I remember reviewing the B9 Audi S4, a 2022 model, and being impressed even though it was a privately owned vehicle. Apparently, Audi took notice. They reached out and offered a 2024 Audi S4 for an extended test drive, confident that I would appreciate the updates. And here we are.
While I’m not one for repeating myself, this review of the 2024 Audi S4 will offer a fresh perspective, digging deeper into what makes this model year stand out. To truly experience this car, I started my day at an unconventional hour – 4:30 AM – to capture the essence of driving the S4 in its element.
2024 Audi S4: The Verdict at a Glance
Reasons to Buy:
- Enhanced driving dynamics with sport suspension and steering.
- Exquisite interior and exterior design.
- Precise and refined driving feel.
Reasons to Consider Alternatives:
- Not as quick as the BMW M340i.
- Lacks the raw excitement of the Lexus IS 500.
Soul Score: 7
Saying goodbye to a well-rounded car like the S4 is always bittersweet.
A Closer Look at the 2024 Audi S4
Before we delve into the driving experience, let’s highlight the key upgrades that differentiate this 2024 Audi S4 from the 2022 model. Two significant additions elevate the driving dynamics considerably.
Firstly, this model is equipped with the S Sport Package, a crucial option that includes an adaptive damping suspension and a sport rear differential. This package is not just a minor tweak; it fundamentally transforms the S4 from a comfortable cruiser to a genuine sports sedan. The sport rear differential is particularly noteworthy. Unlike the base model which relies on the ABS system for traction control, this advanced differential employs active torque vectoring. This system intelligently distributes power between the rear wheels, enhancing cornering agility and stability. Using brakes to manage traction in performance driving feels rudimentary in comparison. For a reasonable $2,500, the S Sport Package is an indispensable upgrade for anyone seeking a true sports sedan experience.
Secondly, the inclusion of Dynamic Steering further refines the driving feel. This feature adjusts the steering effort based on vehicle speed. At lower speeds, steering is light and easy for maneuvering, while at higher speeds, it firms up to provide enhanced stability and control. For an additional $1,150, Dynamic Steering is another “must-have” option that contributes to a more linear and responsive steering feel. In my opinion, these two options are essential; I wouldn’t recommend purchasing an S4 without them.
Now that the technical details are covered, let’s get behind the wheel and experience the 2024 Audi S4 in its natural habitat.
Navigating the Urban Jungle in the Audi S4
Just as a carefully prepared meal is a way to impress, I believe testing a car in the demanding environment of New York City truly reveals its character. And by New York City, I mean experiencing it at its most challenging – a 4:30 AM Sunday drive. Why so early? To encounter the city in its rawest form: degraded road surfaces, unpredictable traffic lights, distracted drivers and pedestrians, and incredibly short merging lanes. This urban gauntlet is the ultimate proving ground, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of any vehicle.
Plus, the city at dawn provides a stunning backdrop for automotive photography.
The exceptionally comfortable sport seats are a welcoming feature for these early morning excursions. If a car can perform and be enjoyable in New York City, it can excel anywhere.
This was the exact test I subjected the 2024 Audi S4 to. It boasts a potent and refined turbocharged V6 engine, Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and an interior that exudes the sophisticated ambiance of an Art Deco hotel lobby. Importantly, with no current RS 4 model available, the S4 reigns supreme as the top-tier performance sedan in Audi’s compact lineup.
While this particular model featured a digital display, ensuring navigation is never an issue, the future of the S4, and Audi’s model naming strategy, is evolving. Audi’s shift towards even numbers for electric vehicles and odd numbers for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles means the S4, in its current form, might be nearing its end. This is a pity, as the S4 grapples with a slight identity crisis, and transitioning to electric power might not necessarily resolve it.
Nonetheless, let’s give the current generation 2024 Audi S4 a proper farewell drive through the city streets.
4:30 AM: Dawn Patrol with the S4
First stop: the Irish Hunger Memorial.
“This is starting to feel like work.”
Indeed, running Machines With Souls often feels like a demanding job, a sign I take as positive affirmation. Today, Sunday, June 16th, although it’s still pre-dawn darkness.
