2008 Audi S4 Sedan

Souped-Up Sedan

The Audi S4 Sedan packs a V8 engine into the body of an A4 for truly exhilarating performance.

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The V8 in the Audi S4 Sedan produces about one-third more power than the six-cylinder engine in the A4 3.2 sedan. Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard in the S4 Sedan. It’s specially calibrated to provide a 40/60 front-to-rear power split on models equipped with a manual transmission, which helps contribute to a sportier feel.

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Automatic transmission models provide a 50/50 power distribution between the front and rear axles. Whether automatic or manual, power is automatically sent to the wheels with the most traction for added road-holding abilities, especially on wet pavement.

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Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and the latest version of Audi’s Electronic Stabilization Program with traction control are standard. The combination helps drivers retain control under slippery conditions or during extreme handling. Front side and side-curtain airbags that cover all outboard passengers are also standard.

Audi S4 Sedan Vehicle Summary

Styling-wise, the Audi S4 Sedan carries only slight cosmetic differences from the Audi A4 Sedan. Audi’s now-trademark trapezoidal grille highlights an uncluttered, attractive exterior. That stealthy appearance can be a virtue for drivers who want to blend in (say, from the highway patrol), but it can be disappointing for those who want to turn heads.

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The Audi S4 Sedan comes with a high level of standard equipment, including sport front seats. Options include adaptive high-intensity headlamps that pivot to illuminate the road around curves. The optional navigation system includes Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI). The MMI system can be difficult to operate at first, and may distract drivers from the road, but it’s less annoying than similar systems from other manufacturers, like BMW's iDrive. It does a particularly nice job of keeping radio channels organized with the optional satellite receiver.

Is the Audi S4 Sedan for You?

Buy the S4 Sedan if
You want a comfortable and stylish sporty sedan with precise handling and truly quick V8 acceleration.

Keep Looking if
You prefer a larger and/or softer-riding luxury car, or a model that provides sportier styling to complement its high-performance nature.

Who Fits?
Four fit comfortably and five can squeeze in a pinch; front-seat occupants will find ample room, though larger riders will find that backseat space is at a premium.

Closest Competitors
BMW 335i, Lexus IS 350

Did You Know?
Audi’s A4 series upon which the S4 is based has been around for more than three decades and has been sold under a variety of names during that period. Originally offered in 1972 as the Fox, it was the automaker’s second model here after the 100 (now known as the A6). Redesigned in 1982, it was renamed the 4000 and became the first U.S. Audi to feature the renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car would receive yet another name change later that decade as the 80 and was subsequently rechristened with its current nameplate, A4, in 1994. A later redesign for 2001 boasted the first continuously variable transmission (which eschewed conventional gears for a series of belts and pulleys) from a European manufacturer.