2018 Audi S4

The Audi S4 is a more advanced version of the A4 and is offered in two trims, the S4 premium Plus and S4 Prestige. The 2018 S4 comes with one engine option, a 3.0 L Turbocharged V6 which is coupled with an 8-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission. All-wheel drive meanwhile comes standard.

The Audi S4 is a more advanced version of the A4 and is offered in two trims, the S4 premium Plus and S4 Prestige. The 2018 S4 comes with one engine option, a 3.0 L Turbocharged V6 which is coupled with an 8-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission. All-wheel drive meanwhile comes standard.

Trim	S4 Premium Plus	S4 Prestige
MSRP	$51,400	$55,800
Key Features	Automatic LED headlights Automatic wipers Power-folding mirrors with heating Panoramic sunroof Front and rear parking sensors Leather and simulated suede upholstery Power front seats (with heating and massage functions) Driver-seat memory settings Auto-dimming mirrors and interior ambient lighting 7-inch infotainment display Rearview camera Wi-Fi hotspot Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium surround-sound audio system	All Features of Premium Plus, And: Virtual instrument panel display Streaming internet radio apps Remote vehicle monitoring via a smartphone app 8.3-inch infotainment display Navigation system Trackpad feature for infotainment input Top-down parking camera system

We Recommend

We recommend the Premium Plus trim as it comes loaded with many comfort and safety feature by default and you can choose options like S Sport Package and Technology Package. It further upgrades the car with adaptive suspension for more sportiness and Virtual instrumental panel.

“The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is a well of power, and any instances of turbo lag are few and far between. Even the exhaust note is confident, though it can be a bit intrusive when left in Sport mode. The S4 is just a finely balanced, dynamic, extremely enjoyable car to drive” - Kelley Blue Book

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Audi S4 is available only in one engine option a 3.0 L Turbocharged V6 that produces 354 hp and 369-lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed Automatic gearbox that transmits the power in the 40/60 ratio through the Quattro system. Most of the torque is available at as low as 1,370 rpm and gives the necessary punch when needed.

 

Models	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
MSRP	$51,400	$50,950	$53,400	$53,000
Engine	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 3.0 L/183	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 3.0 L/183	Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 3.0 L/183	Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6 3.0 L/183
Transmission	Eight-speed Tiptronic Automatic	8-speed Sport Automatic transmission with automatic Sport and Manual shift modes	AMG-enhanced 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic	Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic with adaptive shift control
Horsepower	354hp @ 5,400 rpm	320hp @ 5,500 rpm	362hp @ 5,500 rpm	400hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque	369 lb.-ft. @ 1,370 rpm	332 lb.-ft. @ 1,380 rpm	384 lb.-ft. @ 2,000 rpm	350 lb.-ft. @ 1,600

Acceleration

The 2018 Audi S4 accelerates fastest among its competitors. The 8-speed gearbox allows speedy and consistent acceleration. It blasts to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds which is plenty for daily driving.  But, the S4 loses the race when it comes to a quarter mile as it takes 13.2 seconds to cover the distance. Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 and Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 meanwhile wins the quarter mile drag race.

Models	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
0-60 MPH	4.4 sec	4.6 sec	4.6 sec	4.5 sec
Quarter mile	13.2 sec	13.6 sec	12.7 sec	12.8 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	7.1	7.7	8.0

Handling and Steering

The independent suspension system and the upgraded five-link system has not only reduced weight but also has improved handling performance. This setup helps in cornering and keeps the car on the track. The rear Sports Differential and the likewise setup of the steering wheel makes the S4 more performance oriented. 

Braking

The Audi S4 has a good amount of braking power to control the 4,000-pound sedan. It gets a stopping distance of 117 feet which is not the best in class. Most of the competitors offer better-stopping power than the S4. The brake pedal meanwhile feels firm but it is easy to modulate in normal driving condition.

Model	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Brake Front (in.)	13.8	13.4	14.2	14
Brake Rear (in.)	13.1	13	12.6	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3858	3858	3759	4023
60-0 MPH (ft.)	117	116	105	102

The Audi lags behind significantly with the table leader stopping 15 feet before the S4 which in no way adds credibility to Audi's braking system. While the Merc is a close second to the Infiniti the BMW offers company to the Audi at the bottom of the comparison.

If you are looking for a fuel-efficient sedan, the S4 will hardly satisfy. It is rated at 21 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway and 24 MPG combined. The BMW 340i xDrive offers better fuel economy and also has a low base price as compare to the Audi.

Model	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
MPG (city)	21	21	20	19
MPG (highway)	30	31	27	26
MPG (combined)	24	25	23	22

“The S4’s interior is subdued, with the same hewn approach as the outside. Deep comfortable buckets are accented by diamond-quilting patterns; the door inserts are shod with Alcantara and red contrast stitching; the instrument panel and center console are streamlined with available carbon-fiber inlays”- The Car Connection

Seating and Comfort

The S4’s interior is top notch and the front seats offer heating but not ventilation. The rear seats meanwhile have ample amount of space to accommodate adults. There is also enough support in the seats so that you feel comfortable on long trips.

