Likes
- Supercharged V-6 accelerates strongly
- Dual-clutch transmission is Audi's best gearbox
- New sedan body has better backseat room
- All-wheel drive is standard
Dislikes
- Drive Select option has artificial steering feel
- Cockpit styling is less rich than in past Audis
Expert Ratings
| Overall | 8.6/10
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| Overview | 8.6/10
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| Styling | 8/10
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| Performance | 9/10
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| Quality | 8/10
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| Safety | 9/10
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| Features | 9/10
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Buying Tips
With its big price cut, the S4 leaves just one question: Will Audi stuff a V-8 in the new A4 sedan to create a raucous new RS4?
Reason Why
The 2010 Audi S4's chief rivals are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class; both sedans offer a range of powertrains. By all rights, the Audi S4 competes best against the BMW M3 in performance and the BMW 335i in price-and enthusiasts rave over both BMWs for rippling powertrain muscle and captivating rear-drive handling. The Lexus and Infiniti sedans are new to the sport-sedan game, the Lexus capped by a shrieking IS-F edition and the Infiniti G37 without a hyper-performer, but with some of the ride and handling magic of the BMW. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class tops out with the C63 AMG sedan, but even the base C350 has more capable handling than before; however, rear-seat room is still cramped and its interior styling a little complex. The last challenger in this class is the charming Cadillac CTS, the glitziest car in this group, and one of the headiest performers in CTS-V trim.
Bottom Line
The 2010 Audi S4 blasts its way into a performance war with BMW and Mercedes-Benz-and Lexus, Infiniti, and Cadillac-thanks to a big price cut and 333 supercharged horsepower.