A few months ago, the 2018 A5 and S5 were introduced, and now it’s the turn of the 2018 Audi S4 sport sedan, which like its stable-mates has also benefited from a number of technical and design improvements.
Swapping the air intake compressor for a single-exhaust turbocharger, its 3.0L TFSI V6 now produces up to 354 hp (an increase of 21 hp) and a torque of 369 lb-ft (accessible when running between 1,370 and 4,500 RPM), and uses an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission better suited to managing this increased low-end torque. Power is distributed to the four wheels via the quattro all-wheel drive system with active torque vectoring that comes standard (a quattro sport rear differential is available as an option).
What does this add up to? The 2018 Audi S4 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which is the same as the Volvo S60 Polestar but quicker than the BMW 340i xDrive (4.9), Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC (4.9) and Jaguar XE 20d TI (5.4).
As for the chassis, the reworked suspension ensures a sporty driving experience while providing grateful occupants with a gentler ride over long distances, according to Audi. Drivers can select any of four driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. For those looking for added handling and precision, adaptive sport dampers and a dynamic steering are available as options.
Design-wise, in addition to the sharper new lines, it’s worth mentioning the aluminum-optic side mirrors, the front grille accented in platinum grey, the rear spoiler, the four exhaust pipes and the exclusively designed 19" wheels. Inside, the S4 distinguishes itself from the A4 by offering drivers a sport display mode for the virtual cockpit (speedometer and tachometer placed front and centre, plus the addition of a boost gauge and a lap timer).
In Canada, the 2018 Audi S4 is available in two versions: Progressiv at $58,000 and Technik at $62,100. We also invite you to check out our road test of the 2017 Audi A4 by our contributor Benjamin Hunting – after all, it was named "Luxury Compact Sedan of the Year" by Auto123.com!
