It’s not often that a test drive compels a seasoned automotive journalist to pull over on a scenic mountain road, smartphone in hand, to frantically jot down notes. But the 2013 Audi S4 isn’t just any car. Its exceptional performance and well-rounded nature sparked a flurry of thoughts and superlatives that simply demanded to be captured in real-time, lest they be lost to the winding roads and exhilarating driving experience. Dismissing the Audi S4 as merely another overpriced compact sedan, justified only by its premium badge, would be a grave error, especially for driving enthusiasts who crave both practicality and premium refinement. Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the Audi A4 lineup, the S4 rightfully earns its esteemed position. Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re in the market for a luxury sport sedan in the $50,000 range, the 2013 Audi S4 deserves serious consideration, and might just end up parked in your garage.
2013 Audi S4: Models, Trims, and Pricing Breakdown
The 2013 Audi A4 family offers a diverse range, starting with the standard A4 Sedan, available in both front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive configurations. Stepping up the performance ladder, we find the S4 Sedan, exclusively equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive, and the wagon-esque Allroad crossover, also featuring Quattro. The 2013 Audi S4 arrives in a single, well-appointed trim level: Premium Plus. This trim, a significant upgrade for the standard A4, is standard on every S4, effectively bundling in features that would otherwise cost extra. The Premium Plus package includes desirable features like Xenon Plus headlights, distinctive LED daytime running lights and taillights, auto-dimming side mirrors for added convenience, and elegant aluminum exterior trim accents.
Inside, the 2013 Audi S4 Premium Plus continues to impress with standard Bluetooth connectivity for seamless smartphone integration, a triple-zone automatic climate control system ensuring personalized comfort for all occupants, heated front seats for chilly mornings, driver’s seat memory settings, a versatile 60/40-split folding rear seat, a universal garage door opener, and an iPod connection to cater to various audio sources.
For those seeking an even more luxurious and technologically advanced experience, the Prestige trim level was available as an upgrade. The 2013 Audi S4 Prestige package added Audi MMI Navigation Plus, a sophisticated navigation system incorporating voice recognition and visually stunning Google Earth imagery, HD Radio for enhanced audio entertainment, Bluetooth audio streaming, Audi Connect with online services transforming the car into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Audi Parking System Plus with a rearview camera for easier maneuvering, Audi Side Assist blind spot monitoring for enhanced safety, Audi Adaptive Light with cornering and pivoting headlights for improved visibility in curves, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system for audiophile-grade sound.
The test vehicle, a 2013 Audi S4 Premium Plus, was further enhanced with a selection of optional extras, pushing its total price to $58,620. These options included the S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual transmission for lightning-fast gear changes, eye-catching Silver Ice metallic paint, striking 19-inch aluminum wheels shod with high-performance 255/35 summer tires, a sport differential to further optimize the Quattro all-wheel-drive system’s capabilities, and the Audi Parking System Plus with a rearview camera. The interior was elevated with premium Fine Nappa leather upholstery, the Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, Audi Advanced Key keyless entry and push-button start for added convenience, and sophisticated Carbon Atlas inlays adorning the dashboard. The Audi MMI Navigation Plus Package was also included in this well-equipped test car.
2013 Audi S4: Design and Styling – Understated Sportiness
To visually distinguish the S4 from its A4 sibling, Audi implemented a series of design enhancements for the 2013 model year. The front and rear bumpers received a refreshing restyling, complemented by redesigned front and rear lighting elements and updated hood detailing. Unique 18-inch aluminum wheels were bolted on, and a matte-finish Platinum Gray grille treatment was applied. Further exterior differentiators included Alu-Optic side mirror caps, front and rear splitter blades, a subtle rear lip spoiler, and a quad-outlet exhaust system, signaling the car’s performance intentions. Inside the cabin, the 2013 Audi S4 gained a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel with a thick rim, supportive leather and Alcantara sport seats, and a sophisticated black cloth headliner. True to Audi’s reputation, the interior exudes class and sophistication, with premium materials enveloping every surface. Optional Fine Nappa leather further elevates the cabin ambiance, and new color combinations became available for personalization.
The resulting design aesthetic is one of serious, understated performance. The 2013 Audi S4 projects a cold, technical, and undeniably attractive presence, especially in a segment where some competitors often resort to more flamboyant and sometimes less appealing design choices in an attempt to stand out. Stepping into the Audi S4 feels akin to slipping into a perfectly tailored suit after achieving fitness goals – a rewarding and confidence-boosting experience.
2013 Audi S4: Comfort, Cargo Space, and Practicality
While the 2013 Audi S4’s design and performance evoke a sense of exhilaration, its practicality and comfort aspects are equally important for daily usability. Entering and exiting the S4, however, can be a bit challenging, particularly for taller individuals. The door openings are somewhat narrow, and the supportive front sport seats feature pronounced bolsters that require a bit of maneuvering to clear. The intrusive B-pillar can also pose a slight obstacle for taller occupants. Rear seat legroom is also somewhat limited, making it best suited for shorter adults or children.
