The rear seats fold reasonably flat to accommodate larger items, but they must be released from the rear seat area because there aren't any remote releases in the trunk. Interior storage isn't abundant, but there's enough room to keep your phone, sunglasses and parking card well organized and small drinks free and clear of your hands while driving.
Got kids? There are easily accessible child seat anchors hidden below inconspicuous plastic covers. The decent-sized door openings and respectable rear legroom make it relatively easy to install both front- and rear-facing safety seats.
Got kids? There are easily accessible child seat anchors hidden below inconspicuous plastic covers. The decent-sized door openings and respectable rear legroom make it relatively easy to install both front- and rear-facing safety seats.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the Audi S4 returns 24 mpg in combined driving. That number puts it square in the middle of the all-wheel-drive versions of the BMW M340i (26 mpg) and the Mercedes-AMG C 43's (22 mpg). We drove our test S4 on our 115-mile evaluation route and managed a credible 24.5 mpg using 91 octane fuel.
Value
7.5/10
Is the S4 a good value? The S4 is built to the high standards that we've come to expect from Audi. Our test car's exterior trim and paint were flawless, and all interior components fit together well and operated with precision. We're less impressed with the cost of the S4: Our Prestige level test car stickered at more than $65,000. A base S4 starts around $50K but doesn't offer some desirable options, such as the S Sport package. In general, competitors are slightly better equipped for the money.
Warranties are pretty standard for the class with four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. BMW offers three years of free maintenance, which Audi does not, but you can prepay for future service visits when you purchase the S4.
Warranties are pretty standard for the class with four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. BMW offers three years of free maintenance, which Audi does not, but you can prepay for future service visits when you purchase the S4.
Wildcard
9.0/10
The S4 is capable of covering most challenging roads with surprising speed. It is a forgiving and capable partner no matter your skill level. As an added bonus, the S4 is a sleeper; its conservative styling barely hints at the car's potential. It's only when driven hard that the car shows its true capability. This is a highly adaptable car with impressive road manners and performance capability.
Which S4 does Edmunds recommend?
The midlevel Premium Plus trim is the sweet spot in the Audi S4's lineup. It comes with the long list of features found in the base Premium trim and adds a digital instrument panel, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, wireless smartphone charging, and front and rear parking sensors. For added performance, opt for the S Sport package, which adds adaptive suspension dampers, a torque-vectoring rear differential and red brake calipers.
Audi S4 models
The 2022 Audi S4 is available in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. All trims are powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (349 horsepower, 369 lb-ft) backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
Premium
This base trim comes well equipped with feature highlights including:
- 18-inch wheels
- Upgraded sport suspension and brakes (compared to the standard A4)
- Sunroof
- Leather and simulated suede upholstery
- Heated front sport seats
- Heated sideview mirrors
- 10.1-inch touchscreen
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Interior ambient lighting
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (wireless functionality for CarPlay)
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Premium Plus
Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim adds:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Digital instrument panel
- Heated steering wheel
- Faux leather-covered center console and armrests
- Wireless smartphone charging with signal booster
- Auto-dimming, power-folding sideview mirrors
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the S4 when parking)
- Surround-view camera system
- Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Audi and the car in front)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the S4 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
- Passenger safe-exit system (can prevent passengers from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
The top-of-the-line Prestige trim comes with all of the above, plus:
- Upgraded LED headlights
- Navigation system
- Head-up display
- Heated rear seats
- Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Upgraded interior ambient lighting
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
Key packages and stand-alone options for the S4 include:
- Warm Weather package
- Ventilated front seats
- Rear window shades
- S Sport package
- Adaptive suspension
- Upgraded rear differential
- Red brake calipers
- Dynamic steering (an adaptive steering system that adjusts the steering wheel's responsiveness to enhance low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability)
- 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Nappa leather upholstery

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Audi S4 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(71%)
4(8%)
3(8%)
2(4%)
1(9%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Simply Fantastic! Coast to Coast! 2018 S4 Prestige
5 out of 5 starsChris, 07/24/2017
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Coming from a 328i and being a BMW fan in general I was very skeptical, with high expectations, for the S4 and I felt like I was taking a risk when I purchased this car. Looking back, I honestly feel I could not have made a better decision. This car is simply amazing in every way. I recently drove this car coast to coast from New Jersey to San Diego and had plenty of time to break it in. … Ride comfort: 40 hours and 2 1/2 days never went so fast... the Quattro handled torrential downpours to aggressive cornering like a dream. Fatigue was not an issue with the 3-way massaging seats! Driving Dynamics: The S4 accelerates like a rocket and handles like a dream at any speed. The different driving modes are critical as road conditions change. I loved how the Dynamic mode handled the winding mountains in the Southwest with ease and the comfort mode was smooth sailing through the various construction work zones across the country. Tech: The high end gizmos in the new Audi's was what finally pushed me away from BMW and towards Audi. The adjustable color heads up display with Navigation and speed sign recognition worked great! Crossing America, I never had to worry about the changes in the speed limit from a high of 75 to a low of 45 in the work zones... The cameras always caught the sign changes. I had never used lane keeping assist before so there was an adjustment period but once I got used to it... it was a blessing. After hours of driving and possible fatigue it felt like you had a guardian angel by your side giving you gentle nudges to keep you on track day or night. Having Navigation on dual screens is quite nice and extremely customizable, especially zoom in/out with the scroll of your thumb. The only negative I have is that the download speeds of the Audi Connect when searching weather or traffic updates was a bit slow but not surprising considering all the digital processing constantly going on with the car. Overall this car is a dream machine that I plan to enjoy for many years to come.
