2024 Audi S4 Review: Unpacking the Sleeper Sedan That Balances Performance and Practicality

It’s a natural human desire to seek the best, especially when choices abound. In the realm of compact luxury sports sedans, the 2024 Audi S4 might not be crowned as the absolute best. Audi itself arguably has even higher performance offerings, notably the elusive RS4 Avant that continues to be unavailable stateside. While enthusiasts may yearn for the RS4 wagon, the S4 carves out a unique and compelling niche.

The Audi S4 occupies a sweet spot, a gray area that many cars overlook. It achieves a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort suitable for daily commutes and extended journeys. Simultaneously, it delivers a spirited driving experience perfect for engaging backroad adventures, ensuring you won’t be left wanting more excitement behind the wheel. While it might not scream for attention with flamboyant styling, its subtle presence resonates with those in the know. In fact, its understated design allows it to blend into everyday traffic, embodying the true essence of a sleeper car.

Audi S4: Delving into the Basics

The model under scrutiny is the 2024 Audi S4 Prestige, representing the pinnacle trim for the B9 generation S4. This generation, initially launched in 2016 and refreshed in 2020, signals that a successor is likely on the horizon. Throughout its lifespan, the S4 has consistently employed a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant churns out 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, distributed to all four wheels via Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system and a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This particular Prestige model further benefits from an optional torque-vectoring Sport differential on the rear axle, enhancing agility and reducing understeer when pushing the limits.

While the powertrain retains a contemporary feel, the exterior design arguably shows its age. Expectations for the S4 typically lean towards understated maturity and minimalist aesthetics. However, even for those who find modern BMW designs overly aggressive, the S4 might appear too subdued. The overcast conditions during the review period in southeast Pennsylvania may have further diminished the visual appeal of the gray test car.

Despite its sleeper status, the S4 risks appearing visually dormant. The black trim of the Prestige package, on a dark-colored vehicle, might exacerbate this effect. It’s worth noting that the 10-spoke wheels observed were not standard; they were part of a winter wheel and tire package fitted with Bridgestone Blizzak tires.

Stepping inside the Audi S4 reveals a significantly more appealing environment. The interior is commendable, with few drawbacks. The red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, part of the Audi Sport appearance package, adds a touch of sporty flair. This package also includes carbon fiber trim across the dashboard. While carbon fiber can sometimes be overwhelming, the S4’s application is tastefully executed, catching light in an attractive manner.

Driving Dynamics: Experiencing the Audi S4 on the Road

The Audi S4 truly shines in its versatility. It’s equally adept at providing a comfortable and quiet ride on monotonous highways or transforming into a spirited performer on winding roads. Crucially, opting for adaptive dampers ensures that this sportiness doesn’t compromise ride quality.

Adaptive dampers, however, are not standard on the Prestige trim. They are included in the S Sport Package, which also encompasses the rear sport differential and red brake calipers, for an additional $2,500. The test S4 was also equipped with the $1,500 Dynamic Steering system. This system adjusts the steering ratio based on driving conditions, providing heavier steering at higher speeds and lighter, more direct steering for parking maneuvers. While opinions on dynamic steering can be divided, its presence in the S4 was appreciated. Even in its lightest setting, the steering remained communicative. The combination of maximal response with minimal effort is particularly appealing in a car designed for diverse driving scenarios. The overall value proposition, considering these options, will be discussed later.

For a vehicle positioned below the high-performance RS4, the S4 delivers ample power and grip. It satisfies most drivers, save for those already planning aftermarket modifications. Audi claims a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds, a figure that felt believable during testing. The eight-speed automatic transmission is seamless and responsive. Throughout the week-long test, manual paddle shifts felt unnecessary, except for briefly confirming their functionality. The transmission’s shift logic is consistently intelligent, and driving modes allow for adjustments to transmission behavior and throttle response, catering to driver preferences.

Minor criticisms include the turbocharged V6 engine’s somewhat muffled and high-pitched sound, which might not appeal to all. Additionally, the brake pedal sensitivity could be refined for smoother modulation. However, these are minor points and not significant deterrents.

