The Audi S4 has a long and important history for the company, beginning it’s life in 1991 and continuing with the current Type 8W B9 version reviewed here.  Over the years there have been some great versions – the B5 with its twin turbo motor tuners could spin to the stars, the B6 and B7 with their sonorous V8 motors, and the B8 with its elastic and broad chested supercharged V6.

The current version, released in 2017 as a 2018 model, looks to continue this tradition by offering buyers a combination of sure footed sport, everyday sedan practicality, and an extra dose of punch.  The stats for the single turbo V6 are very competitive, offering up 354 hp and 369 lb torque, which can haul this 3800 lbs sports sedan from 0 – 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a regulated top speed of 155 mph.

Like many, I’m suspicious of Audi’s claimed hp and torque figures because they seem under represented.  I would guess about 400 hp and equivalent torque.  For some time now, German firms have “managed” these figures and argued they represent power and performance numbers for 80% of worldwide conditions – from sea level into the Alps or Rockies.  Thus, for those at or near sea level they get an extra helping of performance.

The quattro system is enormously sure footed and given its sporting focus – unlike all wheel drive systems from some competitors – a driver feels absolutely locked to the road.  While firm, the Continental Super Contacts provided excellent grip.  The adjustable suspension – part of the Drive Select system – has four settings and there are genuine differences among them.  I used all of them, ultimately settling for Comfort suspension because our roads in Virginia can be very choppy.  I enjoyed Dynamic for the other Drive Select settings.  Sport mode is easy to find – via the center console or the paddle shifters.

In some situations I did experience turbo lag, which was frustrating at  stop lights and T junctions.  Turning off the stop/start system helped as did throwing the gear lever into sport.  But in sport mode she really wanted to go – which was great – but in heavy stop and go traffic the car could be a bit enthusiastic.  In these situations, comfort (non-sport) was a better setting for creeping along but with some lag.  This is the compromise of turbo systems with most four and six cylinder cars.  Eight cylinders – and sometimes five cylinder engines – are an exception.

The interior has been upgraded in a number of ways that reflect the now previous generation S6/S7 design queues with stitched diamond quilting on single colored leather seats, a modest wrap around boat themed dash similar to the A7/S7, and an upgraded mix of materials – including carbon fiber, a bit of bright work, alcantara door card inserts, and softer touch dashboard.  The B9 is a classy place to spend time in regardless of the external surroundings.

The technology package is very impressive.  Front and center is Audi’s virtual cockpit – a 14 inch screen of great clarity and information.  Whether it’s kept simple with a rev counter and speed indicator or maxed out with google maps and an overlay of rev and speedo, the system is a tour-de-force.  Also available in the standard A4, it’s easy to understand buyer excitement over the technology.  Only once did the display get a bit confused and that was while I was stuck under a bridge where the satellite signal was obviously blocked.  Otherwise, the system performed flawlessly.

Overall, it’s a very accomplished sedan for four adults and their luggage in all weathers.  But the S4 is also more quiet than its older brother the B8.  The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are another definite step on and for some enthusiasts this has been a source of disappointment.  There is a shift at Audi with their S and RS products toward greater efficiency.  The B9 S4 feels 100% Audi and the virtual cockpit and other sensor based systems make that very clear.  The attention to detail is excellent.

However, the single turbo V6 does lack a bit of auditory pizzaz even as the torque converter transmission shifts very quickly and matches the character of the car.  I think a lot of American households that want a sedan – and Americans prefer them over wagons, unlike our European friends – would enjoy and appreciate the S4 a lot.  But as a pure sports sedan that taps into the emotional elements of driving, in addition to its objective performance abilities, the S4 has some work to do to satisfy traditional enthusiasts of the brand.

I enjoyed my day driving the S4 on some of the twisty backroads around Clifton, VA and beyond and look forward to evaluating other Audi products in the future.

https://turo.com/us/en-us/car-rental/alexandria-va/audi/s4/535168

Happy Motoring