Owner reviews for the Audi S4
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5The Audi S4 is a sophisticated performance car that blends understated style with plenty of pace.
London
Brentford
AA finance available
Croydon
AA finance available
Orpington
AA finance available
Harlow
AA finance available
St. Albans
Brentford
Hatfield
Portsmouth
Eastleigh
AA finance available
Poole
Grantham
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4/5Boasting quattro all-wheel drive and a premium-but-practical cabin, it’s the go-to choice for drivers seeking everyday usability with sporting edge. The Audi S4 is built for drivers who enjoy spirited performance but don't want to compromise on comfort and space. It's quick enough for keen drivers, but practical enough for families and daily duties. You'll find it above the regular A4 and just below the RS4 in Audi’s line-up of executive cars. Key Audi touches include quattro all-wheel drive and a wealth of driver-assistance tech. Since its introduction to the UK in the 1990s, the S4 has evolved through several generations. While earlier models had high-revving V6 and V8 petrol engines, post-2019 S4s in the UK mostly feature a powerful and efficient 3.0-litre V6 diesel with mild hybrid technology. Saloons and spacious Avant estates are both available. Against rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class AMG models, the S4 stands out for its comfort, handling and subtle good looks.
Every Audi S4 is built with safety in mind, as you’d expect from a brand with a strong reputation for passenger protection. Standard kit includes automatic emergency braking, stability control, multiple airbags and ISOFIX points. Later models may come with lane assist, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.
Earlier generations, especially pre-2016, may offer petrol units and different outputs, so check individual listings. For example, you'll find older S4s in the UK with 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. Anything built from 2019 onwards will have an efficient 3.0-litre V6 diesel with up to 347bhp and mild-hybrid support. Both saloon and estate versions share this engine.
The S4’s interior feels upmarket and modern, even on older cars. Many come with Audi's Virtual Cockpit display, which is a touchscreen infotainment system with DAB, navigation and Bluetooth. Top trims add features like Bang & Olufsen sound, heated seats and wireless charging.
For the current 3.0 TDI diesel S4, you can expect between 35-40mpg in mixed driving, which is strong for the level of performance on offer. Older petrol S4s are thirstier – they typically return 30mpg or less. Real-world figures depend on conditions, your driving style and whether you pick a saloon or an Avant estate.
Look for a full service history and check that all routine maintenance, especially on the engine and quattro transmission, is up to date. Make sure the infotainment system works, inspect the suspension for knocks and check for uneven tyre wear. The AA Vehicle Inspection is on hand to help you buy with confidence.
The S4 generally shares its mechanical parts with other Audi models and major faults aren’t common, though Audi does sit in the lower end of WhatCar's 2024 reliability table. It's worth noting that repairs can be expensive if issues do arise, so regular servicing is key. Buying a good example and keeping up with maintenance helps minimise ownership stress.