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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
How It Works • Automotive

Audi S4

The Audi S4 is the performance-oriented version of the Audi A4 compact executive car, sold by Audi since the early 1990s.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Audi S4 is the performance-oriented version of the Audi A4 compact executive car, offering stronger acceleration and upgraded chassis tuning while retaining sedan practicality.

What it is

The Audi S4 is a sport sedan (and, in some generations, an Avant/wagon) built on the A4 platform. It sits between the standard A4 and the more extreme RS models, emphasizing daily drivability with quattro all-wheel drive and a turbocharged V6 in current markets.

Key details

Current North American S4 models use a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 rated at 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, paired with an 8-speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. Reported 0–60 mph times are about 4.2 to 4.4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Why it matters

The S4 is relevant to Canadian buyers as a compact luxury sport sedan with all-wheel drive, well suited to winter driving. It offers a balance of performance and comfort, making it a practical choice for those wanting a sporty yet usable daily driver.

In short

  • Performance version of the Audi A4 with quattro all-wheel drive.
  • Current models use a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 (349 hp, 369 lb-ft).
  • 0–60 mph in about 4.2–4.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph.
  • Available as sedan or Avant/wagon in some markets.
Canadian angle

The Audi S4 is sold in Canada as part of Audi’s performance sedan lineup and is relevant to Canadian buyers looking for a compact luxury sport sedan with all-wheel drive, a feature well suited to Canadian winter driving.

Quick questions

What engine does the current Audi S4 use?
Current North American S4 models use a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 rated at 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Audi S4 all-wheel drive?
Yes. Current S4 models use Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
How does the Audi S4 differ from an RS model?
The S4 is the less extreme performance model, emphasizing daily drivability and comfort, while RS versions offer higher output and more track-focused tuning.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_S4
    Supports: Model history, current EA839 turbo V6 output, performance figures, and European diesel B9 facelift detail.
  2. Edmunds — https://www.edmunds.com/audi/s4/2025/features-specs/
    Supports: Current U.S. engine output, all-wheel drive, seating, and fuel economy details.
  3. Kelley Blue Book — https://www.kbb.com/audi/s4/
    Supports: Current 3.0-litre turbo V6, 349 hp and 369 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive.
  4. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/s4
    Supports: Current specifications, 0–60 mph time, and top speed for the S4.
  5. Auto-Data.net — https://www.auto-data.net/en/audi-s4-model-499
    Supports: General model overview, drivetrain, transmission, and generation notes.
  6. MotorTrend — https://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/s4
    Supports: Trim structure, standard equipment, and market positioning of the 2025 S4.