At the Frankfurt auto show last fall, Audi unveiled the new S4 sedan, based on the redesigned 2017 A4. Now, the car manufacturer has revealed its wagon companion, the S4 Avant. Unfortunately, this vehicle is not available in the United States. The S4 wagon shares the same mechanicals as the sedan, with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 replacing the previous supercharged engine. Sadly, American car enthusiasts will have to look on in envy. The output of the Audi has been increased to 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and the manufacturer claims that it can reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than its sedan counterpart. The previous seven-speed dual-clutch automatic has been replaced with an eight-speed torque-converter unit. This unit enables freewheeling when the driver lifts off the throttle between 34 and 99 mph.
For true music fanatics, the only way to truly appreciate an artist is to have their entire discography--from studio albums to rare bootlegs found in the depths of the internet. However, for casual listeners, it's much easier to just buy a greatest hits collection or stream it--a great way to get all the good stuff without taking up too much time. This is how we view the new Audi S4 Avant: it's basically everything we love about Audi's current A4 line in one neat package.
It's a shame that the U.S. won't get to experience the S4 Avant, an incredibly fast and stylish wagon. Despite Americans' love for fast Audis, the U.S. marketing department's Venn diagram doesn't have any overlap between the "fast" and "wagon" circles. In other parts of the world, however, this equation still holds true: performance + space does not equal SUV. We've had the opportunity to drive the S4 Avant in the U.K., and can confidently say that it's a real treat. Don't get too excited, though - this package isn't destined for the United States.
The S4 Avant isn't a complex build that would have Dr. Frankenstein up all night. It's a straightforward combination of the S4 sedan's mechanicals and the A4 Allroad's wagon body, though without the higher ride height or the eye-catching body cladding. This gives the Avant a unique look and feel that will appeal to those who want a car that stands out from the crowd.
The S4 Avant is a great all-rounder, with the performance of a sedan and the practicality of a wagon. It's a great choice for those who want a car that can do it all - from taking the kids to school to taking on a weekend road trip. Plus, its sleek and stylish design ensures it will turn heads wherever it goes.
Overall, the S4 Avant is a great option for those who want a car that offers the best of both worlds - performance and practicality. With its combination of power and style, it's sure to be a hit with drivers of all types.
The new Audi S4 has been equipped with the EA839 turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, which produces 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at just under 1400 rpm. This power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, rather than the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used in other A4 models. Optional torque-vectoring sport differential can also be added to the S4, which distributes the engine’s torque across the rear axle as needed for improved performance. This allows for sharper responses and improved handling.
The Avant wagon offers 24 cubic feet of cargo space, and with the rear seats collapsed, it can hold up to 59 cubic feet of cargo. Although it's not the most spacious of wagons, its body kit gives it a muscular yet not overly aggressive look, along with 18-inch wheels and quad exhaust tailpipes, just like the S4 sedan. Inside, the S4 cabin features body-hugging sport seats in the front, a smaller steering wheel, and Audi's signature synthetic suede door panels. According to Audi, the Avant wagon is 99 pounds heavier than its sedan counterpart.
The extra heft of the Audi A4 Allroad may not be immediately noticeable, but its performance is both powerful and effortless. Although the A4 is respectably quick, the S4 Avant is a station wagon that can move like a sports car. Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds, two-tenths slower than the S4 sedan, but they have a history of underestimating acceleration figures. The engine's torque plateau is so broad that you don't need to push it hard to get good performance, but it really comes alive at higher revs, and the hard-edged sound that comes with it is rewarding. Low-end throttle response isn't as sharp as it was in the previous S4's supercharged V-6, but in every other respect the new turbo engine is both stronger and more refined.
The S4 sits in the middle of the range, leaving room for the RS4 Avant to follow. While it may be difficult to add a significant amount of extra power to the faster version, the S4's chassis settings are surprisingly comfortable, providing plenty of scope for the more aggressive variant to really turn up the heat. With the optional adaptive dampers in their softest Comfort mode, the S4 is very similar to the regular Europe-spec A4 Avant. Even in the firmer Dynamic mode, the suspension is not as stiff as is expected from a German sporty car. Control of the body is excellent, and refinement is remarkable at higher cruising speeds. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system functions perfectly, providing reliable traction. The sport differential is noticeable when the car is under higher loads, helping to reduce understeer and making the car feel like it has rear-wheel-drive capabilities when driven enthusiastically.
The S4 Avant is far from perfect, but it's a supreme all-rounder. Its steering is direct and proportional, but it lacks the feedback of a great gaming controller. The eight-speed automatic transmission is a bit of a letdown, with sluggish shifts and a tendency to surge off the line. However, these are minor issues compared to the car's other qualities. It's stylish, secure, and incredibly fast, and it can easily carry four people and their luggage across the country. This is an omission from Audi's U.S. lineup that really hurts, as it's a personal concert that you won't get to experience in the States.