2018 vs 2010 Audi S4 Prestige
5 out of 5 starsTwowheelsgood, 08/10/2017
2018 Audi S4 Prestige quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
My 2018 Audi S4 (Sport, Cold Weather, and Driver Assistance packages, Dynamic Steering, Nappa leather, 19" wheels, carbon inlays) just passed 60,000 miles so I'm rewriting the whole new review. This car replaced our 2010 Audi S4 Prestige (7A) and we cross-shopped the Mercedes C43 AMG and BMW 340i xDrive.
For the right buyer, that is someone looking for a highly competent real-world … daily, this is a near-perfect car. It is plenty quick for the street (4.3 sec to 60), has strong brakes that are not grabby, and good handling helped by the torque-vectoring diff to give bit of rotation that doesn't feel too artificial or unpredictable. The suspension is supple and allows just enough body roll to give a nice sense of loads and the car has high limits (0.99 g). A sportier suspension would eliminate the roll, but at the expense of brittleness and the sensation of cornering. Steering is accurate, if numb, and has good on-center feel. A sportier exhaust might be more entertaining at times, but I think they judged it well enough, so it makes a decent sound without droning.
The cabin is outstanding, and I much prefer it to the latest generation of Audis and BMWs. The seats are adjustable, supportive for me (5'7", 150 lb), and comfortable for long trips. The dash has the perfect sport layout, namely a central round tach with digital speedo and gear position in the middle. The Bang and Olufsen sound system is very good, though not exceptional.
Compared to my 2010 (B8) S4, the new B9 car has far better suspension compliance and less grabby brakes. Our B8 had the DCT, which was more engaging than the ZF 8-speed in the B9, but put the car at risk of costly repairs. Our DCT started misbehaving around 40,000 miles and various low-cost "repairs" like reprogramming did not cure it. I felt lucky to trade it in before facing a Mechatronic replacement. Tuning of the ZF is decent and the peace of mind is worth the lost character.
Over 60,000 miles following the factory maintenance schedule, our car has had zero mechanical problems. With mostly highway driving, the lifetime average fuel consumption has been 29 mpg. Consumption in the teens is easily possible if you hoon it.
There are few cons, one of which one is serious. In any mode other than Dynamic, the car can be very slow to respond to strong throttle inputs. This can be dangerous if traffic conditions require an immediate burst of acceleration. Tubro lag might be contributing, but I think the main issue is with transmission and accelerator pedal programming. Now that I understand it, I flip to Dynamic mode whenever I anticipate a need for best throttle response, like merging traffic or in some intersection crossings. This is easily done by giving the shift lever a second tug from D. My minor complaint is with poor backup camera image quality. That is compensated by the overhead view that works well.
My only non-OEM changes were fitting Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires and getting aftermarket 18" wheels fitted with Nokian Hakkapelitta winter tires. Both seem like good choices. The OEM Continental summer tires may have had better dry grip, but the Michelins work better in wet and cool conditions and seem to give a bit more feel.
Overall, this is a fantastic car fro the street. From my n=1 experience, buying a used B9 would probably be safe. If I was buying a new car to replace it today , I would probably go with the new BMW M340i which is better in many ways but suffers from iDrive 8. As I'm approaching retirement and will be driving more for fun and less for necessity, I might try to replace our S4 with a new RS3 once the former passes 100,000 miles and if I can snag the latter without dealer markup.
