Automotive

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

2020 Audi S4 Review

 

2020 Audi S4

Overview


Based on the already dynamically pleasing 2020 Audi A4, the 2020 S4 adds horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension to the mix to dial in the performance. 

2020 Audi S4


All-wheel drive is standard and the S4 is powered by a 349-hp turbocharged V-6 engine that hustles this four-door along—how's 4.3 seconds to 60 mph sound? 

2020 Audi S4

The S4 has the moves, too, and it's never met a twisty stretch of road it couldn't conquer. This sports sedan means business—serious business. 

And that's why it's not my favorite, despite its capability. Driving it feels a bit too clinical

2020 Audi S4

It's lacking the emotional appeal that makes great cars exciting to drive, qualities that make rivals such as the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia more appealing. 

Still, when it comes to being a well-made, very quick, well-rounded sports sedan, the S4 is one of the best on sale today.

2020 Audi S4

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Upgrading from the base Premium model doesn't add more horsepower or driving excitement, but the $2500 leap to the mid-range Premium Plus does add a handful of luxuries that buyers in this segment may feel are essentials. 

Among them are a wireless smartphone-charging pad, keyless entry with push-button start, the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear parking sensors.

2020 Audi S4

Engine, Transmission, and Performance


All S4s ship with a 349-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that syncs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. 

The engine response and exhaust sound—both hugely important characteristics of a sports sedan—are less visceral than expected. 

Despite its subdued engine character and lack of manual transmission, the V-6 delivered substantial thrust on demand, seamlessly transitioning between relaxed and responsive. 

2020 Audi S4

Also impressive is its automatic gearbox, which has reactions that seems so perceptive. Looking at the numbers, the S4 ranks above most competitors in performance. 

Still, the experience lacks the emotion and sharp handling responses of top rivals. Its chassis is its greatest strength, with tautly controlled body motions and compliant damping that make it equal parts sports and luxury sedan. 

2020 Audi S4

The S4 is very precise and easy to control; its accurate steering, excellent cornering stability, and tenacious grip on the tarmac boosts confidence to torpedo on-ramps—but it also cruises calmly around town. 

Although the brakes are tremendously responsive, they are touchy at city speeds. The fluctuating feedback also interrupted the fun on curvier sections of road where the brake pedal could feel too soft.

2020 Audi S4

Fuel Economy 


The EPA estimates the 2020 S4 will earn 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. 

Those numbers are down from the previous model year when the Audi was rated at 21 mpg city and 30 highway.

2020 Audi S4

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Audi is a benchmark of interior quality, and the S4 is further evidence of this. 

Every cabin is trimmed with marvelous materials and standard features such as diamond-stitched sports seats with massage features. 

2020 Audi S4

Along with impeccable fit and finish, the interior is racy and luxurious. The flat-bottomed steering wheel, straightforward controls, and highly adjustable seat provide an exceptional driving position. 

Despite having a 13-cubic-foot trunk—tied for smallest in its class with the Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan—the S4 holds an impressive number of carry-ons. 

2020 Audi S4

While its interior storage is average, the sedan can store a variety of loose items and personal belongings provided that they're not too big. 

Compared with the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the Audi is a much better travel companion. I only wish the S4 had a more versatile center console.

2020 Audi S4

Infotainment and Connectivity


Audi fits every S4 with a 10.1-inch center infotainment screen and ample infotainment options. Along with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, the MMI system we tested responded quickly to commands and had user-friendly controls. 

2020 Audi S4

While it's within the driver's line of sight, certain areas of the display require leaning forward to reach. 

Thankfully, the rotary knob on the center console is user-friendly to operate and makes the system easier to navigate.

2020 Audi S4

Driver-Assistance Features

The sports sedan does include several standard driver-assistance features, but other options such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are only offered on the more expensive Prestige model. 

2020 Audi S4

Key safety features include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
  •  Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  •  Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

  • 2020 Audi S4

Warranty and Maintenance Covera


Apart from its short complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage, the S4 has an ordinary warranty that aligns with most competitors.

  •  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  •  Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.

  • 2020 Audi S4




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