Living with an S4

[pjeffe9172]

To all you S4 owners out there,

I purchased a 2016 A4 avant 2.0tdi S-Line last year as I was starting a new job and thought I would be doing long journeys and needed the economy.

A year in, ive done 13,000 miles and tbh I’m averaging 54 to the gallon. I love the size, shape and styling of the s-line avant but want a bit more....well grunt. I’m seriously toying with upgrading to a used S4, most likely a 2017. However I know if I go and test drive one, I know the heart will rule the head and I will whack down the deposit.

Before I do I wondered if you own an S4 whether you could share some real life about what it is like as a daily driver. For example all the reviews I have seen shows it’s performance on an open A road, which is great. However I had an M3 that was great on the open road, but was like a bag of spanner’s on stop start traffic in city centres. Any good or bad points will be much appreciated.

 

[Nham68]

It’s fantastic . As an every day car , put it into efficiency, and it tootles around town . It’s unabotrusive., doesn’t draw attention . Great Q car.
Stop start is fine , I don’t turn it off. Configure the button on steering wheel and you can switch to dynamic in a second, and ping, you got a beast that is really well planted.
I have the adaptive suspension which is great ... can feel potholes a bit .. but compared to my old x3 , it’s so much more comfy.
I average 32mpg in all conditions . 12k per year .. about 2/3 on motorway, 1/3 local.
I can’t really fault it .. only thing is lack of cubby holes to put stuff. But that’s it . Lovely place to sit and drive..

 

[Charlie in London]

I have a 2017 252 Quattro. Most of my driving is in London. The car, when the engine is going, is really easy to drive. However, I do find the stop start uncomfortable and a bit random.

It's ok when it stops - all goes quiet - but sometimes it doesn't stop ie it's a random.
When it restarts, the torque of the starter motor shudders the car. Once restarted, the engine takes a second to get any power going to move.

When I want a relaxed, non-random drive in town, I turn off the stop start.

 

[1Ten]

I do about 30k miles a year in mine with a real mix of country lanes, town / city and motorways. I find it great for everything. The adaptive dampers are great and I find it more comfortable than my previous A6 S line. Sitting in traffic around town is no worse then any other car and the first bit of open road and you get the instant grin factor.

 

[Daggerit]

I’ll just mirror what everyone else has said!

Done about 12k miles in mine since September and it’s been a great dual carriageway cruiser and can have some fun down back roads too. Definitely a Q car.

I average about 28mpg, it would be more but I have sections of B road on my commute that usually get a bit of a hoon and drops the economy.

Stop start is fine for me, I’ve generally just gotten used to it in cars these days so don’t think it’s too intrusive. If you pop the gearbox in S mode or manual it stops it operating so you can then force it to stay on that way if wanted.

I went for the tour pack so traffic is totally fine as it drives and steers itself. Mpg is ridiculously bad in lots of stop start traffic, like you won’t see double figures. But that’s to be expected in most cars...

Overall I don’t regret going for the S4 over the most powerful A4 petrol/diesel options at all. And my wife loves the massage seats...


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[Keef]

My S4 is my daily drive for commuting to work! For me it’s just a great all rounder that ticks all the boxes

 

[Terminator x]

I have the RS4 which must be quicker than the S4 although I doubt by much as engines are similar. The 4 is nuts speed wise and an absolute animal and that's with me coming from a RS3.

TX.

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[Riko0073]

I’ve done 13k in my S4 since last September and just can’t fault it.

Smooth, quiet and comfortable when you need it, mid 30’s mpg driven sensibly on a good run. I have the adjustable dampers which I think helps with its all round usability.

Pop her in dynamic/sport mode and unleash the beast! It really does shift and surprises a lot of traditional sports cars and hot hatch owners! Doesn’t get the pulse racing though as it does it so effortlessly, buy an RS3/4 if you want that but as a mid 40’s bloke that wants a lovely commuter, plenty of room for the kids and dogs, great tech and then some fun around the B roads, you really can’t complain with the S4 package.