* Acceleration and cornering numbers from a 2018 Car and Driver review.
A joy to drive!
5 out of 5 starsRobert, 08/20/2017
2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
As advised by Edmunds, going with Premium Plus and adding Technology package and S Sport Package seemed to be the best value. Coming from 21 years of driving BMWs, I was doing a lot of research on why change. But with technology platforms changing so fast, I wanted to keep an open mind. It was a surprise that Audi S4 came out on top for me after two test drives and a lot of research. … Interior, Exterior, performance, and driving comfort. Now, after 4 months of daily driving plus several long roadtrips, I'm sure it was the right choice.
Amazing
5 out of 5 starsK Rein, 08/16/2017
2018 Audi S4 Premium Plus quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
I purchased the S4 a couple months ago after researching many other similar vehicles, to include BMW and MB. I came from a 2011 Infinite G37X and while I loved that car, you really cannot compare the two. The Audi is simply the best vehicle I have ever driven. My S4 has the Napa leather package and the S Sport package which I highly recommend. This car handles amazing, it actually … feels like there is someone sitting behind me steering my rear wheels while taking turns or curves at a higher speed. The six piston brakes are awesome also. Anyone who nit picks the steering, suspension, brakes, transmission or anything else on this car is being ridiculous. This car is solid all the way around and this review is coming from your everyday guy. There is nothing I don't love about this car, I look forward to getting into it everyday. Lastly for you audio enthusiasts, the Bang & Olufsen stereo is also amazing. The louder you play it the better it gets. I hope this review helps you when you are trying to make your decision.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2022 Audi S4, so we've included reviews for other years of the S4 since its last redesign.
Helpful shopping links
2022 Audi S4 video
[MUSIC PLAYING] LAUREN MCCAY: Welcome to U-Drags. I'm your host, Lauren McCay from Edmunds. And today, we have a race that plays into some differing personality traits. Over here, I have the 2022 Audi S4. I like to call the traditionalist. And over here, I've got the hipster, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. But first, what is U-Drags? It's a good question. It's a drag race down the track, they're going to do a hard brake, flip it around, and come back. That means in just one single race, we're getting a quarter mile, hard braking, handling, and a rolling start all wrapped in one. That's pretty exciting. It's going to be lit. Once these go down, they're going to come back, we're going to swap drivers, and swap lanes, and run it again. Why? So we can get to know what these cars are really working with, which brings me to their specs. Going head to head, we have the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with 315 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque up against the 2022 Audi S4 with 349 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque. But will the extra 500 pounds in the Audi be enough for the Golf R to take the win? To find out, we have our two expert drivers from the Edmunds test team, Kurt and Jonathan. If you want to see more U-Drags, you know what you got to do. Like and subscribe below to our channel. And if you want a cash offer for your car, head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar for an instant quote. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I am in the Golf R. This is the baddest version of Golf out there. It makes over 300 horsepower. It has all wheel drive. And that all wheel drive system is tuned in a way that it actually feels more rear biased, which makes this car more playful, and more willing to turn. I love this car. I've driven it before. I think the Golf has a chance of pulling out a victory with its power to weight ratio, and just the way that it behaves. For the launch sequence, you have to go through the car settings, go to the brake settings, and that's where you're going to find the electronic stability control system. I'm going to switch that to Off, engine RPM arises, everything turns green. Good to go. KURT NIEBUHR: Audi S4. I'm going to use launch control, put the car in Dynamic Mode. And then you press the ESC button once. That puts it into ESC Sport. I think ESC Sport kind of makes the all wheel drive system a bit sportier, where if you turn everything off, it just kind of deadens everything and the car gets less responsive. At least that's been my experience. I prefer ESC Sport. I would put my money on the Golf. I don't have a lot of money, but I probably would. Then again, now I'm in the Audi. Always bet on yourself. LAUREN MCCAY: All right drivers, here we go. In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Go. KURT NIEBUHR: Got him. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Come on. Come on. Go. Yeah. KURT NIEBUHR: Uh-oh. Uh-oh. No. He's lighter. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I knew it. I knew it. All right, just don't mess this up. KURT NIEBUHR: Come on. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Oh, so close. KURT NIEBUHR: Oh no. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I got it. No. KURT NIEBUHR: Just lighter. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I got it. KURT NIEBUHR: Just a little lighter. Damn it. I got a good exit though. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Bye-bye. Bye-bye. KURT NIEBUHR: Losing is hard work, man. LAUREN MCCAY: It was like the Golf R just left a trail. