2024 Audi S4 - DM Review | Test Drive

[@bill7481]

The “old” looking interior is precisely what I love about this car!

[@ramses8847]

Exactly. So sick of the cheap looking strap a tablet to the dash. These new cars are not going to sell and they will be really cheap because they are ugly and no one wants them. These older cars are going to hold value.

[@hardykornfeld1733]

Car and Driver clocked the 2018 (B9) S4 at 4.2 sec to 60 and 0.99 lateral g. That's more than fast enough for the street. My 2018 S4 has gone 62,000 miles with no unscheduled maintenance. It's the daily and spends a lot of time on the highway resulting in a lifetime average of 30 mpg, though it will drop to the high teens with spirited driving. I don't mind the Audi handling. Just trail brake in deep to keep weigh on the font, get the turn done quickly, and power out. The torque vectoring diff does a good job of shoving the back end just enough. I love this car.

[@goynwa7110]

Don’t you love the b9 steering wheel instead of this one?

[@tv321123]

Dose yours have the sport differential? I picked up a B9.5 S4 last week and owned a B8 S4 a decade ago that I love. I was ready to accept the Audi handling again as a slight trade off from my BMW/Lexus. But I'm amazed at what this sport differential is doing. Even 45 min ago, I was taking a sharp right to get on a highway on ramp, and I felt it rotate the back end right around. I'm still taking it easy as it's a new car to me, But my cornering speeds are higher without even trying on a nice backroad.

[@mtunofun1]

Given what the new 7 series and 5 series looks like, I appreciate Audi’s more conservative approach.

[@darrinscoilsclouds1498]

$1,000 ecu tune gives you an extra 75hp and 100tq. worth every penny😊

[@alecrosenberg5393]

Best part of the car.

[@anno1602]

This always gets forgotten in the comparison of EVs vs ICE. A good ICE car can be much more powerful than stock with a simple tune.

[@golfbuddy1969]

I have a 2022 S4 in Tango red. I shopped the BMW and MB…the BMW has the better engine, but in every other way, I preferred the Audi. I love the fit and finish, performance, and that I don’t see another one on every street corner. Also, I have witnessed people walking past brand new BMWs, and much more expensive EVs, to say the love my car.

[@animeking801]

I cannot stress how much I appreciate the objective truth in this review. My single word to explain a vehicle like this and why we love them so much: "Stately" - dignified, unhurried, and grand manner; majestic in manner and appearance. I'm not against EVs but I don't agree with mandates that take the option to purchase these stately vehicles. I don't need a bunch of HP, no tech saturated interior, just a great package. It's why I am currently saving up for my dream car: Cadillac CT5-V series.

[@qwertyman9560]

I find it amusing you think a car with 350+ HP/torque and hitting 0-60 in the low/mid 4s is not powerful enough and 30+ mpg on the highway not good enough for a car of this class! Also need to remember this is the traditional Quattro, which means you are running 4 WD pretty much all the time.

[@chicodauno6270]

I recently just bought a 2021 S4. I love it as a daily driver.

[@gullible119]

That’s why Bolt (estonian taxi & rental company) have audis rather then bmw and merc since you can just get in, set what you need easily, hassle free and drive off while you can control the car without fiddling in some screen.

[@snakeeyes9246]

My dad's had his S5 Sportback since May 2023. It's awesome.

[@Sikh1.5Accord]

Hey I’m thinking of buying a s5 coupe version how’s handling and comfort of the sport back

[@snakeeyes9246]

@@Sikh1.5Accord I haven't had a chance to send it around corners yet, but he says it is perfectly balanced through the corners. For reference, the tires he's on are Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4's, 265/30 R20.

