The 2020 Audi S4 hosts a powerful 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine under the hood which pumps out a healthy 349 hp and has a maximum torque of 369 lb-ft. This engine is coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the power is delivered to all four wheels as standard thanks to Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is quick between shifts and reacts precisely to the paddles, but it definitely is not the most responsive unit that we have used so far in this segment, especially in auto-mode.
Looking at the numbers for 0-60 mph and quarter-mile timings, the S4 manages to do so in 4.4 and 12.6 seconds respectively. These numbers are quite self-explanatory that the S4 is mighty quick. The turbocharger gets the power to the wheels almost instantly and hence the engine feels peppy and punchy. Audi’s Quattros system is one of the best in putting down the power and the results are quite impressive given its pumps out the least power in its segment.
Models
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2020 Audi S4
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2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43
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2020 Genesis G70
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2020 BMW M340i
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MSRP
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$50,895
|
$55,950
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$44,650
|
$54,995
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Engine
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3.0L Turbocharged V6
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3.0L Twin Turbo V6
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3.3L Twin Turbo V6
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3.0L Inline-6
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Drivetrain
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AWD
|
AWD
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RWD/AWD
|
RWD/AWD
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Transmission
|
8-speed automatic
|
9-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Power (hp @ RPM)
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349 @ 6300
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385 @ 6,100
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365 @ 6,000
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382 @ 5,000
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Torque (lb-ft @ RPM)
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369 @ 3200
|
384 @ 2,500
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376 @ 1,300
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369 @ 1,600
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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4.4
|
4.5
|
4.7
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4.4
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Quarter-Mile (seconds)
|
12.8
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12.6
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13
|
12.3
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Top-Speed (MPH)
|
155
|
155
|
N/A
|
155
|
The AMG C 43 puts out the most power from its twin-turbo V6 engine. However, it is not the fastest. The torquey M340i and the sticky AWD Audi are the two cars that post the best time 0-60 times here. That said, the power advantage does mean that the C43 outshines the Audi in the quarter-mile run while the M340i manages to stay ahead. The Genesis meanwhile, does boast some good numbers, but just can’t get off the line as good as its competition.
How well does the 2020 Audi S4 handle?
The Audi S4 is agile and accurate. The steering wheel is light, precise, and offers great control. Around corners, the S4 offers incredible traction and stability thanks to the trick AWD traction and there is enough oomph from the TFSI motor to pull you out of anything. If you are on the chase for some good numbers on the track, the S4 will not disappoint you, but if you are someone looking for a bit of fun, the Audi might feel a bit too unswerving.
The sportier suspension setup does slant the ride quality more towards the stiff side. This might aid in the handling and stability department, but sure is a compromise on the comfort side. The S4 is undoubtedly a top-notch highway cruiser and the kind of poise and effortlessness it exudes, showcases that. Also, the compact size makes it super nimble, which is perfect for commuting and the excellent all-round visibility makes driving this machine a hassle-free chore.
2020 Audi S4 Braking Performance
For the year 2020, the brakes of the Audi S4 have not received any perceivable upgrade. It still has got that good initial bite to it, but the shed of speed is not that impressive. The braking duties are taken care of by ventilated disc brakes at all four ends.
The front brake rotors are 13.8 inches whereas the rear brake rotors are 13.0 inches in size. They are decently capable and stop the car at a reasonable distance of 112 feet. There’s a little amount of nose dive at heavy braking but that is almost inevitable.
Models
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2020 Audi S4
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2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43
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2020 Genesis G70
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2020 BMW M340i
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Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
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13.8
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14.2
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13.8
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13.7
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Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
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13.0
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12.6
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13.4
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13.6
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Curb Weight (lbs)
|
3847
|
3825
|
3774
|
3849
|
60-0 MPH (feet)
|
112
|
109
|
109
|
111
|
When compared to its rivals, the S4 disappointingly has the worst braking distance while the M340i follows close by sparing about a foot. The AMG C 43 is equipped with the biggest front brake rotor of 14.2 inches, stopping at an impressive 109 feet, which is one of the best-recorded distances here. What surprised us the most was the G70, managing to equal the best thanks to its lower curb weight.