I went quite heavy on the options list but you can probably choose more wisely and some threads on here to get peoples opinions - subjective of course!

I would maybe like a bit more exterior styling, somewhere between the usual S-line and RS4 but it is a great Q car and very handsome in Avant form.

You won’t be disappointed I’m sure.

 

[Chunk39]

I've only had my S4 for about a month and in that short time can confirm what some of the guys have already stated.

In efficiency mode and gentle cruising on the motorway I managed to hit around 3o mpg (engine still breaking in). The car is very easy to drive around town, my wife loves driving it. Adaptive Suspension does a good job smoothing out the ride, compared to my fathers VW Tiguan which sits much higher with chunkier tyres I don't feel much difference. Dynamic mode makes you forget you are driving an estate car ;-) , the exhaust note always makes me smile.

Coming from a V8 S5 , this is just as quick if not quicker on paper but has a far superior ride and steering.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

As a daily, it's hard to beat. As an all-rounder I mean. There is compromise from the RS4 in body roll and focus. Massively. But power delivery very strong. Docile at one point and quite involving the next.

The gearbox is...Im gonna say, suited to the car. I'm not it's biggest fan when you compare it to the dual clutch. It's very jerky/lazy and torque just smashes in from nowhere at 2000rpm. Not the 1700 or whatever it says. However, in dynamic, those issues disappear.

With the right tyres, it's absolutely planted!! Rain, snow or dry. Effortless tbh. In daily scenarios, not much will keep up with you.

It's very comfortable and long journeys are a joy but the massage seats are utter novelty haha. In fact, I'm positive that after 3 months, there was no difference in any of the settings for each massage function But! As a standard feature? On an Audi no less...pretty damn cool. I've got the magma red super sports are they're epic.

Practicality? Big boot, good cargo net is a necessity and will accommodate all your needs. MPG is fine. Expect 350 miles driving the car any way you fancy and you'll be grand. But can do 400.

The tech is absolute next level compared to the B8 but, personally, I find it quite distracting. It's a push towards driver aides and EV but with the rotor wheel MMI, it's still the best.

I'm saving up for a C6 RS6 to pay in cash as I'm leaving the PCP fold and I'm after something with more focus/theatre/character. But, honestly...if it's a compromise between all our performance and something a little less brash, the S4 Avant is so hard to beat. And if you want some more spice, there's tasteful mods, aero and exhausts out there. The car is very handsome as stated above. Next to the biggest diesel option, it's a no brainer. Not much in it price wise.




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[Boosted_Six]

I agree with all the comments on being very easy to live with day to day, great in heavy traffic and on the motorway alike. Its a perfect high end commuter for all weathers and situations.

Although, I've come to the conclusion after 3 months that the performance will leave you a bit numb if you've come from more sporting cars in the past.
e.g. You cant really play with the chassis, even if you have the sport diff, it prescribes an angle of slip for you and that's your lot.

Also think it needs another 50-60 bhp to make it competitive in this segment, its not actually that fast a car out of the first few gears.

 

[Jsmills]

Not that fast... Jesus what cars are you used to driving.... I thought the S4 was only eclipsed by the C43 In comparable alternatives and even then it’s pretty close running, albeit I’ve not driven with one of the new C43’s with the recent power boost.

 

[pjeffe9172]

Thanks everyone, this really is useful. As mentionedI love the style and practicality of my B9 Avant but just fancied a bit more power. Given I am not doing the mileage I expected to do I think the S4 is now a viable option. The M3 was a pig in stop start traffic and if the S4 was like that I really wouldn't have been interested. Interesting that in 15- 20 car reviews I've read/watched nobody covers what it is like in this situation. Its all about the open road etc.

I was going to look at a used possibly 2017 however looking on the Audi website I think I'm going to struggle with the spec I want.... it seems adaptive suspension is a must from what you guys are saying. I have the Bang and Olufsen 3D surround system in my current car so would want that. Im going to speak to my local dealership and see if I can get a test drive. Will keep you posted!

Appreciate everyones' time in responding and giving me your feedback. The best reviewers in my opinion are those who live day-to-day with the car!

