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2013 Audi S4

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Overview

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2013 Audi S4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

Four years after its last major redesign, the Audi A4 gets a mild freshening for 2013. And that's plenty to keep it competitive in the tough entry-luxury sports-sedan class. With tasteful styling inside and out, efficient and powerful engines and generous interior space, the A4 Sedan and its high-sport cousin, the S4, offer buyers refinement, comfort and performance at a realistic price. The A4 comes in three trim levels – Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige – with three driveline choices: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with front-wheel drive (FWD), 6-speed manual with quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) and 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro. Though the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37 have steadily improved, the Audi A4 more than holds its own.

You'll Like This Car If...

Fuel efficiency, excellent styling and a well-crafted interior are hallmarks of the 2013 Audi A4 line. Buyers searching for an attractive sports sedan with appropriate levels of standard equipment and a host of available technology will find it in the A4.

You May Not Like This Car If...

As is normal for German luxury vehicles, equipping the A4 with the full range of available options can quickly drive up the price to dizzying heights. If you need a top-of-the-line model, this one will cost you dearly.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

8.1
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

7.1
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#8

out of 14

MPG

#3

out of 15

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.9 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Audi A4 gets a new hood and headlights, and inside, there's a new instrument cluster with simplified layout for the Multi Media Interface (MMI) electronics control. Electric power steering replaces the previous hydraulic boost. The A4 Avant wagon goes away with the arrival of the new Allroad.

Driving the S4

Driving Impressions The 2013 Audi A4 prioritizes precision over outright comfort on the road, though you won't hear us complain. The suspension finds a pleasing middle ground between the ride philosophies of...

Mercedes-Benz (typically a bit soft) and BMW (more stiff). Thus, the A4 is slightly sharper-handling than a C-Class if not quite as crisp as a 3 Series. The new-for-2013 electric power steering imparts notably better road feel than we usually find in such systems. With its responsive 211-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the A4 has more than enough horsepower and readily available torque. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) with front drive works okay, but doesn't feel nearly as competent as either the 6-speed manual or 8-speed Tiptronic (both with quattro all-wheel drive). If you must have more, the performance-focused S4 offers 333 horsepower from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a considerably sharper chassis.

Favorite Features

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
In a class dominated by 6-cylinder engines, the 2013 Audi A4 stands apart with a boosted 4-cylinder that delivers smooth and strong thrust as well as satisfying fuel economy.

S LINE PACKAGE
For buyers who want to maximize the 2013 Audi A4's sportiness without climbing into S4 territory, the S line Package includes 19-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, more aggressive suspension tuning, subtle exterior enhancements, upgraded upholstery, genuine brushed-aluminum trim and a racy 3-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel.

2013 Audi S4 Details

2013 Audi S4 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Audi has a reputation for crafting superb interiors, and the 2013 A4 shows why. Design, layout, materials and assembly are all first-rate, and the environment feels both upscale and businesslike. Standard equipment includes a handsome 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a sportier 3-spoke design is optional. The broad range of interior-trim treatments includes aluminum or wood inlays and attractive red LED accent lighting in the headliner to illuminate the center console. Leather seating surfaces are standard and Alcantara inserts available, as are special sport seats with deeper body-hugging bolsters.

Exterior

Anyone who has seen an Audi lately will recognize the company's signature oversize single-frame grille and stylized LED accent lighting in the front of the 2013 A4. The body lines are clean and conservative but tastefully detailed, and the design still looks good after four years on the market. A variety of wheel options allows individualizing the appearance. The S4 has more aggressive body treatments befitting its sporting nature.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Audi A4 line is available in three trim levels. Base is called Premium, and there's very little basic about its standard-equipment lineup: 17-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, leather seating surfaces and Sirius satellite radio, as well as numerous other creature comforts. The Premium Plus designation adds Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime running lights and many other worthwhile features. Finally, the Prestige trim adds navigation and an HD Radio paired with an impressive Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Optional Equipment

The A4 Prestige package offers the further option of the S line group, which includes sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, different front and rear fascias, side skirts, unique doorsills and badging. A4 Prestige models also offer a Driver Assist package, consisting of adaptive cruise control (automatically maintains a distance from a vehicle in front) and adjustment of control dynamics, including steering effort, throttle response and transmission-shift characteristics.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Audi A4 is powered by an efficient 2.0-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 211 horsepower and delivers impressive fuel economy. FWD versions of the A4 feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while those with Audi's quattro AWD system offer the choice of a 6-speed manual or the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. Regardless of drivetrain, the A4 continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient luxury-branded sedans on the market, beating both the more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 and the slower C250. The sportier S4, meanwhile, boasts a powerful 3.0-liter supercharged, direct-injection V6 engine that offers V8 performance and still-impressive fuel economy.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 4,300-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (FWD, CVT), 22/32 mpg (AWD, manual), 20/30 mpg (AWD, automatic)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500-7,000 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque 2,900-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (automatic), 17/26 mpg (manual)

Pricing Notes

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Audi A4 starts at $33,395 for a Premium trim with CVT and front drive. That same driveline in Prestige trim just tops $43,000. Move to the 6-speed manual with quattro AWD and prices range from just over $34,000 for the Premium to about $44,000 for the Prestige. The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro ranges from the Premium's $35,500 to over $45,000 for the Prestige. Load on the two packages available for Prestige (S Line and Driver Assist) and your A4 can close in on $52,000. The hard-charging S4 starts about $48,500 and can easily top $62,000. Be sure to check Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for the A4 in your area. In terms of resale value, the Audi A4 doesn't do as well as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Lexus IS.