[@mordredma]

⁠@@Sikh1.5AccordI used to have a RS5 coupe and my friend has a s5 Sport back. The handling is good, a little bit understeering but overall stable and balanced. Comfort is very good even on the RS5

[@davethedogdude]

@@Sikh1.5AccordSportback actually has a bit better front/rear weight balance due to the longer wheel base + extra rear weight from the hatch. Comfort is also slightly better due to the longer wheel base. It's all minor though. What will make the biggest difference is getting one with the sport diff and adaptive suspension (in NA market that is S-Sport package, but other markets they are individual options I think). Those are the things I would not buy one without personally.

[@joncanty2764]

okay, I felt that horsepower was significant. I'm a Volkswagen fan. I have a 05 Jetta 2.5. You explained that it's about coherence and that a person does not need much power daily, which makes it a fun experience. Thanks for explaining that. You did a great job creating the video and explained it well.

[@MrWilburlandaverde]

My first S model, every trip in this thing is a treat

[@darrinscoilsclouds1498]

Love my 2020 S4 SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@sbrown9020]

Its not bad. As a true Audi fan i still would take a B7 or B5 RS4 i hate in America we dont get Avants

[@yadevable]

Great review! My 2 cents on the auto upshift on redlining in Manual mode - Audi, as a car designed to be used on the public road and not explicitly intended for track usage, targets optimal performance on the road in everyday driving. Meaning if you need to a REALLY aggresive overtake in the SHORTEST possible distance then the last thing you want is to redline and bog down. For me the auto upshift in M is a great feature! Would be best to have a config to enable/disable it though

[@mcytc]

Also regarding the auto downshift, I find that manually downshifting when coming to a stop can result in a clunky experience - best to just leave it to the car. I don't mind the auto downshifting as much as I do auto upshifting. Both are probably done to protect the engine.

[@Jmarzx]

@@mcytcthis is veryy truee but also u have to learn to rev match well because even in VW when you dont hard down shift u can always manually shift and ifs smooth

[@mcytc]

Thanks for the review. Honestly surprised Audi lent you a current generation S4, given the new one is probably a year or so away!

[@joespittle1]

Hopefully the B10 comes around sometime soon, this B9 generation has been around since 2015 in Europe

[@thebossfanman4900]

I have a 2019 S4 Sport Plus in Daytona Grey Lava red interior. Simply put, this car is an excellent daily driver! It's quick, smooth, and just enough pops and gargles in sport Plus mode. Looks even better with tinted glass!

[@lyssword]

I find it kind of strange that you're comparing this car to 2 series (179") with this Audi S4 being 188" long, instead of 3 (340i) series, which is 2 inches shorter

[@DailyMotor]

Mmm, fair enough, not sure why the 2 series came to mind

[@dariusslay279]

Because the 3 series is 10 times better than the a4 and s4.

[@MartinLilienthal-vi5sh]

Great review. I just bought a ‘24 S5 Sportback and it has been perfect for the type of daily driving I do. Comfortable when I want it to be and fun when I want it to be. The fact that the design has been around for a while was a big draw since it has enough tech to do what I need it to do, but still simple to operate with great feeling buttons. Touchscreens are great for a phone, but not as great when driving. I traded in my ‘18 M2 which was a fantastic car, but very different as a daily.

[@drewyager4020]

I would miss the flat bottom steering wheel

[@devonforsure260]

Still have one in my S3 . I'd be considering a s5 sportback in the near future or if they ever bring an rs3 hatch here

[@MJLU280]

Yes I def miss that I have a ‘24 S4 Still think the B8.5 was the best.

[@markc9949]

Interesting take! I'd love to see your thoughts on this vs the TLX Type S.

[@tyhyhh]

Imo if you keep them stock they are basically equal just depends what brands you prefer but if you want to modify the audi is far better

[@markc9949]

@@tyhyhh on 6/11, I actually bought a 2021 S4 in Tango Red! I miss being a part of all things Honda, but none the less, very excited for a new platform.

[@KleinAB]

You can't get ventilated seats when you choose the cross-stitching, only heated.