 

[Boosted_Six]

Not that fast... Jesus what cars are you used to driving.... I thought the S4 was only eclipsed by the C43 In comparable alternatives and even then it’s pretty close running, albeit I’ve not driven with one of the new C43’s with the recent power boost.

Ones with more than 250bhp per tone.

If it feels fast to you, that's all that matters really.

 

[Simonb1975]

How much money is saved by getting one that's 1 yr old, Approximately (I know these things are governed by spec etc)

 

[Riko0073]

Ones with more than 250bhp per tone.

If it feels fast to you, that's all that matters really.

S4 is definitely fast in my opinion, anything sub 5 seconds is quick!

I guess it’s because the power delivery is so smooth that it’s deceiving.

I remember years back anything sub 8 seconds was quick, never thought I’d own a sub 5 second car

 

[Riko0073]

How much money is saved by getting one that's 1 yr old, Approximately (I know these things are governed by spec etc)

Just check on AutoTrader, plenty of used examples on there to gauge price.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Thanks everyone, this really is useful. As mentionedI love the style and practicality of my B9 Avant but just fancied a bit more power. Given I am not doing the mileage I expected to do I think the S4 is now a viable option. The M3 was a pig in stop start traffic and if the S4 was like that I really wouldn't have been interested. Interesting that in 15- 20 car reviews I've read/watched nobody covers what it is like in this situation. Its all about the open road etc.

I was going to look at a used possibly 2017 however looking on the Audi website I think I'm going to struggle with the spec I want.... it seems adaptive suspension is a must from what you guys are saying. I have the Bang and Olufsen 3D surround system in my current car so would want that. Im going to speak to my local dealership and see if I can get a test drive. Will keep you posted!

Appreciate everyones' time in responding and giving me your feedback. The best reviewers in my opinion are those who live day-to-day with the car!

Good luck bro


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[ScottishA4B9]

@pjeffe9172 I’m in the same boat as you mate. I’m not doing the miles to justify my B9 2.0TDi so looking to upgrade to an S4. I’ve rest drive one and absolutely loved it. Would have preferred a manual but hey ho. I’m now just trying to find a decent specc’d ex-demo which is proving hard to come by!
Either there just isn’t a lot of used S4’s out there or Audi dealerships don’t update their websites. Haven’t seen any new ones on the used Audi page for weeks!

 

[Paul Golding]

However, I do find the stop start uncomfortable and a bit random.

It's ok when it stops - all goes quiet - but sometimes it doesn't stop ie it's a random.

Can't help the OP, but I have figured out the random stop/start. It's dependent on the brake pedal pressure. I've noticed that coming to stop with gentle brake pressure leaves the engine running, if I then apply more pressure, the engine stops. Similarly, if whilst stopped with the engine off you release the pressure a to only just hold the car, the engine will start even though you still have some pressure on the pedal.

Hope that makes sense

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Can't help the OP, but I have figured out the random stop/start. It's dependent on the brake pedal pressure. I've noticed that coming to stop with gentle brake pressure leaves the engine running, if I then apply more pressure, the engine stops. Similarly, if whilst stopped with the engine off you release the pressure a to only just hold the car, the engine will start even though you still have some pressure on the pedal.

Hope that makes sense

Yeah have to press pretty hard sometimes but that's no bad thing.


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[S4piper]

S4 is definitely fast in my opinion, anything sub 5 seconds is quick!

I guess it’s because the power delivery is so smooth that it’s deceiving.

I remember years back anything sub 8 seconds was quick, never thought I’d own a sub 5 second car

I’ve come into an S4 from an S3, and on paper it’s 0.2secs slower, but it REALLY doesn’t feel slower. Like you say the power delivery is so smooth, but I would also say it’s a faster car than the S3, regardless of the published figures. Handling’s great, the only thing taking me a while to get used to is the steering - the variable rate steering rack on the S3 (dynamic steering option on S4) was super fast and I don’t have the option on the S4! Sure I’ll get used to it though! Love the car so far, day 4!!

