2025 Audi S4

We think the Audi S4 is just the right amount of hot. Enough to be thrilling, not so much that it just becomes frustrating driving a potential rocket with scant opportunities to launch it. Factor in Audi’s inimitable style, and the S4 becomes even more desirable.

There is one thing to consider, however. This generation of A4 made its debut for 2017 and Audi is replacing it with a new A5. The company plans on keeping its even numbers for all-electric vehicles. This leaves the future of the S4 variant in limbo for the time being.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury sedans, including the Audi S4.

The HomeLink remote garage door button is now integrated into the rearview mirror. The Convenience package, optional with Premium trim, gains USB ports for the rear passengers. And the Navigation Plus feature becomes standard at the Premium Plus level.

We recommend the Premium Plus trim because it negotiates the price-to-equipment ratio extremely well. It’s also the most popular choice.

The BMW M340i xDrive would be a great, newer alternative, although it starts a little higher than the mid-level S4. Anyone thinking of buying an S4 Prestige might also like to check out the Mercedes-AMG C 43, which starts a little higher but is in the same affordability bracket. This is a much fresher model as well.

Before buying a new S4 compact luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Zero-to-60 mph happens in a rapid 4.4 seconds. The S4 develops a punchy 349 hp, more than enough muscle for public roads. In comparison, the BMW M340i xDrive enjoys 386 hp and reaches 60 mph 0.3 of a second sooner.

Whenever we drive any Audi S car, we’re impressed by the balance. Not just the weight distribution — which is great in the S4, and the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system has a sporty rearward bias in normal conditions — but also how the amount of power feels like an ideal match for a suspension that handles quick corners with unflustered efficiency. Yet it can still be sufficiently forgiving to make long trips and daily commutes pleasurable. An optional adaptive suspension changes its settings within milliseconds to optimize handling and dynamics. Traction can be enhanced further by an optional limited-slip rear differential. The S is probably supposed to denote sporty or speedy — we think it could also mean sweet because the S4 definitely hits a sweet spot.

Fuel Economy

One sign of the S4’s age is that it returns 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The newer BMW M340i xDrive achieves 29 mpg combined.

Stainless steel pedals and sport front seats are typical trappings of a car with higher performance than usual. That said, they seem perfectly right in the 2025 S4. Upholstery is a diamond-stitched mix of leather and simulated suede. For the most part, though, the S4’s cabin shares a lot with the A4.

That’s a good thing, because it has a refined, clutter-free look using high-quality materials, and exemplary fit and finish. Rear legroom is acceptable within this class. And even if the trunk is five cubic feet smaller than the 17 cubic feet of the BMW 3 Series, it’s still useful. We should add that automotive interior design has moved on quite a bit since the A4/S4 was the new kid. This environment is functional and pleasant, but far from cutting-edge.

Compared with its A4 stablemate, the 2025 S4 sedan has extra aerodynamic additions, a quad exhaust system, and model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels. The whole thing looks great, and what’s not to love about the sleek A4 bones anyway?

Virtual Cockpit
This 12.3-inch digital driver information display is a standard feature in the Premium Plus version. We’ve found it highly user-friendly.

Bang & Olufsen audio
We love a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, like the 20-speaker, 755-watt example that comes standard in the S4’s Premium Plus trim. Detail, clarity, and power — it sounds great whether it’s Puccini or Pink, Nina Simone or Nine Inch Nails.

Audi Side Assist
More often known as blind-spot monitoring, this is another standard feature at the Premium Plus level.

Head-up display
A feature installed in the top Prestige trim. Projecting vital information onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight saves looking away from the road.

360-degree camera system
This is another Prestige feature and one we’ve found especially useful in tight parking spots.

S Sport package
This options bundle adds a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and a limited-slip rear differential.

The 2025 Audi S4 employs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing a gutsy 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The regular A4 and the SUV-like A4 Allroad wagon are reviewed separately.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Audi’s new-car warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Roadside assistance is included. That’s par for the course among luxury marques, especially European manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The A4 (on which the S4 is based) has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).