The Daytona Grey paint of the S4 needs sunlight to truly show its depth. Once I’m out of bed, the rest is momentum. Moments later, I’m gently maneuvering the Daytona Grey S4 out of my garage. It’s an understated color choice for a car that prefers subtle sophistication. Personally, if it were my S4, I’d opt for Navara Blue for a more distinctive presence.
Sinking into the Nappa leather seats, adorned with striking red stitching, I activate the seat heating to combat the morning chill. I set Apple CarPlay navigation for downtown Manhattan and set off.
5:00 AM: Turnpike Cruising
The Black Optics package adds a touch of aggression with blacked-out exterior elements.
The New Jersey Turnpike presents a mix of driving conditions, but the stretch around Exit 12 is ideal for setting a steady pace, enjoying music, and letting a car stretch its legs at a constant 80 mph cruise.
The S4 handles this effortlessly. The ride remains composed and comfortable, even with the car set in Sport mode. In fact, the S4 remained in Sport mode for the duration of my test drive. It offered the perfect equilibrium of suspension firmness and throttle response for my preferences.
5:15 AM: Manhattan Bound
Approaching the Holland Tunnel, typically a congested area, I braced for traffic combat, only to find remarkably clear roads. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
As soon as I emerged onto the streets of Manhattan, I immediately lowered the music volume – essential for navigating unfamiliar routes. My initial destination was the Irish Hunger Memorial near Battery Park. This location was once a popular spot for automotive photography, until barriers were installed to prevent vehicle access.
The red brake calipers, a visual cue from the Sport package, add a sporty detail. Thanks to whoever acted irresponsibly and spoiled it for everyone.
Despite the setback, I attempted to make it work, but the location proved far less accessible than depicted on Google Maps. Overcrowded with parked cars and too confined for ideal angles.
Moving on.
6:00 AM: World Trade Center Run
Backup locations are crucial in this line of work. I redirected the S4 towards Brooklyn, driving through the Financial District and around the World Trade Center.
Darting through Lower Manhattan put the S4’s capabilities to the test. Its 349-horsepower V6 engine is both refined and responsive, and the 369 lb-ft of torque delivers brisk acceleration from a standstill. However, pushing it to the redline doesn’t provide the visceral thrill of, say, the V8 in a Lexus IS 500. Nor is it as eager to rev as the B58 engine in a BMW M340i.
The Dynamic Steering system enhances responsiveness compared to my previous S4 experience. Push the S4 hard, and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying thrump from the exhaust, but in normal driving, it maintains a remarkably quiet demeanor, akin to the tranquility inside a cathedral.
Fuel economy is respectable too, achieving up to 29 MPG on highway runs, although my average during mixed driving was closer to 22 MPG – similar to my BMW X3 M40i.
6:15 AM: Brooklyn Bridge Inspiration
This is the moment where I should be falling in love. The summer sun is now clearly above the horizon, and as I drive across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, with the panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn unfolding around me, a sense of inspiration washes over.
The S4 performs admirably. The suspension strikes a perfect balance – taut yet never jarring. The steering is direct and communicative, without feeling overly heavy. Grip levels are immense, thanks to the 19-inch wheels fitted with summer performance tires, combined with the Sport rear differential, ensuring exceptional composure even in demanding corners. Audi’s Quattro system remains the benchmark for all-wheel drive in passenger cars, delivering seamless power delivery with no hint of torque steer or lag. The brakes are equally impressive, providing excellent pedal feel and confident stopping power without requiring any adjustment period.
“Hmm. Perhaps I was mistaken. Maybe this is genuinely an exceptional sports sedan, not just a good one.”
6:45 AM: Mobile Office Under the Manhattan Bridge
The rear passenger space is adequate, and the roofline is designed for practicality. I found a suitable location beneath the Manhattan Bridge, parked the car, and paused to gather my thoughts before starting the photoshoot.
Whatever car I’m reviewing becomes my mobile office for the day, and some are better suited to this role than others. The S4 excels in practicality. A generously sized trunk and some of the most supportive and comfortable sport seats I’ve experienced make it a daily driver you can genuinely appreciate.
Upon closer inspection, some minor flaws emerge. The infotainment system’s user interface (UI) feels somewhat convoluted, making reliance on Apple CarPlay almost mandatory. Unlike the 2022 model I previously drove, this S4 featured a digital instrument cluster. While technologically advanced, I can’t say I prefer it; the layout appears somewhat disorganized. The cabin offers numerous storage cubbies, but surprisingly, none are particularly spacious.