Once seated in the front, the 2013 Audi S4 provides excellent comfort and support. The sport seats, while visually supportive, are not overly restrictive. The test car’s optional Fine Nappa premium leather, stretched tautly over firm cushions and featuring embossed “S4” logos on the integrated headrests, added a touch of luxury. A standout comfort feature is Audi’s signature sliding and ratcheting center armrest, offering customizable positioning for optimal comfort regardless of seating position. However, a minor ergonomic quirk is the door-mounted power window control panel, which can intrude into the driver’s left kneecap when bracing for spirited cornering.
Rear seat comfort is adequate for shorter passengers, but taller occupants may find the hard front seatbacks with integrated storage nets somewhat unkind to knees and shins. The 60/40-split folding rear seat offers decent height and thigh support, and rear passengers enjoy good outward visibility. Foot room under the front seats is also generous, even for those with larger feet.
Child safety seat installation is simplified thanks to easily accessible LATCH anchors. However, the aforementioned rear legroom limitations mean that toddlers and preschoolers might spend a considerable amount of time kicking the front seatbacks.
Despite its compact sedan classification, the 2013 Audi S4 features a trunk with a usable 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The trunk’s beautifully finished interior is narrow but deep and boasts a practical cube-like shape, facilitating efficient stacking and stowing of luggage. Two hooks integrated into the trunk’s roof are designed to secure plastic shopping bags, preventing spills during less spirited driving. Folding the rear seatbacks is straightforward, and a ski pass-through allows the car to accommodate four occupants and four sets of skis, enhancing its versatility.
2013 Audi S4: Features and Technology – MMI System Critique
The 2013 Audi S4 is equipped with a range of features and technologies designed to enhance the driving experience and occupant convenience. However, the Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system, despite efforts to simplify its operation for 2013, remains a point of contention. The MMI system utilizes a combination of buttons and rotary knobs located on the center console, adjacent to the gear selector and angled upwards. This placement, completely outside the driver’s direct line of sight while driving, can be distracting and potentially unsafe.
The intended user interaction model assumes drivers will learn to operate the MMI functions by touch alone. However, acclimating to this system can be challenging, often requiring visual referencing of the buttons, diverting attention from the road ahead. The MMI hard keys are also linked to actions displayed on the in-dash screen, adding another layer of complexity. Furthermore, the MMI controls are situated near the cupholders, raising the risk of accidental spills potentially rendering them inoperable.
For future generations of MMI, two potential improvements stand out: relocating the controls to a more ergonomically sound position on the dashboard, or adopting touchscreen technology coupled with voice-activated control for more intuitive operation.
Fortunately, most of the 2013 Audi S4’s other controls are logically positioned and relatively easy to use. The test car featured Audi Advanced Key, which offers both a traditional key slot and a keyless push-button start function. This system provides flexibility and convenience, making it easy to keep track of the key.
The optional Bang & Olufsen premium sound system in the test vehicle delivered impressive audio quality. While perhaps not as elaborate as the B&O systems found in higher-end Audi models, the S4’s system reinforced the desire for a Bang & Olufsen home audio system in the future, perhaps when offspring-related audio equipment hazards are less of a concern.
2013 Audi S4: Safety and Crash Test Ratings
In terms of safety, the 2013 Audi S4 prioritizes occupant protection. However, certain desirable safety features were offered as extra-cost options or limited to higher trim levels, which might seem incongruous for a vehicle in this price range. Rear parking assist sensors, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot information system were not standard equipment, with the blind-spot monitoring system being exclusive to the Prestige trim. Adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights were also Prestige-trim exclusives. Rear-seat side-impact airbags were available as an option across the S4 range.
Despite the optional nature of some safety features, the 2013 Audi S4 performed admirably in safety evaluations conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The S4 earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the highest possible. It achieved 5-star ratings in all individual crash-test assessments, including the rollover test, with the exception of driver-side impact protection, which received a 4-star rating.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not specifically evaluate the 2013 Audi S4. However, the A4 sedan, upon which the S4 is based, was named an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” for 2013. It’s important to note that in the challenging new small overlap frontal impact test, designed to assess protection in collisions involving the front corner of the vehicle, the A4 received a “Poor” rating. This result indicated an area for potential improvement for Audi to maintain the A4’s “Top Safety Pick” designation in the future.