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Man is this Golf R just well rounded. It has the grip, it has the speed. I thought you got a pretty good launch. And I was like, uh-oh. This could be bad. And then halfway down, I was like, no. I got this. KURT NIEBUHR: The S4 just kind of lacks the snap that the Golf R has. The shifts in this just aren't as quick, just not as abrupt. They don't have that surge to it. So every shift, I would slow down just a beat and you would just pull ahead that much more. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Yeah, I think at the end of the day, what we have to remember is that Audi, that Audi still needs to sort of be a luxury car. It can't be just so aggressive all the time. It needs to have that smoothness that people are probably expecting paying that much money. I mean, this Golf R isn't cheap exactly. But people that buy this know what they're getting. They want performance. KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, and Audi has the RS brand. If you want the all out stuff, and you should, you should buy an RS3. But this car is no slouch. I mean, for a four door, you could put your kid in the back of it and make them sick easy. Well, let's switch sides and I want a shot at that thing. [MUSIC PLAYING] JONATHAN ELFALAN: All right. Now I'm in the S4, the more mature of the two vehicles here. I do think that the Golf has a small dynamic advantage. This car is still plenty capable. So my strategy here is really just focus on getting a really good launch and not trying to overshoot the braking area because I think with the Golf R just a little bit ahead, I may see that red mist and want to push a little deeper in. And that just ends up not being good for me. KURT NIEBUHR: Volkswagen Golf R versus a beautiful blue Audi S4. We already saw in the first race that this car is just that much quicker every step of the way. So I'm hoping that I can start that much quicker and stay that much quicker. I don't want to fall behind. Because it's not that much quicker. It's just that much quicker. LAUREN MCCAY: Here we go. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Go. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Come on, S4. KURT NIEBUHR: Yes. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Oh, come on. KURT NIEBUHR: Oh, where is he? Oh, he's-- JONATHAN ELFALAN: No. KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, just a little faster everywhere. JONATHAN ELFALAN: This looks familiar. All right. Here we go on the brakes. Oh, turn might have overcooked it. Come on. You got this, Audi. KURT NIEBUHR: There we go. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Whoo. Oh, not enough. Oh my God. It's the same thing just switching places. LAUREN MCCAY: No. You know what? It's odd. It's almost like we just saw an identical race. KURT NIEBUHR: Proof that hatchbacks are cooler. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Well, it's proof if they're faster. But yeah, they are also pretty cool. I am a hatchback fan. KURT NIEBUHR: This leaves just a tiny bit quicker. And then it just kind of picks up speed over the Audi just incrementally everywhere all the way down through the quarter mile, braking the cars a little lighter, turn in cars a little crisper. Just everything about it is just that much better. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I mean, the Audi, like you said, is not slow. And it's actually still kind of fun. I got some oversteer at the corner. It'll play with you. It's just not quite as direct as that Golf R is. It just that Golf R just hooks up and it takes off. KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, and as just a total aside, the steering wheel in that Audi is great. But the steering wheel in the R is just that much better. It's kind of shaped here and there. And it just, it makes you want to drive more aggressively. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Yeah, I mean, mine doesn't even have a flat bottom. And I think that's the first element that you need for a sporty experience, right? KURT NIEBUHR: You can't take it seriously unless it's got a flat bottom. LAUREN MCCAY: In race one, the S4 got the jump but didn't keep the lead for very long as the Golf laid down its power and crossed the quarter mile faster than the S4. Its tuned chassis allowed it to keep the lead through the turn pulling a full lateral G. From there, the S4 was shopping at the Gap as the Golf crossed the finish line with its best time at 36.4 seconds. Almost a full second faster than the S4. In race two, the Golf got the jump this time and took a promising lead that we all knew it wasn't going to give up. And check this out. Both cars pulled 1.01 lateral Gs in the turn. The S4 truly gave it its all on this run. But it still wasn't enough to claim the win as the Golf crossed the finish line faster than the S4. Kurt, I'm starting with you. This Golf, it's impressive. KURT NIEBUHR: It is. LAUREN MCCAY: How do you feel? KURT NIEBUHR: I feel that it's a grown-up hot hatch. It's got enough sophistication but it's still playful enough that we'll really have some fun. And it's faster than an S4. And that's a pretty big selling point is you can still have hatchback coolness, all the hatchback practicality. Quicker than your older brother, basically. LAUREN MCCAY: Everybody wants to beat out their older brother, right? Poor Jonathan, sad face over here. JONATHAN ELFALAN: I mean, I did win in that once, OK? LAUREN MCCAY: Fair. JONATHAN ELFALAN: But as an older brother, I feel like that's a strike against an older brother that's very well put together. And classier, maybe a little bit more mature. I mean, it's funny that you have to qualify a hot hatch as a mature hot hatch. But I will have to agree that this is the most mature hot hatch that you can get out of all the hot hatches. I think I would still rather be seen in that. KURT NIEBUHR: And you can be seen in that, be seen in second. LAUREN MCCAY: Ouch. I need some aloe vera for that burn. JONATHAN ELFALAN: Wow, man. Well, we older brothers need to stick together. So-- LAUREN MCCAY: Well, I'm the middle child. So clearly, I'm Switzerland right now. This has been another great U-Drags race. Thanks for stopping in. Look, we're going to have more. So come back. And you get to decide now what you want. You heard it here from the experts. It's your choice. We'll see you next time. