29 Votes

Is THIS Next Generation Audi S4, Finally Worthy?

Agent001 submitted on 10/30/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:15:30 PM

36 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: | SOURCE: www.edmunds.com

Tag Link: 2009 Audi S4

At least once during every drive of a hot-rod Audi S, R, or RS model, we ask the Question, as in: "Will Audi ever give in and make us a rear-driver performance car with the engine up front?" In response this time, Peter Schwarzenbauer of the Audi management board told us, "Never.

Not while I'm here, at the very least."

So, rather than invest in a rear-wheel-drive platform that can turn an Audi into a BMW, Ingolstadt has done everything it can to urge its heavy, high-performance all-wheel-drive cars to let us have more fun during more technical driving — that is to say, something more than the usual lack of decent turn-in followed by mad understeer. In this case, the 2009 Audi S4 introduces the company's pretty good solution.

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Is THIS Next Generation Audi S4, Finally Worthy?

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FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

I think it'll be a great car, and what's with the "finally worthy" stuff? The old one was plenty worthy.

One thing -- there's no way on earth Audi expects the car to be rated at 17mpg city and 32/33mpg highway. I believe the 17mpg city, but that highway rating has to be a typo. First, that's 3mpg better than the 4-cylinder front wheel drive A4, and there's no way on earth the all-wheel drive supercharged V6 gets 6mpg worse than that engine in the city yet somehow gets 3mpg better on the highway. Makes no sense. Second, the S4 has the indentical European cycle fuel economy rating as a 335xi. Here the 335xi gets 17/25. Expect similar numbers for the S4.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 2:31:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 12

No typo...6th gear as an overdrive gear makes a difference. I have an '05 e46 w/6 speed that routinely gets 30-32 on the highway and around 21 city...depending on my driving habits that day :-)
— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 6:26:28 PM | | Votes: 1

That's not what I am saying. Getting 30mpg highway and being RATED for that are two different things. I typically get over 30mpg on my 535xi cruising on the highway too, but the car sure as heck isn't RATED at 30mpg.

Again, the Euro cycle rating for the new S4 is identical to the 335xi. Here the 335xi is rated at 17/25. I'd be very surprised if the S4 didn't have similar ratings here, seeing as how they're rated identically there. That doesn't mean it won't see 30mpg on the highway in real world driving, just like a 335xi does. I just don't believe the EPA is actually going to rate it that high, especially when the front wheel drive four cylinder A4 is only rated at 30mpg.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:02:33 PM | | Votes: 3

The new A4 is a great improvement over the past A4's since 2002. Audi went lazy with the redesign and instead of making a new car they refreshed the exterior and called it a new one. With the next gen the interior is superb! and very solid. Stying is traditional conservative.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 2:37:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

So what about the exterior. It already looks good.
— veyron1001 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 3:42:58 PM | | Votes: -2

They weren't lazy, they just didn't redesign the car in 2005. It was a refresh... that's how it was supposed to be. You don't completely redesign a car after three years. It was a six year cycle like normal.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:33:00 PM | | Votes: -5

Obviously it was a refresh. It's just the sales people thought i was a fresh off the boat China man who knew nothing. On top of that I pulled up to the dealership in an S-Class and they saw that yet they were trying to sell me an A4 instead of that beautiful S8. No wonder sales for that location have been plummeting.

Anyways the interior of the new A4/A5 is very well built. They've finally up the anty with one of the class leading designs and builds in my opinion. Second place goes to the C-Class IMO. 3rd place goes to the IS. 4th can be the 3-series (without the navi since it looks more complete with it).
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:40:02 PM | | Votes: 12

Well that's stupid. Don't go to that dealer. I hate people who instantly stereotype... happens a lot at car dealers though.