2013 Audi S4: Engine, Drivetrain, and Fuel Economy
The heart of the 2013 Audi S4 is a potent supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine, a significant upgrade from the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder found in the Audi A4. This supercharged V6 delivers 333 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque from a low 2,900 rpm. This robust power output translates to an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration time estimated by Audi at just 4.9 seconds.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard on both the Premium Plus and Prestige trims, appealing to purists who prefer maximum driver engagement. Audi’s 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual transmission is available as an option, offering rapid gear shifts and incorporating steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for manual control. Depending on driving conditions and selected driving mode, the S-tronic transmission produces satisfying “burps” during hard upshifts and executes rev-matched downshifts when approaching corners. Drivers can also manually select gears using the gear lever in Sport mode, with an intuitive upshift/downshift pattern.
The 2013 Audi S4’s standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system is specifically tuned for the S4’s performance characteristics. It can direct up to 85% of the engine’s power to the rear wheels, enhancing agility and handling balance. Quattro systems paired with the S-tronic transmission feature a crown-gear center differential for quicker responses. An optional sport differential further enhances handling by actively distributing torque between the rear wheels, creating a torque vectoring effect akin to Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). Compared to the Audi A4, the 2013 Audi S4 boasts revised manual transmission gear ratios, larger ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, and a lowered, sport-tuned suspension. The S4 utilizes speed-sensitive electric power steering, shared with the A4.
Fuel economy for the 2013 Audi S4 is EPA-rated at 20 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 21 mpg combined with the S-tronic transmission. The test car, equipped with the S-tronic transmission, achieved an impressive 23.7 mpg over a 600-mile test, primarily consisting of highway driving.
2013 Audi S4: Driving Dynamics and On-Road Impressions
The 2013 Audi S4’s driving experience is where it truly shines. Even before embarking on a dedicated test loop, the S4 impressed in everyday driving scenarios, exuding panache, power, and performance during errands and freeway commutes. The author’s wife, also an experienced automotive journalist, shared this positive sentiment, with the only minor critique being the suspension’s firmness, even in the “Comfort” setting of the Audi Drive Select system.
However, it was during a cold winter morning test drive, encompassing a diverse 55-mile loop of city streets, freeways, winding roads, coastal highways, and straight farm roads, that the 2013 Audi S4 cemented its position as a truly exceptional vehicle. The connection between car and driver was immediate and profound. During this drive, the author was compelled to stop and take notes, capturing key impressions verbatim:
- Explosive acceleration
- Unstoppable force of mechanical excellence
- Transmission is a model of perfection
- Effortlessly straightens the twistiest of roads
- Graceful, balletic handling
- Indefatigable brakes
- Outstanding body control
- Sheer and utter confidence builder exhibiting zero false performance pretense
The only minor weakness identified was the new electric power steering system, which replaced the previous hydraulic setup. In certain off-center steering situations, particularly during freeway off-ramp maneuvers, the electric steering could exhibit a slightly artificial feel, occasionally seeming to resist driver inputs.
Despite this minor steering characteristic, the overall driving experience of the 2013 Audi S4 was overwhelmingly positive. It challenges the notion that rear-wheel drive is essential for a true luxury sport sedan. The S4 demonstrates that all-wheel-drive performance sedans can be equally, if not more, rewarding to drive. The 2013 Audi S4 is a brilliant automobile, and a top pick in its price range.
2013 Audi S4: Final Verdict – A Premium Sport Sedan That Delivers
The 2013 Audi S4 occupies a unique position in the luxury sport sedan segment. While it possesses the performance and driving dynamics to rival higher-priced performance variants of compact luxury sedans, its pricing aligns it more closely with models like the Acura TL SH-AWD, BMW 335i, Cadillac ATS 3.6, Mercedes C350, Infiniti G37, and Lexus IS350, all typically equipped with sport packages. However, the Audi S4 distinguishes itself with an extra layer of class, competence, and composure, elevating it above its direct competitors and justifying its premium positioning. After a week of experiencing the 2013 Audi S4 firsthand, it’s clear that this premium is indeed worthwhile, delivering a demonstrably superior driving and ownership experience.
2013 Audi S4: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional supercharged V6 engine with explosive performance
- Refined and responsive S-tronic transmission
- Standard Quattro all-wheel drive providing excellent grip and handling
- Understated yet elegant and sporty design
- High-quality interior with premium materials
- Comfortable and supportive front seats
- User-friendly controls (excluding MMI criticisms)
- Strong NHTSA safety ratings
Cons:
- “Poor” rating in IIHS small overlap frontal crash test (for A4 platform)
- Criticized Audi MMI control layout and operation
- Limited rear seat legroom
- Tight entry and exit, especially for taller individuals
- Occasional creaks and rattles on rough roads
- Uncomfortable knee contact with power window controls
- Noticeable brake dust accumulation
Vehicle for this review was provided by Audi.
2013 Audi S4 photos by Christian Wardlaw