Getting in and out of the car is easy but taller rear seat passengers might have to duck their head in order to avoid the roofline. Drivers get a good view of the road as there is the minimal blind spot.

Standard Interior features on the S4 include:

• Bucket seats
• Contrasting Stitching
• Heated seats
• Adjustable steering wheel

 

Model	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.9/55.9/41.3	40.3/55.1/42	40/55.3/41.7	39.5/56.7/44.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.4/54.5/35.7	37.7/55.1/35.1	38.2/55/35.2	36.8/56.1/35.1

 

Infotainment

The S4 comes with a standard 7-inch Driver information screen and a 7 -inch Infotainment display with Audi’s MMI interface. The upgraded Technology package gives you a 12.3-inch driver information screen an 8.3-inch infotainment screen which turns the standard interior into a Virtual Cockpit.

Audi’s MMI interface is easy to use and navigate. The graphics and crisp and clean, even on the heads up display. Standard infotainment feature includes:

• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Optional Virtual Cockpit
• Easy Navigation with crisp graphics
• Heads up display

Cargo

The S4 has 13 ft. cube of cargo volume available. You can increase your cargo volume with the rear seats folding in 60/40 ratio as a standard feature.

Model	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Trunk Volume (ft.3)	13	13	12.6	13.5

“The S4 appears very similar to its lesser brother, the A4. Still, discerning eyes can parse the differences. For one, the S4 sits 23 millimeters lower than your everyday A4. Up front, full LED lights come standard. Aside from the subtle "S4" badges, the easiest way to tell the two apart is in back. Just look for the S4's quad exhaust outlets”- Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

With the all-new design on the S4, it looks more sleek and sportier. It measures the same as the 2018 Audi A4. Having 111.2 in. of wheelbase, the S4 also has a decent amount of legroom for the passengers.

 

Model	Audi S4 Premium	BMW 340i xDrive	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 4Matic	Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Curb weight (lbs.)	3858	3858	3759	4023
Length(in)	186.8	182.5	185	189.6
Width(in)	72.5	71.3	71.3	71.8
Height(in)	55.3	56.5	56.3	57.2
Ground clearance (in)	5.0	5.7	4.5	4.8
Wheelbase (in)	111.2	110.6	111.8	112.2
Track width (in) F/R	61.6/60.9	60.5/62.1	63/61	60.4/61.4

Not class leading but at the better end of the spectrum, the Audi manages to capture the essential essence needed for making sportiness with luxury work. 

 

The S4 has not undergone the official test crash as of now. Considering the A4, from which the S4 has taken birth, it seems to top the safety list.

NHSTA Rating

NHTSA only did one test on 2018 Audi S4, in which the S4 got 5 out of 5 stars in the Rollover Test.

Safety Features

Some of the Safety Features are

• Driver-adaptive and front-passenger dual-stage airbags
• Driver and front passenger thorax side airbags
• Driver and front-passenger knee airbags
• Sideguard head curtain airbags
• Front passenger occupant detection for airbags
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)

BMW 340i xDrive vs Audi S4

Starting at a cheaper rate than the S4, the BMW comes with an inline 6-cylinder engine. This engine produces 320 hp which is 34 hp less than Audi’s Turbo V6 and also produces less torque than the Audi. BMW is slower than the Audi to do 0-60 MPH and even loses in the quarter-mile race.  But, on the outside, the BMW 340i looks more stylish and sculpted than the Audi with its large intake bumpers and aggressive face.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 4matic vs Audi S4

Mercedes C43 starts at a higher price than the Audi S5. On the outside, it’s not as expressive or encaptivating as the other two.With a heart of twin-turbo V6, the Mercedes produces 362 hp, 8 hp more than the Audi and still fails to beat the Audi in 0-60 MPH.

The Mercedes has got more refined transmission than the Audi’s. It’s less jerky and responds more quickly to the pedal shifters. Also, if you want a flashier interior, the Merc is for you.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 vs Audi S4

Infiniti Q50 is one of the costliest cars in this comparison but it also gets the most powerful engine of all with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Here you get an option of a rear wheel drive and steer-by-wire as optional features. It’s although not the best-looking car in this competition, the interior design feels antiquated and the infotainment system is not as user-friendly as you’ll find on Audi and BMW.

Finally, the 2018 Audi S4 is sporty, comfortable and a stylish car. The Turbocharged V6 will never fail to impress you. It gets a plethora of premium features and its cabin is one of the best places to be in.

Before buying, think what you are looking for, if its luxury, then the A4 equipped with features to its neck is still cheaper than an S4. But, if its performance, the S4 is a better choice than any other option. You get performance and Luxury in harmony like no other car.