A car for unpretentious prestige performance fans
When it comes to Audis, I like to think of the cars with the ‘S’ designation as more sporty and speedy. Thus, the S4 is the performance variant of the more sedate A4, a stalwart in the Audi lineup for many years.
Audi’s philosophy behind its S models is to have a car a bit sportier than their regular models without shouting about it, and the S4 does just that. The S4 is an excellent example of a fast, well-finished and good-looking car that isn’t overdone. It certainly ticks all the boxes - luxury, elegance, performance and outstanding driving dynamics. The B9 S4 is like the B8 S4, but obviously much better.
The new S4 is powered by a new direct injection turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, mated with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. The outgoing supercharged 3.0-litre V6 was a great engine, but this one is better and 14 kg lighter to boot. It’s more powerful and also more fuel efficient. The new motor now puts out maximum power of 260kw, while peak torque of 500nm is available from 1,370-4,500rpm; meaning acceleration is no doubt quick right from the get-go. Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 4.7 seconds, and fuel consumption of just 7.3L/100kms. Power is sent to the road through Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The S4 cuts a neat silhouette, while few bits of kit help to distinguish it from its milder A4 siblings. To the untrained eye, it will be hard to distinguish the S4 from an A4 dressed up with the S line package. There are other subtle hints that set the S4 apart including large 19” rims, while other minor details, like the aluminium coloured mirrors, a subtle rear wing, a drop of 23mm in ride height, and slightly pronounced side sills silently shouts about what really lies underneath. The optional six-piston red brake calipers also help the S4 stand out from the crowd. At the rear, a set of quad pipes and a red “S4” badge hint of its performing ability.
Just like the previous Audis, the S4 blends luxury and sportiness into a magnificent cabin. A sophisticated dash board and sculpted sports seats are some of the interior highlights of this sporty sedan. As you would imagine, the quality of the interior plastics are obviously irreproachable, and in typical Audi fashion everything feels bank-vault solid. The S4 also makes use of Audi's yet-to-be-beaten optional "virtual cockpit" 12.3-inch digital driver's display, which can be reconfigured to suit the driver's taste. There’s also a centrally mounted 8.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. At night, LED light conductors trace the contours of the doors and the center console – in 30 colors with the optional ambient light package. Thanks to the vehicle’s excellent aero-acoustics, the interior noise level is exceptionally low.
The S4 may fly under the radar with its rather conservative styling, and it might not be the most powerful car in its class, but it’s what’s underneath that really matters here and the S4 has most definitely got the goods. Priced at R809 000, the new S4 could very well provide the best value of all when it comes to European sport sedans.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi S4 cost in South Africa?
The Audi S4 starts from around R1,200,000 in South Africa, making it a premium performance saloon that sits well above the standard A4 range but below the full-fat RS4.
Q: Is the Audi S4 worth buying over a BMW 340i or Mercedes-AMG C43?
The S4 offers better all-weather performance thanks to Quattro all-wheel drive and a more understated design, while the BMW 340i is rear-wheel drive focused and the C43 is more aggressive looking, so your choice depends on whether you want subtle speed or something more shouty.
Q: How fast is the Audi S4 and what's the fuel consumption like?
The S4 hits 100kph in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 260kW turbocharged V6 engine, while still managing a reasonable 7.3L/100km fuel consumption figure for a performance car.
Q: What are the main differences between the Audi A4 and S4?
The S4 gets a much more powerful 260kW turbocharged V6 engine instead of the A4's milder options, plus Quattro all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and subtle styling tweaks like quad exhausts and aluminium mirrors.
Should You Buy It?
The best understated performance saloon under R1,300,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Audi S4. This is a car that gives you proper sports car acceleration in a suit and tie package, perfect for those who want to go fast without looking like they're trying too hard. The 260kW turbocharged V6 is a peach of an engine, the Quattro system means you can use all that power in any weather, and the build quality is typically Audi excellent. Yes, you'll pay around R1,200,000 for the privilege, but you're getting a car that's genuinely quick, beautifully finished, and won't scream "midlife crisis" like some of its flashier rivals. If you want performance with maturity, buy it.
