Audi S4

Exterior and Interior

The changes made to the car’s exterior offer more elegance, sportiness, and emotional appeal. The engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. There are also redesigned bumpers, new headlamps with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. The vehicle has received LED daytime running lights that form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens.

At the rear, the bumper has also been redesigned and is combined with tail lights that share the same shape as the headlights.

The interior gets a new steering wheel with chrome and high-gloss inlays, while the MMI navigation plus system now features eight buttons instead of four. The Fine Nappa leather in the previous model has been replaced by Valcona leather and the leather for the seats is now black and white. This, plus different aluminum insertions, offer a more sporty appearance.

Engine

The Audi S4 is powered by a 3.0 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 333 HP and a peak torque of 324 lb-ft. The sedan has an average fuel consumption of 29 mpg and can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic and is distinguished by convenient and precise operation, high efficiency and a wide spread of gear ratios – the long ratios in the higher gears reduces fuel consumption, while the short ratios in the lower gears benefit the dynamics.

Prices

The new Audi S4 will go on sale in the US market in Summer 2012. Prices are expected to only show a slight increase from the current models which start at $32,500.

Competition

Being the top model of the A4 family, the S4 targets vehicles such as the BMW 335i, the Mercedes-Benz C350, and the Lexus IS350.

The BMW 335i is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 300 HP and deliver 28 mpg highway. It is priced from $42,050. The Mercedes C350 gets a new 302-hp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with 19/28 mpg (city/highway). It is priced at $40,750. The Lexus IS 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter 306 HP engine delivering 19/27 mpg (city/highway). It is on sale at a price of $40,020. Comparing power, price, and mileage, the Audi S4 seems to be the customer’s best bang for their buck.