“The S4 is more than I ever thought it would be and love to drive it as much as possible”
Audi S4: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Audi S4 is a compact luxury performance car, best known as a sport sedan, that blends quick acceleration and standard all-wheel drive with an upscale, understated cabin. Older versions also included a convertible.
Across generations, the S4 has taken the practical shape of an Audi A4 and added substantially stronger performance without giving up everyday comfort. Its engines have evolved from a V8 to a supercharged V6 and then a turbo V6, while standard all-wheel drive has remained central to its character. It is the discreet choice among performance cars: fast and polished without looking especially flashy.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive has been a defining S4 trait across generations and gives it confident traction in changing weather.
- It delivers serious speed while remaining comfortable enough for commuting and long drives.
- The cabin feels upscale but restrained rather than showy.
- The 2025 model’s turbo V6 produces 349 horsepower, giving the sedan strong performance without requiring a larger body.
- Recent models pair their performance with useful everyday technology, including a touchscreen system and expanded driver-assistance features.
Who it's for
The S4 suits someone who wants one car for commuting, long highway drives, and enjoyable back-road driving. It is especially appealing to buyers who value confident all-weather traction and a subtle appearance more than attention-grabbing styling.
Audi S4 lineup
Premium is the entry point on later S4s and provides the core engine and all-wheel-drive experience with fewer extras. Premium Plus is the middle choice for shoppers who want more convenience, technology, and driver-assistance equipment. Prestige sits at the top for those who want the fullest comfort and technology package. Earlier generations often started with Premium Plus, so on used examples the model year, trim, and original options all matter.
Audi S4 generations
From 2009 to 2025, the S4 spans three generations. The current 5th Generation — B9/B9.5 arrived for 2018, following the B8/B8.5 Generation (2010–2016).
5th Generation — B9/B9.5 (2018–2025)
This generation replaced the supercharged V6 with a turbocharged V6 and paired it with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. A 2020 refresh revised the styling and added a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen system.
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2025
Light equipment updates. Premium Plus gets standard navigation, and this is the final U.S. model year for the S4 sedan before its role shifts to the S5.
2024
Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and a heated steering wheel become standard across the lineup.
2023
Small trim- and package-specific updates, with no lineup-wide redesign or mechanical change.
2022
Carbon Atlas interior trim becomes standard across the lineup.
2021
Wireless Apple CarPlay, lane departure warning, and a built-in toll-payment module become standard.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling and a new 10.1-inch touchscreen system update the S4 without changing its core mechanical setup.
2019Trim changes
The entry-level Premium trim joins the lineup.
2018New generation
The redesigned B9 S4 debuts with a 354-hp turbocharged V6, an eight-speed automatic, and standard all-wheel drive.
B8/B8.5 Generation (2010–2016)
The B8 redesign replaced the previous V8 with a 333-hp supercharged V6 and offered a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. The B8.5 update arrived for 2013 with revised styling, cleaner cabin controls, and new electric power steering.
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2016
Carryover final year for the B8.5 S4, with the same supercharged V6 and transmission choices.
2015
No significant lineup-wide changes.
2014
Selectable drive modes become standard across the lineup.
2013Mid-cycle update
Revised exterior styling, updated interior controls, and new electric power steering define the B8.5 refresh.
2012Trim changes
Minor equipment changes make some previously optional comfort features standard.
2011
Small equipment adjustments, with no major styling, powertrain, or lineup change.
2010New generation
The redesigned B8 S4 debuts with a 333-hp supercharged V6, a fresh sedan body, and rear-biased all-wheel drive.
B7 Generation (2009)
The final U.S. B7 S4 was an A4-based convertible with a 4.2-liter V8 and standard all-wheel drive. The sedan and wagon were gone for 2009, leaving the convertible as the only S4 body style.
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2009
The V8-powered convertible carries over as the only S4 sold in the U.S. for the B7 generation’s final year.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Audi S4.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi S4 a sedan?
Yes, the S4 is mainly a compact four-door sport sedan. One older exception is the final B7-era S4 Cabriolet sold in the U.S. for 2009. The later S4s covered here are sedans with five seats.
What is the Audi S4 known for?
The S4 is known for mixing strong V6 acceleration, standard all-wheel drive, an upscale cabin, and comfortable long-distance manners. It is quick without looking or feeling as extreme as some performance sedans.
Is the Audi S4 a hybrid?
No. The S4 models covered here use gasoline engines rather than a hybrid system. Recent cars have a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, while 2010–2016 models use a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and the older Cabriolet has a 4.2-liter V8.
Does every Audi S4 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Standard quattro all-wheel drive is a defining part of the S4 formula across the years covered. It improves traction in poor weather and helps the car put its V6 power down cleanly.
Did the Audi S4 come with a manual transmission?
Yes, but only in the older cars covered here. The 2010–2016 S4 offered a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The redesigned S4 that arrived for 2018 uses an eight-speed automatic.
Who is the Audi S4 a good fit for?
The S4 suits someone who wants a quick, understated daily sedan with all-weather traction and a comfortable, upscale cabin. It also has five seats, though the latest version’s 35.7 inches of rear legroom and 12-cubic-foot trunk make it compact rather than roomy.
What are the main Audi S4 generations to know?
The key used-car eras are the V8-powered B7 Cabriolet through 2009, the supercharged-V6 B8 and facelifted B8.5 sedans from 2010–2016, and the turbo-V6 B9 sedan from 2018–2025. The B9 received a styling and touchscreen update for 2020, and the S5 takes over this role for 2026.
Audi S4 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Audi S4.
4.4
Audi S4
(348 reviews)
“The software sucks and the driving assistance features are lacking. While it is an "S4" the driving dynamics are subpar for a sports sedan. The interior is nice and the audio system is great. skip the native infotainment whenever possible and use CarPlay (but wired CarPlay always crashes, so use wireless)”
“I absolutely love the car. The interior and exterior are very nice and it's really spacious. Great daily driver while also being fast and fun to drive. Overall the car itself for the money is amazing.”
“Ask me about the quality of the vehicle. For example the placement of the optional emblems on the car. These were not placed precisely and I am disappointed that they are not perfectly placed.”
“Audi S4 with the sport differential is for people that enjoy the thrill of cornering. If you just need a car, other brands are cheaper. Audis are expensive for a good reason. The engineering is superior.”
“The vehicle handles so well and the power behind it is amazing. The interior has so many little details that make it special.”