Until the inevitable RS model arrives, the new Audi S4 is the current range-topper in the firm’s A4 junior-exec line-up. Fast Audis like this have always been incredibly capable, blending continent-crushing performance with comfort and usability, but have traditionally been a little short on involvement, so can this latest S4 deliver on all fronts?
As you’d expect, performance is up. Underneath the bonnet is a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 pushing out 349bhp. Coupled to a new eight-speed auto and Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system it means the S4 Avant can leap off the line and on to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds.
With 500Nm of torque spread wide from as low as 1,370rpm to 4,500rpm it means the S4 delivers near RS levels of real-world performance without that car’s more exotic price tag.
Prices are estimated to start from around £43,000 for this S4 Avant, so it’s still not cheap, but few cars offer as much all-round capability.
The V6 is urgent low down – you have to push past a bit of lag at low revs but it’s muscular in the mid-range, revving with a nice linearity. Four-wheel drive means you can make the most of every last horsepower at your disposal too, and there’s plenty of traction on offer, with as much as 85 per cent of power being sent to the rear wheels thanks to the latest generation quattro system.
The turbocharged 3.0 TFSI unit emits a muted but creamy growl, treading the line between theatre and refinement, but leaning slightly more towards the latter. The gearbox contributes towards this too, as it slurs shifts nicely in auto mode and makes a good fist of quick changes using the manual paddles, even if it isn’t as fast as a dual clutch.
While it might have rivals like the BMW 340i beaten for straight-line performance, the Audi can’t match it for involvement from behind the wheel. The S4’s steering is light and quick, and with lots of grip to lean on you can be accurate with how you drive the car.
But the chassis feels less engaging than in competitors like the BMW. Our test car was fitted with Audi’s dynamic steering option, which on the S4 is better than previous systems, but it still isn’t brimming with feel.
It handles nicely, though, with the car braking an inside rear wheel to help turn-in. And with Audi’s optional Sport diff, featuring torque vectoring on the rear axle, it helps to give a slightly more rear-lead feel on the way out of corners.
The trade-off between ability on a back road and effortless cruising on the motorway is where the S4’s real appeal lies though – and with a 505-litre boot in estate form, you can add flexibility to that list.
Relatively modest 18-inch wheels are fitted as standard (19s are extra and fitted here), and with optional adaptive dampers the ride is supple and controlled in Comfort mode over all but the worst tarmac, offering a decent level of compliance despite the 23mm lower suspension compared to the regular A4.
As you’d expect, dynamic mode tightens up the dampers with tauter control, and while it limits body roll the S4 flows better in the softer setting, absorbing bumps with a more gentle edge to the chassis.
This level of refinement means you appreciate the exquisitely constructed interior all the more. Material quality is first class, while touches like Alcantara on the doors and the sports seats highlight the S4’s position in the range. With tech like Audi’s virtual cockpit widescreen digital display on offer – including a new sport mode here – there’s plenty of advanced technology that’d make the S4 effortless to live with.
The extra S-specific styling mods only add a few more muscular design features, including the gently swollen sills, quad tailpipes, bright mirrors and a small boot lip spoiler, so the S4 looks understated. You’ll need a keen eye to pick it out compared to a standard S line model, but for many this discreet look combined with easily accessible performance and practicality will be the attraction.
Claimed efficiency of 37.7mpg and 171g/km CO2 is also decent given the performance on offer, and while you might not hit these economy highs if you tap into the rich reserve of power from the V6, it’ll still be acceptably frugal on a cruise.
- Model: Audi S4 Avant
- Price: £43,000 (est)
- Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol
- Power/torque: 349bhp/500Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 4.9 seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Economy/CO2: 37.7mpg/171g/km
- On sale: Summer 2016