Performance Benchmark: 2018 Audi S4 Sedan
The all-new 2018 Audi S4 sedan offers customers versatility with enhanced performance and benchmark technologies. Combined with a more dynamic design with seating for up to four and the quickness and competence that is expected from Audi S models, the all-new S4 represents the latest refinements in Audi exterior design.
Additionally, the S4 is characteristically recognized by its sporty design differentiators including aluminum-optic exterior side mirror housings, Platinum Gray Singleframe grille with aluminum-optic double blade bars, S model specific quad exhaust outlets and a rear trunk lid lip spoiler.
Available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, power for the S4 is generated by a 3.0L TFSI® V6 that has been reengineered to provide more horsepower and torque and a quicker buildup of peak output. For 2018, power has increased by 21 horsepower and by 44 lb-ft of torque. A single turbocharger replaces the supercharger from the previous generation and helps manage exhaust gas flow to the turbine with a twin-scroll housing design. The S4 is equipped with a new eight-speed tiptronic® automatic transmission that is well-suited for the low-end torque of the new V6 engine, making it possible for the engine to consistently run near its ideal engine speed. Lower gears offer short, sporty ratios while longer upper gears help reduce engine revs.
Every Audi S4 is outfitted with quattro® all-wheel drive, offering high-precision and dynamic handling through active torque distribution to both axles. The available quattro® sport rear differential can offer an even more dynamic driving experience by actively splitting torque between the wheels of the rear axle, with the ability to direct nearly all torque to one wheel, helping to maximize driving dynamics.
The newly developed front and rear control hardware allows for both a sporty driving experience and more comfortable ride for long distances. The redesigned front five-link suspension with lightweight construction offers greater steering precision and excellent handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers.
Inside the passenger cabin, the S4 also integrates benchmark technologies from the A4 including available full-color head-up display, MMI® touch® with handwriting-recognition technology and standard Audi smartphone interface, which provides Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration for compatible mobile devices.
Also available is the Audi virtual cockpit, which helps make viewing and navigating via the large Google Earth™ images supported with 4G LTE (where available) easier on the driver’s eyes. Unique to S4, the virtual cockpit features a “sport” display mode, which brings the tachometer and speedometer to the front and center of the display and adds a boost gauge and lap timer.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 111.2; overall length: 186.8; width: 72.5; height: 55.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.0L turbocharged V6 – 354 hp at 5400-6400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 1370-4500 rpm.
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 city/30 highway
Cargo capacity: 13.0 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, dual front seat knee airbags, dual Sideguard head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control with secondary collision brake assist, traction control, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer, power central locking system, automatic full LED headlights, LED front fog lights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HomeLink garage door opener, Audi advanced key, rain/light sensor, Audi pre sense basic, Audi pre sense city, parking system plus with rear-view camera, Audi connect CARE assistance, and tire pressure monitoring system. Prestige adds MMI navigation, Audi side assist, Audi pre sense rear with rear cross traffic and vehicle exit assist, and head-up display.
Optional safety features include Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition (includes vehicle speed warning and sign recognition), Audi active lane assist, high-beam assistant, and top view camera system.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Audi S4 sedan starts at $50,900 for the Premium Plus and $55,800 for the Prestige. Destination charges add $975.