2023 Audi S4: Slightly Aged But Still Going Strong
2023 Audi S4
The Audi S4’s mission has always been about providing a vehicle that offers customers high quality luxury and strong performance. This remains true, even though the current generation dates back to 2017. The 2023 version is a result of a 2020 refresh and not much has changed since then. People are often seduced to the newest products and the S4 has been eclipsed over the years by newer, more modern vehicles from rivals. It’s easy for the S4 to be overlooked as buyers’ flock to the cars boasting the latest technology or the largest screens. In this world of keeping up with the Jones’, a seven-year-old design may not shine the brightest at first glance. While the S4 may not be in the spotlight at the moment it is still a highly capable, stealthy performer that offers an enjoyable drive.
Exterior Design: Understated Luxury
Upon laying my eyes on my white S4 tester, my initial thoughts of the exterior design are that it’s a little outdated and very simple looking. I mean, it has a basic shape that Audi has been using on their A4/S4 line since 2009. Audi’s evolutionary redesigns over the years hasn’t changed the S4 drastically, just a corner smoothed out here and a new line their approach. While I thought I had my mind made up on the design, the more I stared at it, I started to see more design details that I liked. The design is very straight-forward and is attractive in a way that isn’t obvious at first.
The S4 features a prominent horizontally stretched, crest shaped honeycomb grille. LED headlights are pushed to the corners and a smooth clam shell hood completes the handsome design up front. The S4 has slightly flared fenders on all four sides, paying respect to the historical Audi Quattro of the past. The design is completed with an attractive pair of taillights and the 4 chrome tipped exhaust pipes signals that this car is something special. A 19” 5-spoke wheel design came with my car and the red brake calipers add a pop of color. The overall design of the S4 is elegant and it features an understated luxurious design. Many of its competitors have more aggressive appearances but the S4 still manages to quietly sizzle in its own way.
Interior: Compact, yet modern settings
The interior of the Audi S4 tries to blend luxury and sportiness together in one cohesive package. In typical Audi fashion it is not loud or overdone. Instead just like the exterior design the interior is simple, elegant and classy. A combination of leather and soft to the touch materials cover the upper and lower parts of the dash and suede inserts are added in the door panels to change things up. Brushed stainless trim adorns part of the dash and the center console, creating a modern, clean (sterile) and somewhat sporty look. It also is a design element that makes the look more visually interesting by creating contrast with the colors and textures. As expected, fit and finish is excellent. A large 10.1-inch touchscreen is stuck on the dash like a tablet. While I prefer my touchscreens more integrated in the design of the dash, Audi’s MMI system works well. This system also provides audible clicks to notify you that what you pressed is actually working. Actual buttons and knobs can be found below, that controls temperature, air conditioning and seat warmers. A nice 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital display cluster is also available, featuring nice detailed graphics and is highly configurable. The leather stitched steering wheel feels nice to the touch and is the perfect size for a spirited driving style. Seats are also comfortable, well bolstered and highly adjustable, making them suitable for long road trips. Massaging seats are standard that will for sure ease the tension even on the roughest of days. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is also available on all S4’s. One issue with the S4’s interior is that it feels slightly snug. Its compact dimensions also make the rear seats a little tight too. Despite that, the interior of the S4 is a pleasant place to be. It may not be as modern as some over the top rivals but it still offers comfort, tech and luxury in a nice package.
Slightly tight rear seats
How it drives: Mature performance
The Audi S4 will most likely be compared to the BMW M340i or the Mercedes-AMG C43. While both of those models are newer and more powerful, this Audi can hold its own with a 349 HP turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. This powertrain links up with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system makes sure that the S4 has strong acceleration in a straight line and that the vehicle stays planted on all fours during tight turns. Press the accelerator down hard and the S4 is extremely responsive in a hurry but in a more relaxed type of way. The transmission shifts quickly, smoothly and in a predictable manner. Handling is good and the chassis maintains its stability with the road. The suspension can be adjusted based on the drive modes but even in dynamic mode, with the stiffened suspension setup, I felt that the vehicle handled imperfect country roads well.
We’ve come to expect loud and dramatic engine sounds from sporty vehicles in this class and if you want that, the Audi may slightly disappoint. The S4 instead sounds more mature and even slightly more grown up than its fellow German rivals. The sounds from the engine is more like a subdued grumble. That burly sound is there and if you want to hear it in all its glory, then I recommend turning off the radio. I can attest that the V-6 turbo in this doesn’t sound anywhere near as great as the phenomenal old 4.2 liter V8. The roar from that engine is amazing, however times are changing and engines are downsizing, so this is the best Audi will offer on S4 and S5 models nowadays. Either way, exhaust notes and engine sounds are one thing that may not matter to a large bulk of buyers anyways. The S4 isn’t going to blow you away with its performance but it will still impress on any occasion.
The Audi S4 is a well proportioned vehicle
Final Thoughts: Age is just a number
While seven years and counting in the car world is a long time to go without a major redesign, the S4 still is a worthy vehicle that buyers can still get excited about. It’s got style, luxury, power and technology all put together in a nice compact German package. Yes, some aspects of this vehicle does feel a tad dated at times and yes newer competitors do exist. But after my time behind the wheel, the S4 still finds a way to charm its drivers. When considering the S4, it all comes down to what you want as the buyer. If you want a luxury vehicle that feels refined, composed and compact the S4 is definitely for you. If you want a car that is low key attractive, well packaged with a slight rumble from the engine, again I recommend looking into the S4. It’s a great car that is more mature than its more aggressively styled (sometimes over the top) and louder sounding rivals. In all honesty, I actually think this Audi is more attractive looking than BMW’s M340i and over styled M3. The S4 proves that age is just a number and this is still a complete vehicle that should not be overlooked.
Pricing and Specifications:
3.0-liter turbocharged V6 – 349 HP
Canada:
Technik - $64,950
US:
Premium - $53,800
Premium Plus - $56,800
Prestige - $61,100
Main Competitors:
BMW 3-Series (M340i), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C43), Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Cadillac CT4 (CT4-V)
Audi logo
