2019 Audi S4

Overview

The 2019 Audi S4 is a well-balanced sports sedan, with sophisticated style and tremendous performance. Based on the fantastic Audi A4, this version satisfies enthusiasts with increased power, standard all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension. As with the standard A4 sedan, it is graced with an exquisitely crafted interior and an understated sleek exterior that's more classy than flashy. Too bad its engine lacks aural character and a manual transmission is unavailable. The S4 is enjoyable to drive rather than overtly exciting, and its subdued appearance and stoic personality dilute an otherwise extraordinary example of four-door fun.

What's New for 2019?

The S4 lineup now includes the entry-level Premium model. This means prospective owners can have S4 performance for less money than last year, with the least expensive model costing about $1000 more. The Premium version includes standard equipment such as 18-inch wheels on summer tires and diamond-stitched sport seats with massage functions. The S4 range is otherwise unchanged for 2019. However, the 2020 Audi S4 has mild revisions, such as new front and rear bumpers as well as the company's latest MMI infotainment system.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

While the S4 has only one available powertrain, there are three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. The latter adds standard infotainment upgrades and unlocks more driver-assistance options. Still, we'd stick with the Premium Plus version and add these packages: the S Sport package (red brake calipers, adaptive suspension, and torque-vectoring rear differential), Black Optic package (black exterior trim, body-color exterior mirrors, and 19-inch wheels with summer tires), and Cold Weather package (heated steering wheel and heated rear seats).

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Exceptional acceleration, harmonious chassis, satisfying steering.
Dislikes: No manual-transmission option, exhaust sounds artificial, with stats this good it should be more exciting.

All S4s ship with a 354-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that syncs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. While the version we tested was quicker than most rivals, the engine response and exhaust sound—both hugely important characteristics of a sports sedan—were less visceral than expected. Despite its subdued engine character and missing manual, the V-6 delivered substantial thrust on demand, seamlessly transitioning between relaxed and responsive. Also impressive was its automatic gearbox, which had reactions that seemed so perceptive, we found the desire to shift for ourselves was virtually eliminated; well, almost.

Looking at the numbers, the S4 ranks above most competitors in performance. Still, the experience lacks the emotion and sharp handling responses of top rivals. Its chassis is its greatest strength, with tautly controlled body motions and compliant damping that make it equal parts sports and luxury sedan. The S4 is very precise and easy to control; its accurate steering, excellent cornering stability, and tenacious grip on the tarmac boosted our confidence to torpedo on-ramps—but it also cruised calmly around town. Although the brakes were tremendously responsive, they were touchy at city speeds. The fluctuating feedback also interrupted the fun on curvier sections of road where the brake pedal could feel too soft.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In addition to impressive acceleration performance, the S4 can also claim 30 mpg on the highway—at least according to its EPA ratings. In our real-world highway fuel-economy test, however, the Audi was less efficient than estimated. Among the vehicles we tested, only the S4 and the Jaguar XE S did worse than their EPA highway estimates. And every rival was within 1 mpg of the Audi's 28-mpg result.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Just-right driving position, easy-to-operate infotainment, versatile split-folding rear seat.
Dislikes: Sport seats are supportive but stiff, fixed display interrupts the dash design.

Audi is a benchmark of interior quality, and the S4 is further evidence of this. Every cabin is trimmed with marvelous materials and standard features such as diamond-stitched sports seats with massage features. Along with impeccable fit and finish, the interior is racy and luxurious. The flat-bottom steering wheel, straightforward controls, and highly adjustable seat provide an exceptional driving position. The S4 had the quietest interior in our test, which also contributed to its calm demeanor—for better or worse.

Audi fits every S4 with a fixed center screen and ample infotainment options. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the MMI system we tested responded quickly to commands and had user-friendly controls. Even when the standard 7.0-inch infotainment screen is replaced with the optional 8.3-inch version, we wish it looked better atop the dash. While it's within the driver's line of sight, we prefer the retractable version on other Audi products. Thankfully, the rotary knob on the center console is easy to operate and makes the system easier to navigate.

Despite sharing a 13-cubic-foot trunk size—the smallest in this set—with the Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan, the S4 held an impressive number of carry-ons. While its interior storage is average, the sedan can store a variety of loose items and personal belongings provided that they're not too big. Compared with the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the Audi was a much better travel companion. We only wish the S4 had a more versatile center console.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The S4 has not been crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The sports sedan does include several standard driver-assistance features, but other options such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are only offered on the more expensive Prestige model. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available automatic high-beam headlights

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Apart from its short complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage, the S4 has an ordinary warranty that aligns with most competitors.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles