2018 Audi S4 First Drive, Review

Apr 05, 2017 05:10 PM EDT | Ileen Jasmine

The 2018 Audi A4 sedan is a great vehicle. Not only that, it is probably one of the best 2018 models.

Not only that, but it has some of the best dashboard tech to date. It represents the fifth generation of S-badged compact sport sedans in all of North America.

The 2018 model is even more powerful than ever. It has a more potent engine and a more nimble chassis.

The new Audi S4 has a longer platform and redesigned five-link front suspension, too. According to the vice president of Audi's product management, Filip Brabec, "The audience for these cars is very loyal. They typically only consider these types of products when they shop."

And he's right. The Audi S4 has been consistent through the years, no one has ever complained about them.

Under the hood is a twin-scroll turbocharged V6 engine connected to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. It also has an available Quattro sport rear differential which helps for more effective torque distribution.

It makes 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque all thanks to its 3.0-liter, turbocharged V6 engine. Audi made a bright decision to tuck its twin-scroll turbocharger right between the V6's two cylinder banks in what is known as a "hot inside V" configuration.

As expected, the company isn't the first one to do this. The V6 engine is paired with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

As for the paddle shifters, they are standard. It no longer offers a manual gearbox in any configuration.

As for how well it does on the road, Road Show had something to say about the 2018 Audi S4. In a review, Antuan Goodwin from the website wrote:

Overall, the S4's handling feels much more neutral than the current A4 or even the previous S4 model. There's much less noticeable understeer -- which has plagued previous quattro vehicles -- but also the sedan is nigh impossible to oversteer, even with its rear-biased power split and sport differential. Steering was predictable and direct when chucking the S4 with zeal into a corner on public roads. It just goes where you point it without drama.

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

© 2024 Auto World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Get the Most Popular Autoworld Stories in a Weekly Newsletter

Join the Conversation

Real Time Analytics