2006 Audi S4 Test Drive

Draggin' Wagon

Zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds will blow away a Dodge Charger R/T and stay a tick ahead of a Honda S2000 roadster, even with two bicycles in back and a kayak on the roof.

Ever since BMW developed the idea of a special line of up-engined production cars with its 1986 BMW M3, an increasing number of manufacturers — Audi, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and others — have bought into the concept. Audi’s high-performance line includes the S series of sedans and wagons, plus even more hot-rodded RS models. The 340-hp S version of the base A4 is the newest of them (also available in a super-special 420-hp RS 4 version).

Some might wonder whether the world needs a station wagon with sports-car performance and comparatively harsh ride characteristics, but others will find great value in such utility, which even includes quattro all-wheel drive. Why own a performance car, an SUV and a wagon when you can have all three in one?

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Audi has adapted its Le Mans race-winning technology called direct fuel injection (greater fuel economy allowed Audi race cars to go farther between pit stops) to the A4 via new four- and six-cylinder engines. The S4, however, uses an older 4.2-liter V8 that is substantially less fuel-efficient — so much less so, in fact, that you’ll pay a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax to buy an S4, and you’ll have to live with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway, which are numbers commonly found among midsize SUVs.

Including the gas tax, an S4 will cost you $13,260 more than the next-level-down A4 Avant, the 3.2-liter V6 quattro, which is a substantial premium to pay for 85 hp more, a less-efficient engine, a few minor styling cues to set the S4 slightly apart, sport seats and a stiffer suspension. Other than that, all optional S4 equipment is available on the A4 as well.