The 2014 Audi S4 has the power to make the driver feel unworthy. It’s that good. Right off the bat, the 333 horsepower, supercharged V6 feels like it belongs in an R8. Despite only making 325 lbs-feet of torque, power delivery to all four wheels via Quattro is instantaneous. There is no power delay, no lag, no kidding. The surge and corresponding engine note are intoxicating.
No one deserves this much pleasure while commuting!
Power comes on strong at 3,000 rpm and never lets go. Despite having 333 hp, Audi says the 2014 Audi S4 gets 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. I have (thus far) averaged 17 mpg.
My test model arrived with a sweet-shifting six-speed manual. It’s not quite as rewarding as the R8’s manual, but it’s very impressive nonetheless. In fact, it’s manual transmissions like this unit that spur my argument towards the awesomeness of a stick. A seven-speed “automated” manual is optional and I’m sure it’s great, but this manual tranny is where it’s at.
With that being said, I did notice a hit of resistance when shifting rapidly. Granted, I’m a ham-fisted shifter and I tend to be rough, but, on more than one occasion I missed a shift even when I wasn’t pushing too hard. This Audi S4 has been around the journalistic circuit for a time and I wouldn’t be surprised to find some hard driving in its recent past.
Steering is remarkably accurate and feedback is impressive, especially given the fact that the steering is now electrically assisted. There is a bit of dive when you’re pushing hard through a corner as the nose is somewhat heavy. Still, it’s much lighter than the V8 it replaced.
I’ve only had the 2014 Audi S4 a few days, but I can attest to its handling prowess given the fact that we did our track test video less than 24 hours after it was delivered to me. Normally, I have more time to get to know a vehicle, but the 2014 Audi S4 was so damn good, it was ready for track time immediately.
Let me put it this way. Without a practice, warm-up or getting-to-know-you lap, Andre roasted the lap record.
Despite the high altitude, the supercharged engine propelled the 2014 Audi S4 about a half-second slower than its recorded, sea-level 0 to 60 mph times. That’s not too shabby.
The brakes are awesome and never even hinted at fade. The 2014 Audi S4 I drove comes equipped with all of the main options including the slick looking 19-inch wheels. Regular S4s get the 18-inch wheels. Despite the larger wheels, the highway ride is remarkably compliant.
Interior space is limited in the back, but the front seat is one of the most comfortable, supportive seats I have sampled, ever. No one deserves this type of comfort for less than 100K! The funny part is, it’s not a complicated seat with a gazillion settings. It’s eight-way adjustable and it’s covered in Leather/Alcantara seating surfaces.
The rest of the interior is top quality with minor thrills. A piano-black theme mixed with beautiful metal surfaces throughout the cabin maintain Audi’s dominance in interior quality and design. Still, it’s a tad mellow in presentation, especially given the rocket-like performance DNA.
Audi’s S4 exterior design is a tad mellow, too. Sure, it’s an inch lower with slick wheels and awesome-looking quad exhaust pipes, but the 2014 Audi S4 still has that ridiculous “V6T” on its side. I still don’t know why Audi is keeping the “T” when this baby is supercharged. Maybe it’s a German thing.
With the exception of the odd choice in badging and mellow design, the 2014 Audi S4 is amazing. Starting at $48,400, my tester came fully loaded with an MSRP of $56,045. Considering what this car represents, that’s a bargain. No one deserves so much goodness for less than $100,000.
I look forward to driving this machine even when doing something as mundane as picking up the little ones from school. Nathan’s feeling unworthy.
I love my job.
Speaking of the Audi S4/A4 – here’s its little brother, the 2015 Audi A3!
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