But I still don't get what you meant about the "redesign." If anything, they were un-lazy, because it was a major overhaul as opposed to a usual small tweak.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 1:40:36 AM | | Votes: -5

im new here but i want to make this clear;
the s4's a garbage car. it's all about the lexus is250/350/is-f. nothing in its class compares it to its prestige, quality, and comfort. it's the most blingin car on the road today. the overstyled c class is a glitterball, the rs4 is overpriced, and the m3 is a dud. is-f all the way!

agent your s class is garbage as well. you wish you can have an s8 but you cant. neways you wish you had a lexus ls the benchmark car in this class the most prestige car comparable to rolls royce phantom and bentley flying spur.

lexus gs is comparable to the s class and look at the price diff. and superior styling and hybrid technology. nothing compares. the lvl of detail on all lexus is crazier than s class , cl, cls, e class and all that glitterness.

LEXUS 4 life!
— 123Kid (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 8:46:54 AM | | Votes: -1

I think 123kid is MichaelTaylor back from the grave.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 8:58:13 AM | | Votes: 2

123

The only thing you made clear in that incoherent, grammatically disastrous, delusional diatribe was that you're an idiot.

And Agent63 has an LS as well, I believe.

iz their nething else u would like 2 say?
— jpighetti (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 11:42:30 AM | | Votes: 3

Why no V6 on the new A4 Avant?
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 2:44:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

nobody bought them!
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 7:45:27 PM | | Votes: 5

Though I would rather have a bi-turbo 3.0 V6, the supercharged V6 is a vast improvement from the V8 not only in performance, but gas mileage as well. What turned me off from the b7 S4 was that it got nearly the same gas mileage as the RS4, yet was so underpowered. I think Audi definitely took a step in the right direction with the V6, making it a formidable 335i competitor. 0-62 in 5.1 is very fast, especially for an S4, so I am excited to see what it will do once it is released.

...I wish they'd bring over the B8 S4 Avant!
— AudiNewEngland (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 2:54:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Interestingly, Edmunds neglects to include the front/rear weight distribution. Since this was an Audi sponsored event, I'm guessing that data was never provided to the press since the S4 still retains that heavy nose.

In my opinion, it still isn't worthy. For approx. $47k you could pick up a 335xi sedan that is nicely optioned (metallic paint, premium & cold weather packages). The new S4 might have a base price of $49k, but as Edmunds notes that most will run around $55k with options. I would rather pocket the couple of grand and still end up with the benchmark AWD sports sedan.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 2:59:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I notice you left off the "sport package", and that's why (to me) the 335xi is less of an S4 competitor than the regular 335i is. Unfortunately (and this is a big pet peeve I have with BMW) you can't get their sport suspension on any all-wheel drive BMW that isn't an SAV. Why you can get a sport suspension on an X3/X5/X6 (the least "truly sporty" vehicles BMW makes) but can't on a 335xi coupe or sedan (vehicles that are much more naturally sporty) is beyond me. It's even more egregious on a 3-Series coupe, which comes STANDARD with a sport suspension... unless you get an xi. I just got a 535xi, and while I love the car and it handles well, I miss the sharpness of the 330i sport I replaced, or the 535i I almost got but didn't get because I "had to have" all-wheel drive. Audi is really stepping up with their models. All-wheel drive doesn't have to mean your clients don't want a sporty car, BMW! If Audi, Mitsubishi, Subaru, etc. can do it, you can too. Hopefully BMW recognizes that and in the next 3-Series and 5-Series will make a sport suspension available regardless of whether you get rear drive or xDrive.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 4:20:43 PM | | Votes: 3

JRob, I left off the sport suspension for that very reason. The sport seats are nice, but the package isn't worth the extra money without the actual suspension tuning. I have a 328xi coupe (ie with standard suspension) and have test driven the rwd coupe with it. While there is a difference (ie stiffer ride and slightly less body lean in corners), I don't think I am missing out on too much (especially with the pot holed roads here in New England).