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Drag Race! Audi S4 vs. VW Golf R | Hot Hatch vs. Sedan | Horsepower, Top Speed, 0-60, U-Drag & More
The new and improved VW Golf R takes on the Audi S4 sport sedan in our latest video in our U-Drags series. In this drag racing video, Lauren McCay from Edmunds heads back out to the dry lake bed with the 2022 Audi S4 and the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R to see which one of these… high-performance German cars is the fastest. After a two-year absence, the Golf R hot hatch is back and loaded with more horsepower than the previous generation. But will it be enough to take down the high-performance S4 sport sedan and its turbocharged 349-horsepower V6 engine? Which car has the better 0-60 time? Lauren answers these questions and more in our latest U-Drag race between the Audi S4 and the VW Golf R.
2022 Audi S4 Features Specs
Premium
Total MSRP | $52,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $196/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Compare the Audi S4
Audi S4 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Fresh off a 2022 redesign, the C-Class is now the more modern choice of the two. However, the AMG C 43, Mercedes' S4 equivalent, has yet to be released. The 2021 C 43 packs a more powerful turbocharged V6, but it's more expensive. Like the S4, the current C 43 offers quick acceleration and impressive handling dynamics, but unlike the S4, it's also available as a convertible.
Audi S4 vs. BMW 3 Series
The S4 competes with the M340i model in BMW's 3 Series lineup. Both luxury sedans have strong turbocharged six-cylinder engines, but the M340i is offered with rear- and all-wheel drive. The BMW will set you back more, even though it lacks some of the standard features found in the S4 such as heated seats and certain advanced driver aids. When it comes to comfort, the S4 has the advantage.
Audi S4 vs. Audi S3
As with most Audi lineups, the A3 has its own high-performance model. The S3 is an appealing, but smaller, alternative to the S4. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes less power, though in Edmunds' testing it was only 0.3 second slower to 60 mph. Thanks to its smaller size and nimble handling, the S3 is arguably more fun to drive. It also sports a more modern exterior and interior design due to its 2022 redesign.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite S4 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense City
- Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Audi Active Lane Assist
- Steers the S4 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
- Audi Connect
- Includes a variety of connection services, such as roadside assistance. In an accident, emergency responders are contacted automatically.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | Not Rated |
Driver | Not Rated |
Passenger | Not Rated |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | Not Rated |
Back Seat | Not Rated |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 5 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 9.9% |
FAQ
Is the Audi S4 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 S4 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 S4 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 24 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S4 has 12.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi S4. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Audi S4?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Audi S4:
- Carbon-fiber interior trim is standard for 2022
- Part of the fifth A4 generation introduced for 2017
Is the Audi S4 reliable?
To determine whether the Audi S4 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S4. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S4's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Audi S4 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Audi S4 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 S4 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 S4 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 24 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 S4 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Audi S4?
The least-expensive 2022 Audi S4 is the 2022 Audi S4 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $51,900.
Other versions include:
- Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $51,900
- Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $55,500
- Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $60,200
What are the different models of Audi S4?
If you're interested in the Audi S4, the next question is, which S4 model is right for you? S4 variants include Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of S4 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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