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2013 Audi S4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.9

Out of 10

Based on 18 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.8/10

Quality

9.9/10
Reliability

9.9/10

Performance

9.9/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

9.9/10

A SLEEPING BEAST !!!!

By Ledou (CA) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "all of it"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"By far one of the best car i have ever driven in its class. The supercharger does the job and more. Whishes that the exhaust was a bit more racy, but really small detail. I am having lots of fun with it and getting ready to take it to our local race track...."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best All Around Sport Sedan Ever!!!

By Gary M (NJ) on Friday, March 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to Drive, Reliable, All season Family car, MPG"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car for 3 years and it has been very reliable. Only problem was water pump that was replaced in the first year on a recall. Audi has now extended the warranty on the engine and drive train to 100K miles. Car is a blast to drive, as quick as a 911 with room for 4 adults. If you have kids and want a sports car that you can drive year round (in snow) then this is the car for you. I love the black and red leather seats, Prestige Package and keyless entry. I have no complaints with this car and would buy another."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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If you appreciate cars, you'll LOVE this one!

By Greg (CA) on Monday, December 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,043

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Outstanding sports sedan, for the whole family"

Cons: "Really can't think of any that are significant"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"There simply aren't enough superlatives to describe this vehicle - by far the most awesome car I've owned yet. The power and acceleration, the handling, the technology, and, the silly grin it puts on your face -- if you're a Car Guy/Gal, you'll understand what I mean. Don't buy this car if you are just a point-A to point-B driver (i.e., if you just want transportation - basic, cheap and reliable). However, if you are the type who enjoys the ride along the way – and if you appreciate quality, you'll be completely satisfied, enamored and impressed by this unique and ever-so-capable sports sedan. I bought my '10 certified pre-owned S4 exactly one year ago today and I have not been disappointed. It has been very reliable, it's very intuitive and user-friendly, and the AWD system gives you total driving confidence. My Imola Yellow exterior also gets regular compliments and stares. The sport-tuned suspension is on the firm side but after you initially adjust to it, it's completely comfortable - on both short and long drives. Though I'd like a little more rumble in my exhaust note (and I may still obtain that with after-market parts), this super-charged V6 really does everything I can imagine needing. Well-done, Audi!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Two year update

By Johnner A (NY) on Thursday, October 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very fast, MMI controls, comfortable, gorgeous"

Cons: "ummmmmmm"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have enjoyed my S4 for two full years now and feel as though I know it well. The engine is absolutely a gem. It is a shame that Washington is rendering V6 and V8 engines obsolete, being replaced with turbo fours. There will never be a four cylinder engine that feel and sounds as good as this supercharged V6. I have the 6sp manual but sometimes regret not having the slick DSG 7 speed auto. The stick is fine but offers no performance advantage over the twin clutch automatic. The interior looks like new and is solid as a bank vault. Seats are comfortable but rear leg room is not generous. I use winter tires through Buffalo winters and with them, the car is awesome in the snow. I have gotten so use to the MMI controls (single knob that controls audio etc.) that I miss it when driving any other car. The Bang and Olufson stereo blows any system I have heard away. The car won't disappoint for those looking for a fast, great looking, comfortable all season alternative."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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10 reasons why a B8 S4 is the perfect fit for me

By Ecoute (MD) on Friday, April 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Before shopping for a new car in July 2011 I wrote down the following ideal specs. Only one car met them all: the 2012 Audi S4 Prestige... Which is now parked in the garage 1: Speed - 0-60 under 5 seconds 2: Quattro - Safe in snow storms with 4 inches of loose snow and ice on the ground 3: Control - Manual transmission (never owned an automatic) 4: Cargo - Need 4 doors (kids) and carry 2 adult hockey players with gear bags 5: TechHead - Loaded with features (keyless, nav, rear camera, premium sound, HDD, etc.) 6: Commute - 22 MPG confirmed combined average as an aggressive driver 7: Quality - Would LOVE to buy American cars, but just can't. 8: Prestige - Highschool/college days are behind, cars don't need wings as spoilers! 9: Price - Under $60K, can't drop $100 K on a car yet 10: Unique - I see another S4 every other month at most. If this is your spec list as well then the S4 is your car. Get one!"

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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Phantom Black - Titanium

By Phantom S4 (CT) on Monday, February 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Acceleration, Handling, All Wheel Drive, Looks"

Cons: "Not amazing on gas, gets about 20mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the best car I have ever owned. From the handling to the acceleration, to the fact that it can be driven through any weather, this is the perfect car!!! Thank you Audi!"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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