2017 Audi S4

The Audi S4 is the Clark Kent of sports sedans – sensible on the outside, with quite a different character under that smartly cut suit. 

It looks almost as mild mannered as a regular A4 2.0 TDI, but if called upon, the S4 can progress at a brisker rate than a Porsche Boxster. 

This is partly due to the significant changes that have gone on under the bonnet. There’s still a 3.0-litre petrol V6 like there was in the old S4, but instead of the previous model’s supercharger, a twin-scroll turbocharger now nestles in the vee of the V6.   

The changes have resulted in increases in the engine’s outputs, with it now making 260kW (up 15kW) and 500Nm (up 60Nm). 

Compounding this extra capability is the fact this new power plant is 14kg lighter than the old supercharged unit. In turn, this aids fuel economy, with the S4 sipping only 7.7L/100km in the ADR test cycle. 

Like other Audi A4s, the S4 has an impressive piece of safety tech which becomes active after the vehicle has come to a stop. Before exiting, passengers in the S4 are warned of other vehicles (including cyclists) approaching from the rear via a series of LED lights on the inside of the door. 

Although Audi is not the only manufacturer offering this technology, the fact it’s available on the S4 is commendable given its potential to help avoid potentially catastrophic injuries in Australia’s increasingly congested cities.    

The S4 is also equipped to help avoid crashes where the vehicle is turning right across a stream of traffic, and is able brake the vehicle if a dangerous situation is detected, such as a potential T-bone crash. 

The main competitors for the S4 are the Mercedes-AMG C 43 ($102,600 plus on roads) and the BMW 340i ($89,900). The S4 sits between these two at $99,900. The Jaguar XE S is another seductive option in this company, needing $105,000 plus on roads.  

If you can afford it, the S4 is hugely compelling given its ability to be a serene, comfortable cruiser that can also shed its sensible suit to become a serious and almost super, luxury saloon.