 

[Riko0073]

I’ve come into an S4 from an S3, and on paper it’s 0.2secs slower, but it REALLY doesn’t feel slower. Like you say the power delivery is so smooth, but I would also say it’s a faster car than the S3, regardless of the published figures. Handling’s great, the only thing taking me a while to get used to is the steering - the variable rate steering rack on the S3 (dynamic steering option on S4) was super fast and I don’t have the option on the S4! Sure I’ll get used to it though! Love the car so far, day 4!!

Totally agree, also had a PFL S3 saloon and the S4 does feel quicker.

I know what you mean about the steering but I soon adjusted and find the handling really good (I’ve got the sport diff) and the car feels so much better planted at speed with the S3 feeling very floaty at high speed that didn’t inspire confidence.

Glad you’re enjoying yours mate.

 

[Jsmills]

I had a Golf R on extended loan for a week last year and while it’s fast revving through the range it can be caught outside of its power easily, I’m assuming the S3 is the same.

I suppose peak power doesn’t show how much of the time that peak power is available. S4 has a sizeable torque jump too but suppose it has more weight..

 

[Simonwhite2000]

I had a Golf R for two years before the S5 (hopefully I wont be shot for posting in the S4 forum) and I agree you had to have the engine in the sweet spot for it to feel as if it had 300bhp. It was also a rather soulless engine even though I was one of the few people who liked the Subaru-esque fake engine sound. The extra slab of torque in the S4/S5 really is noticeable and makes day to day driving very pleasant. The car is very smooth and quiet when needed and cruises near silently on the motorway. The seats are also very comfortable. MPG doesnt bother me but on a steady mway journey I have seen 37mpg on the computer but my day to day commuting 9 miles on B roads is around 24mpg.

Bad points for S4/S5 are the gearbox is a bit clumsy through the first few gears especially when cold and build quality is not quite what Audi would probably like you to believe. Comparing against the M3 you once had it wont have as much feel or sense of agility but its a very capable car to hustle along and makes a cracking noise although some find it a tad muted. Unless you were attacking a country lane with vigour I dont think you would be disappointed.

In terms of options I have;
Flat wheel
Folding mirrors
Pearl paint
Pan roof
HUD
B&O sound
Traffic sign recognition
Extended LED
Virtual cockpit

I dont think adaptive dampers are necessary the ride is fine without them. Happy to take questions on any of the above options.

I have a tuning box and Millltek full exhaust on mine (415bhp approx) for a bit more poke and noise but it was fast and nice to listen to as standard.

 

[Boosted_Six]

I had a Golf R for two years before the S5 (hopefully I wont be shot for posting in the S4 forum) and I agree you had to have the engine in the sweet spot for it to feel as if it had 300bhp. It was also a rather soulless engine even though I was one of the few people who liked the Subaru-esque fake engine sound. The extra slab of torque in the S4/S5 really is noticeable and makes day to day driving very pleasant. The car is very smooth and quiet when needed and cruises near silently on the motorway. The seats are also very comfortable. MPG doesnt bother me but on a steady mway journey I have seen 37mpg on the computer but my day to day commuting 9 miles on B roads is around 24mpg.

Bad points for S4/S5 are the gearbox is a bit clumsy through the first few gears especially when cold and build quality is not quite what Audi would probably like you to believe. Comparing against the M3 you once had it wont have as much feel or sense of agility but its a very capable car to hustle along and makes a cracking noise although some find it a tad muted. Unless you were attacking a country lane with vigour I dont think you would be disappointed.

In terms of options I have;
Flat wheel
Folding mirrors
Pearl paint
Pan roof
HUD
B&O sound
Traffic sign recognition
Extended LED
Virtual cockpit

I dont think adaptive dampers are necessary the ride is fine without them. Happy to take questions on any of the above options.

I have a tuning box and Millltek full exhaust on mine (415bhp approx) for a bit more poke and noise but it was fast and nice to listen to as standard.

When you say full exhaust do you mean turbo back with the downpipe? If so have you had any CEL issues running the sport cat / decat? thanks!