From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is how little drama the Audi S4 needs to make serious speed. Press the accelerator leaving a freeway on-ramp, and the car gathers pace with the calm efficiency of a train leaving the station. That restraint is the point. The Audi S4 is not a shouty sports sedan; it is a fast, discreet, all-weather tool for drivers who prefer capability to theater.
Performance that rewards real roads
The current-generation Audi S4 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic sends power through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. A manual transmission is not available, but the automatic shifts quickly and rarely chooses the wrong gear.
Independent instrumented testing has put the Audi S4 at 60 mph in roughly 4.2 seconds, which is properly quick without making every commute feel like a qualifying lap. The car's strongest trait is its midrange punch. At 45 mph, a small throttle movement produces an immediate, forceful response, making two-lane passing easy and safe.
The steering is accurate, though not especially chatty. Audi gives the S4 excellent body control, and the optional sport rear differential helps the sedan rotate cleanly through tighter corners. It feels secure on a damp canyon road, but the sensation is more polished than playful. A BMW M340i communicates more through its chassis, while the S4 feels more composed when pavement quality deteriorates.
Braking performance is similarly confidence-inspiring. A well-equipped test car can stop from 70 mph in the mid-150-foot range. The pedal remains firm after repeated hard applications, although the standard brakes are more than sufficient for street driving.
A fast sedan that does not advertise itself
The Audi S4's cabin is one of its best arguments. The driving position is low without being difficult to enter, the front seats offer long-distance support, and the dashboard has the clean, technical appearance Audi perfected over several generations. Material quality is generally strong, with soft-touch surfaces in the places occupants regularly see and touch.
The rear seat is usable for adults, although tall passengers will notice limited legroom behind a tall driver. The trunk holds enough for a weekend away or a grocery run, and the rear seatbacks fold for longer cargo. This is not a family crossover replacement, but it is a practical daily driver for a couple or a small household.
Ride quality depends heavily on wheel and tire selection. The standard setup is reasonably comfortable, while large wheels with performance tires transmit sharp impacts from broken pavement. In Los Angeles, I would choose the smallest wheel package that preserves the look. The Audi S4 has enough suspension control already; it does not need oversized wheels to prove its credentials.
The infotainment system is capable but not flawless. Menus are clear once learned, smartphone integration is useful, and the available Bang and Olufsen audio system gives the cabin a pleasant long-distance soundtrack. Some climate and vehicle settings require screen interaction when physical controls would be quicker. That is a small annoyance in a car otherwise designed around effortless operation.
Fuel economy, maintenance, and insurance costs
The Audi S4 is not an economy car, but it is less thirsty than its performance suggests. Official ratings vary by model year and equipment, while real-world driving commonly lands in the low-20s mpg. A relaxed highway trip can approach the upper 20s, but repeated short trips and enthusiastic acceleration will pull consumption down quickly.
Routine service is more expensive than it is for an ordinary A4. Oil changes, premium fuel, performance tires, and brake parts all belong in the ownership budget. A reasonable maintenance reserve for an older example is several hundred dollars per year before unexpected repairs. Once a car is out of warranty, a pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is money well spent.
Insurance pricing also reflects the car's turbocharged power, repair complexity, and performance-car classification. A driver comparing quotes should price liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured motorist protection with identical limits. Raising a deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce the premium, but only if the larger out-of-pocket bill would be manageable after a loss. Comparing carriers such as State Farm, Progressive, GEICO, and regional insurers can reveal meaningful differences for the same Audi S4.
Which Audi S4 should you buy?
For a used buyer, the B9 generation is the sweet spot. It delivers modern safety technology, strong performance, and a refined cabin without the complexity of some newer luxury vehicles. Look for complete service records, even tire wear, smooth transmission operation, and evidence that the car was not modified aggressively.
A stock car with one careful owner is usually preferable to a lower-priced example wearing tuning hardware. Modifications are not automatically bad, but software changes can complicate warranty coverage and place additional stress on the engine, turbocharger, and transmission. Ask whether maintenance was performed on schedule and whether the seller can document major work.
The Audi S4 is also available with multiple trim and equipment combinations. Prestige models add desirable technology, but a Premium Plus car often offers the better value. Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, upgraded headlights, and a heated steering wheel are useful in daily driving; cosmetic packages are less important than condition and records.
Against the BMW M340i, the Audi is the more reserved choice. The BMW has a richer steering feel and a more playful rear-drive character, though all-wheel drive is available. The Mercedes-AMG C43 brings more visual drama and a sharper edge, while the Audi counters with a quieter cabin and a less conspicuous personality. The Genesis G70 can undercut German rivals on price, but its back-seat packaging and dealership experience will not suit everyone.
Verdict: pros, cons, and whether you should actually buy one
The Audi S4 earns praise for its discreet styling, excellent traction, effortless acceleration, comfortable front seats, and genuinely useful year-round practicality. It is quick enough to entertain an experienced driver but civilized enough for a long commute. Its weaknesses are equally clear: steering feel is muted, rear-seat space is merely adequate, and maintenance costs can become uncomfortable once warranty protection ends.
The Audi S4 is for the buyer who wants one car to handle rain, traffic, road trips, and a fast back-road run without changing personality. It is not the best pick for someone seeking the most communicative chassis or the lowest ownership expense. Shop carefully, secure a thorough inspection, and compare insurance quotes before signing.
My score is 8 out of 10. The Audi S4 remains one of the most complete compact sport sedans available, and its understated character has aged better than much of the competition's visual noise. The bottom line is simple: buy one for its balance, not its badge, and it is an unusually satisfying daily driver.