Every button provides satisfying tactile feedback, reflecting Audi’s commitment to quality. However, the interior of the S4 surpasses even an M3 in perceived luxury, blending supple leather with Alcantara accents. Every button press delivers a satisfying click, reminiscent of interacting with a high-end luxury watch. The level of precision is remarkable.
7:15 AM: The Poster Shot
Summer mornings, while beautiful, present challenging lighting conditions for photography. The sun rises rapidly, casting harsh and unforgiving light. I knew I had approximately 45 minutes left to capture that perfect “poster” shot – the image that would draw readers to this review and solidify my status as the ULTIMATE CAR REVIEWER.
The S4, however, wasn’t making it easy. The Daytona Grey paint tended to blend into the urban environment, and the car itself is somewhat understated in its design. Yes, the quad exhaust outlets, stylish matte wheels, and signature Audi LED lighting are present, but they are subtle. Upon closer inspection, you’ll find only two discreet “S” badges on the entire car, and even the wheel design is relatively understated. This isn’t necessarily a negative trait.
The Audi S4 is a car that rewards closer appreciation. But if you’re seeking a vehicle that demands attention at first glance…
8:00 AM: Brooklyn to Staten Island Run
Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island – all in one morning’s drive. I prepared to head home. Traffic was beginning to build up, and heading back through Staten Island offered a quicker route. It was time to push the S4 harder, to see if it would truly dance.
Unfortunately, it remained somewhat reserved. An M340i, while equally refined in everyday driving, possesses a sharper edge, offering a more engaging and ultimately more lovable driving experience.
As I weaved through traffic on the Staten Island Expressway, I pondered why the S4, despite its competent performance, didn’t quite ignite passion. It led me to question the absence of an RS 4 variant in the current lineup. The last RS 4 was a truly exhilarating machine, and an RS 5 powertrain would seamlessly integrate into the modern S4 platform.
Analyzing the nuances, the S4’s adaptive suspension does offer slightly enhanced agility compared to the BMW, and its dynamic steering provides a degree of feedback at higher speeds.
Quad exhaust tips hint at performance, but the exhaust note is more subdued than expected. “Come on…let me love you…”
Just then, my phone rang.
“Daddy, can you stop in New York for bagels?”
8:45 AM: Bagels and Farewell
Back home. Bagels were being devoured as the familiar sounds of a cooling engine emanated from the garage. Click. CLACK.
My wife greeted me with her usual question: “How was the shoot?”, followed by the customary scowl that translated to “Can I please have my garage space back now?”
Of course, dear.
I would happily keep the S4 for everyday errands throughout the week. In total, I logged 300 miles in the S4 before it was returned.
Will the 2024 Audi S4 Be Missed?
The 2024 Audi S4 starts at a price point approximately $6,000 lower than a base BMW M340i, its closest competitor. However, this price advantage diminishes when you add the Prestige Package to the Audi, effectively leveling the playing field. If you forgo the driver assistance features on the BMW (which many enthusiasts might prefer to do), the prices become almost identical.
I find the interior ambiance of the S4 more appealing than that of the M340i. And while the engine isn’t as potent as the BMW’s, the Audi offers its own brand of driving enjoyment. Choosing between the two is a difficult decision. The S4’s steering precision and tenacious grip are compelling, but so is the allure of the BMW’s B58 engine.
Ultimately, neither would be my personal choice. Instead, I’d gravitate towards my Lexus IS 500. While arguably the least refined and feature-rich of the three, it delivers a level of driving thrill that the others can’t match.
Regrettably, the Soul Score of seven for the Audi S4 remains unchanged. I wish it were a higher score, enough to persuade Audi to preserve its ICE-powered sports sedan legacy.
2024 Audi S4 Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan
PRICE
Base: $53,800 As tested: $69,340
POWERTRAIN
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 3.0 liter V-6 349 hp @ 6,200 RPM 369 lb-ft @ 1,370 RPM Eight-speed Automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.0 in Length: 187.5 in Width: 72.7 in Height: 56.2 in Curb Weight: 3,927 lbs
FUEL ECONOMY
23 MPG combined / 20 city / 27 highway
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