[@Saintor1]

I think that the S5 Sportback adds some desirability factor to this platform. S4 and S5 are like twins having different character. I am on my 2nd S5 SB (B9) and enjoy it even more than my 1st. I find very interesting that Audi chose to present the 2025 S5 B10 as a Sportback with a V6T.

[@GregDZ33]

If you want a cool looking car with a beautiful interior, go for the S4. If you want a beautiful car that prioritizes insane power, go for the M340i. Fortunate to have both.

[@TJZTechShow]

Would much prefer the M340i

[@GOD999MODE]

Both are great, but $67k is way too high of a price for what this car is.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, One hears so little about Audi these days.

[@DailyMotor]

Bit of a shame because they're still good cars, they just aren't pushing the envelope at the same pace as BMW or MB

[@JRB41]

Would you rather this or a BMW M340i

[@DailyMotor]

M340i, not sure why I blanked on the 3 series

[@JRB41]

@@DailyMotor Ok, so do you think I should go for the M340i over the S4?

[@DailyMotor]

Yes@@JRB41

[@divides_by_zero]

Go with the M340i if you like touch screens and prioritize all out performance. Go S4 if you prefer physical buttons and knobs, and you like a nice balance of luxury and sport.

[@MichaelOliveri-e6p]

@@JRB41 I got rid of my m340 after a year because I hated the ride. It was too harsh for New Jersey roads. The S4 rides so much better and is way more comfortable in the seats and interior. The Bmw is faster with better handling. It's all about what's right for you.

[@markovwms]

Just wait a year or two and save 20k off that crazy price lol

[@isimonsez]

It won’t drop 20k in a yr or 2 unless the previous owner put 40,000 miles on it in two years. Stick to a main stream make if you’re clipping coupons

[@gregs8685]

Yes it will drop $20k (30%) in 2 years. I would never drop $70k on an S4. If my budget was $70k I’d get a lightly used RS5. If I wanted an S4 I’d also get a lightly used one for way less.

[@MysterE1971a]

I would need a 6MT😎

[@ryanb8736]

This is comparable to the M340. Not the 2 series. S4 is a great car.

[@kagisomogoshane5094]

And the Mercedes C43

[@v12-s65]

shame it's a diesel in europe, all though it's acceptable because 340hp for a mid size diesel sedan is pretty good to choose as an option. However the S6 with only 340hp where as it had a 450hp v8 before.. that's a disaster

[@pokerfred68]

I own one and it does everything right. Also owned a BMW M340 xdrive and I also thought that did everything right. Audi rides better. BMW is quicker.

[@embiggens1]

Ohlins coilovers fixed that on my M340i. Rides sublime. Can't go wrong either way though, they're both great cars.

[@RobertLizinski]

I found it strange that you praised the car throughout the review, but then expressed dislike for it in your summary.

[@DailyMotor]

Reviewing new vehicles is tricky because pretty much every new car is "good". The difference between 1st place and 10th place in a market segment is often very subtle. For some people, the S4 is going to be exactly what they're looking for. But for me personally, I would choose many other cars before it. Hope that helps.

[@salfinazzo6544]

I love having to go through 3 menus to shut off start stop in modern BMWs. It’s great fun. Oh also forgot the no buttons for climate control!!! Yay technology

[@bb57365]

Honestly like the S3 better.

[@TheBonbons5]

Foothill Ranch?😂

[@thedylanoid]

i'm the right and sort of person, :)

[@gregs8685]

Nice car but $68k is just silly for an S4. I’d buy a lightly used CPO RS5 for $60k…

[@mordredma]

I think the only place I think the interior needs updated is the material. All the upper dashboard and door are really cheap looking plastic, some leatherette and stitching could be nice. But the tactile feeling in all of the controls are unmatched by any brands in the price range.

[@ramses8847]

Screw those turbo 4 cylinders, they suck so bad.

[@whz6ka]

B58>>>

[@pr33tu_]

Test drove this in '18 when it came out, was pretty underwhelmed