2017 Audi S4 Road Test and Review…

Reviewing cars for Behind the Wheel is an adventure. It’s fun testing each new model, exploring the good points and drawbacks, and at the end of the week, I look forward to returning it and moving on to the next one.

That’s most of the time. However, I have found a car I would happily hang on to… it’s Audi’s 2017 S4 sedan.

This sports saloon looks the part, streamlined yet muscular, understated as well.

The S badge lets you know it’s quick, setting it apart from the regular A4, yet this car doesn’t need any stripes, bells and whistles to tell the world it’s hot and fast. It just is. And I loved it.

The 2017 Audi S4 looks tough, especially in the metallic Mythos black of the test car, with its integrated spoiler at the back.

I also liked the red brake calipers and the contrasting wing mirror surrounds. Tough but still subtle. Until you start the engine, that’s when the subtlety ends. That roar!

Suddenly you will be noticing envious glances from bystanders, with the soundtrack, courtesy of those quad exhausts, guaranteeing the S4 is the centre of attention.

The 3.0 litre TSFI engine with 8-speed tiptronic transmission is good for 260kW of power, and 500Nm of torque.

This Audi gets you from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

The company also claims fuel consumption of 7.7 litres per 100 km, but I had no such luck, the best I could manage was around 11 litres per 100km, often more like 12. Maybe it’s how I was driving!

So what is it like to drive? Depends on what you want. Potter along on congested roads? No problem. Traffic? Relax, mild manners are a specialty. Unleash the beast? Certainly! How fast would you like?

Cornering and handling are what you would expect, with its 19 inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, and all the silky smooth torque you want.

Having established that the car sounds glorious, and delivers abundant power and comfort, all I felt like doing was taking the S4 for an extra spin around the block; or better yet, out along the highway for a spontaneous country excursion. It’s just that kind of car.

If you give in to the temptation of a motoring holiday or even just the daily commute, you will certainly enjoy the classy interior.

Audi spends much time and energy designing cabins that are good to use, figuring that they need to be enjoyable spaces, given how much time we spend in them.

The S4 is no exception, with everything that opens and shuts.

The test car came with the S performance package, a snip at $5,900.

For that, you get the extended upholstery finish, carbon inlays, S sport front seats with diamond quilting – naturally as it’s everywhere these days – Nappa leather, pneumatic lumbar support with massage function. It’s all there.

Did I leave anything out? Well maybe the quattro sport differential, a further $2,950. Quality of the fit and finish befits a luxury sports sedan, and the virtual cockpit is dazzling indeed.

This provides several display options in the space where you would usually find the speedometer/tachometer… right there in front of you.

A Behind the Wheel colleague spent his time with Google Earth selected, so he could check out the real estate he was driving past!

I preferred a combination of fuel consumption, speed etc, along with MMI navigation, all displayed in high-resolution.

What else? Quite roomy in the cabin, even for back seat passengers, and the boot manages 480 litres of cargo space.

Active safety features? Of course, considering the power on offer and traffic congestion.. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot lane change warnings, collision avoidance assist, attention assist… the list goes on.

Prices start at $99,900, and the model I drove came in at $110,596.

So, here it is, performance and luxury combined with high-end design and a beautiful finish.

If you test drive one of these, I think you will understand why I like it so much.

Audi’s 2017 S4 Sedan really is a compelling package, wonderful actually. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

NUTS and BOLTS – 2017 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic

Engine: 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder developing 260kW and 500Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Safety: Five stars

Warranty: Three years

Origin: Germany

Price: from $99,900