Granted, the S4 would have a stiffer and sportier suspension than the 335xi. However, I still think that advantage is negated by the fact the S4 is still (not matter how much tuning) based on a FWD platform that is heavy in the front. I'd rather have a slightly softer sprung suspension, but on a car with superior weight distribution.
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 4:35:03 PM | | Votes: 0

** left off the sport "package" for that very reason...
— HSCenterconsole (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 4:38:31 PM | | Votes: -1

You mention the superior weight distribution on the 3 series. That might be a valid argument based on common wisdom but, with the new A4 platform and Quattro system, would you really notice the difference unless you're driving at 10/10th? I also wonder what the weight distribution is on the xi compared to te RWD 3 series.
On anything but a perfectly dry track, I would take the S4 over the 335xi anyday.
— JustaCar (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 5:00:00 PM | | Votes: 3

I had a 4 Door 335xi as loaner for over a month...and I can personally attest that it is NOT...I repeat NOT in the same handling league of an S4. One thing you will learn is that the Sport Package is not available on the 'xi' models...and believe me I was really disappointed in the handling. It had a really strong engine but I wouldn't track or race this car stock
— Need4Speed (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 6:19:45 PM | | Votes: 0

never seen a nicely optioned 09 335xi for under 50. dumb prm pack is like 2200 for dimming mirrors and garage opener.
— 1234xyz (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:13:38 PM | | Votes: 2

Has anyone seen what the 19" wheel option will be for the S4? I read on one site it will be an RS style wheel....like the current RS6????
— Jaybrn (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 4:25:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

all audi's look the same, just bigger versions of the next
— bmwpowerf1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 5:17:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

All BMWs look the same...tacky and cheap
— AudiNewEngland (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 6:28:34 PM | | Votes: -4

Both of you are wrong :)
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:34:29 PM | | Votes: -1

I am happy Audi went back the the V6 and a little shocked they used a SuperCharger BUT it is great that they did! My main complaint with the S4 is the weight, less is more in the Sporty car segment. This appears to be the best RS4/S4 yet!!!
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 5:20:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I am really excited about this car. JRob, I think it will get more than 17MPG in the city but 28-30 on the highway. It will probably accelerate from 0-60 in around 4.7 seconds. Something people often overlook is the car's size; its rear seat is quite a bit bigger than the E90's making it a more practical solution for a family. That, and the fact that the S4 is a "special" car are worth the premium, IMO.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 8:36:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I am ordering an S4 as soon as the pricing information is available.
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 10/30/2008 11:32:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The best S4 to me was the turbo motor. That car had so much potential and that motor was just great.I was very dissapointed with the last S4.Dont get me wrong it was a great car,but it wasnt enough to make me love it like the turbo. This new one should be great with that supercharger.
— rxh8me1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 12:30:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The 2.7T was notorious for big problems, especially in B5 S4 form. I didn't encounter any in my A6 but I think that's why it was discontinued.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 1:41:35 AM | | Votes: 0

I would be surprised if this car had anything less than a 3/4 straight male demographic.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 1:42:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Am I the only one that thinks that the new A4 design looks a bit boring/dated? I love Audi's and their designs but the new A4 doesn't have lines that look fresh or exciting. It's pretty plain!! The front end has the "family" look of Audi (which is expected) but the rear end is just hideous (those oblong taillights). It reminds me of the current 3 series (not that you should ever compare a BMW to an Audi). The current 3 series looked dated when it first came out---not exciting or anything to talk about--just blah. Hopefully the production A1 will look close to the concept design---Aggressive front grill and overall unique design.
— pbrown (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 1:49:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

eeehhhhhh!!!!!!let me know when the shape actually changes not the horsepower in the engine
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 7:37:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

People always seem to lose sight on what Audi really strives for and that's to have supurb performance, safety and luxury. Aside from the C63, BMW and MB only really does one of those 3 things well. The C63 has outstanding performance and luxury but not safety. The A4 line has consistently been a IIHS double best pick, immaculate luxuriousness and excellent performance (enough to nose ahead of their competitors' current models).

SO, if you must have the best performance, get a BMW...within the fist couple of years. Luxury, get a MB. But I like to have the best all around performer and that's why I have a S4.
— budfrogS4 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/31/2008 10:22:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

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Is THIS Next Generation Audi S4, Finally Worthy?

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