The 2010 Audi S4 is a high powered sedan for the modern age. No, this isn’t a hybrid and it doesn’t run on banana peels or something equally ridiculous. But for a high performance car, the S4 is surprisingly friendly and accommodating. In fact, it’s even less expensive to run than the model it’s replacing. According to combined mpg testing, it will save you 27 percent – in European tests in extra-urban mode, it boasted 39 mpg. And it does all of this without sacrificing the ability to get you from here to there faster than most other cars in its class, all while offering distinct advantages in performance, power and torque.
The engine of the 2010 S4 is smaller than the 2009 model. Instead of an 8 cylinder, 4.2 liter engine, the 2010 model has a 6 cylinder, 3.0 liter engine. But where it counts, the 2010 engine comes out on top – its 325 ft-lb of torque, more than the 2009 model’s 302. There’s also a 40:60 torque split from front to rear, and although the car is 20 pounds lighter than the 2009 model, it’s half a second faster in the 0 to 62 mph sprint than its predecessor. But when it comes to the numbers that really matter to you – average combined fuel consumption – the 2010 model clearly comes out ahead at 24 mpg, compared to the 17 mpg the 2009 model offered.
The interior of the S4 is understated, as you would expect with an Audi. The instrument panel has been redesigned for convenience and ease of use and the steering wheel has been wrapped with leather. The sports seats are motorized, comfortable and provide plenty of support during longer trips.
In addition, this is the first year that Audi is offering their 7-speed dual clutch transmission in the United States. You can chose from drive mode or sport mode, and paddles mounted on the steering wheel allow you to change ratios easily. This dual clutch system provides seamless torque delivery – momentum is kept up even during gear changes. This car is fast – deceptively so – and quiet, despite its power. The S4 is hot of the starting line and can even handle going from 50 to 75 mph in under five seconds in fourth gear – something few practical, five passenger cars can brag about.
Audi’s Quattro four wheel drive comes standard on the S4. To get the most out of Quattro, choose the optional sport differential with Audi Drive Select – this helps distribute torque in a variable fashion between the two rear wheels. Under steering is reduced, directional stability is improved and you can just plan handle the road better with these updates. The sport differential takes excess energy and redistributes it, rather than trying to eliminate it. But if you’re going to get Drive Select, go ahead and get Dynamic Steering as well. Dynamic Steering allows you to choose from three different modes – you can opt for a light, quick touch when you need to maneuver into a parking space or get a real grip on the road at higher speeds.
Finally, the S4 has an electronic damper control that isn’t magnetic, but rather a conventional system that will vary the diameter of the valves to control the flow of oil. Certain chassis elements formerly made of steel have been replaced with light aluminum ones to reduce unsprung weight. The new ride is about an inch lower, the springs and dampers are tauter and the mounting points are stiffer. You can also opt for 19 or 20 inch tires – what they take away in ride smoothness, they make up for in improved road handling.
