2004 Audi S4 sedan
08/12/2003
Shahed Hussain
The Audi S4, like the BMW M3, is a sports car in practical clothing. The new S4 offers a 340-bhp, 4.2L V-8 and quattro AWD. Both features are unique in this class. The 'Q-Ship' styling theme of the previous S4 continues with the new version: no wings, or garish ground effects are included. Only the 18-inch wheels, polished aluminum exterior mirrors, and a few other subtle trim differences distinguish the S4 from the A4. Only other A4 drivers will have no trouble recognizing that this is no ordinary A4.
Engine
* Immediate throttle response from idle to redline
* Plentiful torque allows rapid acceleration in any gear at any speed
* Highway passing maneuvers rarely require downshifts from 6th gear.
* Throaty V-8 burble at idle
* Engine note is muted at highway speeds, but changes to a subdued rumble at higher speeds or at full throttle.
* The plentiful power allows the S4 to dispatch nearly any other car in its class besides an M3, Mustang Cobra, or Corvette. Even these cars have only the slightest advantage over the S4.
Transmission
* Close ratio 6-speed transmission is geared for maximum acceleration and throttle response.
* 1st gear is geared to allow the S4 to jump off the line. Conversely, engine braking in 1st gear is significant, so backing off the throttle causes the car to lurch.
* Clutch engagement is abrupt, and occurs in the first third of pedal travel, so smooth engagement can be difficult. The clutch does not reward careless shifting.
* Shift gates are easy to engage, but the lever feels remote from the transmission.
* Shift throws are relatively short, and the lever allows fast shifting between gears.
Ride and Handling
* Huge calipers and vented brake discs ensure tremendous stopping power.
* The brakes are sensitive, and can appear 'grabby' to drivers not used to this level of performance.
* The S4, unlike other pretenders, needs 18-inch wheels to allow clearance for the brake calipers.
* Stiff springs and dampers ensure a very controlled ride, with no unwanted ride motions.
* Although passengers will feel every dip and pothole, the ride is far from punishing. However, long distance cruising on poor road surfaces is not the S4's forte.
* The low ride height and sporty suspension settings ensure minimal roll during cornering.
* Grippy 235/40R18 Continental tires provide crisp turn-in response.
* Steering is accurate, without excessive power assist. Test vehicle had a 'groaning' sound at full steering lock, when backing up, as if some steering linkages were binding.
* Quattro AWD minimizes understeer in street driving, and eliminates oversteer or traction loss in full throttle acceleration. Unlike many other high performance competitors, the S4 allows the driver to approach the limits of its capabilities, without intimidation.
* The S4 was extremely stable at speeds up to an indicated 220 km/h (137 mph)
Interior
* Attractive textured matte aluminum trim lines the dash and door panels
* Leather Recaro sport seats are bolstered for aggressive driving. The front seat cushions are only comfortable for passengers with narrow backsides. Power seat adjustment can adjust for most physiques.
* Rear seat leg room is inadequate for adults.
* Audio and CD navigation controls are unnecessarily confusing. The CD slot above the combined audio/navigation controls accepts only navigation CDs. The audio CDs can be loaded via the 6-disc changer located in the glove box. The overall interface is difficult to use, and requires too much attention to be diverted from the task of driving. A thorough review of the owner's manual is required to fully comprehend the audio and navigation controls and functions.
* Climate control functions rely on cryptic pictographs that are non-intuitive. The owner's manual is required to understand the buttons functions.
* Dashboard instruments are clearly backlit in white, with red needle indicators.
* An LCD trip computer, located between the speedometer and tachometer, shows vehicle status and messages.
* Trunk cargo area is narrow, but extends deep into interior. Short trunk lid has gas lifts, and swings out of the way when loading cargo. Trunk cargo net is available.
* Rough roads revealed some interior trim rattles. This is disappointing in a vehicle with only ~12000 km (~7500 miles) on the odometer.
Exterior
* The S4 exterior styling barely hints at its performance potential. Aggressive 18-inch wheels, matte aluminum exterior mirrors, and door mounted road debris guards are some of the more obvious clues that this is no ordinary A4.
* The S4 squats on a lowered suspension compared to a standard A4.
* HID headlights are manually height adjustable with an dash mounted knob
* European style headlight beam pattern has sharp upper boundary light cutoff.
* The test vehicle's bright red paint attracted a lot of attention from other motorists.
* A small rear trunk lid spoiler is standard.
* Matte aluminum door sill plates are stamped with the S4 logo
* Small S4 logos are mounted on the trunk lid and front grille
Pros
* Stunning acceleration at any speed
* Flawless handling
* AWD traction
* Understated styling
Cons
* Cryptic audio, navigation, & climate controls
* Cramped rear seats
* Interior trim rattles on test car
* Abrupt clutch engagement
The Audi S4 fills a unique sport sedan niche. A little less hard-edged than the BMW M3, yet more sporting than the Mercedes-Benz C32, the S4 offers an ideal combination of sportiness and practicality. As with any German sports sedan, the S4 does not come cheap (est. retail price: $45-50,000); yet for those who can afford it, the S4 is worth every penny.