High Points and Minor Drawbacks of the Audi S4

The Audi S4 proves to be a remarkably user-friendly vehicle for daily life. The interior prioritizes comfort and, despite not being Audi’s newest design, retains a welcome abundance of physical buttons. Visibility around the A-pillars is excellent, contributing to a driving position that makes the sedan feel surprisingly nimble, especially in confined spaces. In an era of increasingly bunker-like modern cars, Audi deserves credit for designing a vehicle with human ergonomics in mind.

All S4 models are equipped with massaging front seats, a feature that initially generated excitement. However, the massage function proved underwhelming. While there is movement beneath the seat padding, it lacks a deliberate or effective massage sensation. Fortunately, the seats are inherently comfortable even without this feature.

Audi’s MMI infotainment system also falls short of perfection. Its menus can be convoluted, with simple options buried within layers of scrolling. Furthermore, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity exhibited bugginess, a common issue in many vehicles. During testing, the MMI system repeatedly cycled between connecting and disconnecting from an iPhone, and even a wired connection failed to resolve the issue.

Features, Options, and Competitive Landscape of the Audi S4

The 2024 Audi S4 starts at $55,595, including a $1,095 destination charge. Stepping up to the Premium Plus ($58,595) and Prestige ($62,895) trims primarily adds interior enhancements. Premium Plus includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster (the base model retains traditional analog gauges, arguably more visually appealing), 360-degree cameras, an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless phone charging, and Audi Pre Sense rear collision warning with lane-change assist.

The top-tier S4 Prestige, as tested, further adds matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, integrated navigation, heated rear seats, and enhanced interior LED lighting. Among these Prestige-exclusive features, the interior lighting stands out as particularly appealing.

However, the truly impactful upgrades – adaptive dampers, the Sport differential, and Dynamic Steering – require an additional $4,000 investment. Combined with aesthetic options like the Black Optic exterior trim ($1,000) and the Sport interior package with red stitching and carbon inlays ($900), the tested Prestige model reached a price of $69,340, representing a near-maximum configuration.

For discerning buyers, opting for a more streamlined approach might be advisable. A base S4 still offers leather seats with (albeit ineffective) massage function. To create an exceptional all-weather touring sports sedan, the essential additions are likely the adaptive dampers and the torque-vectoring differential. This configuration would bring the price to just over $58,000.

At this price point, the Audi S4 competes with the Mercedes-AMG C43 (starting at $61,050), the BMW M340i (at $58,595), and the Lexus IS 500 (at $60,520). These competitors are listed in order of increasing cylinder count. The S4 also bridges the gap between the four-cylinder Cadillac CT4-V ($48,000) and the six-cylinder CT4-V Blackwing ($62,000), the latter still offering a manual transmission.

This segment is characterized by diverse powertrains, each shaping the vehicle’s character. The S4 is not as technologically advanced as the C43 with its F1-derived turbo technology, nor as driver-focused as the straight-six M340i. It lacks the nostalgic appeal of a manual transmission or the brute force of a V8. Instead, it stands as an honest, unassuming value proposition – the V6 of sports sedans, offering a balanced and practical approach.

Fuel Efficiency of the Audi S4

The EPA rates the Audi S4 at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, figures that proved slightly conservative in real-world testing. During a highway drive, the S4 achieved 31 mpg. This efficiency was observed in comfort mode with the auto stop/start system active in urban driving. The S4 demonstrates responsiveness to efficient driving techniques, a valuable trait for a versatile sedan.

The following table compares the fuel economy ratings with its competitors. Notably, the BMW M340i’s fuel economy is consistent regardless of drivetrain configuration.

Value and Final Verdict on the Audi S4

Beyond its remarkably understated exterior, the 2024 Audi S4 presents few significant downsides. While it may lack overt drama and ultimate power, it compensates with everyday comfort and a price point that undercuts most rivals.

For buyers prioritizing a balanced blend of performance and practicality, the Audi S4 emerges as a reasonably priced luxury sedan that should satisfy enthusiasts during daily commutes and weekend drives. To truly appreciate its appeal, opting for a more vibrant exterior color is recommended to ensure it stands out from the crowd.