2010 Audi S4 Review

October 3, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Fresh lines, an improved cabin
Motor Trend

The casual observer wouldn't know it's the performance variant
Cars.com

MMI interface is considerably more user-friendly than even the latest variant of BMW's iDrive
Left Lane News

Audi's sporty entry-level sedan lineup, the A4, was redesigned for last year, but the high-performance S4 variant remained unchanged for 2009. Audi took the extra year to refine the new-and-improved 2010 S4, which arrives on dealer lots with the new-generation A4's styling and a powerful supercharged V-6 engine.

The 2010 Audi S4 sedan features styling that is very similar to that of the latest-generation A4, and Motor Trend reviewers love the "fresh lines" on this single-trim model. Overall styling changes are minor, and Road & Track points out that a "subtle front grille and rear decklid S4 badging...are essentially the only visual tell-tales" that distinguish the S4. Out back, sharp-eyed observers will also notice the quad-exhaust treatment, though overall Automobile Magazine agrees that the Audi S4 "looks unexpectedly understated." The one element that will turn heads, however, is the front headlight treatment; it gets Audi's characteristic "LED running lights," which Cars.com reviewers say "are very good at grabbing the attention of oncoming motorists." Unlike the European version of the S4, which comes in two body styles, Cars.com reports that the 2010 Audi S4 is "offered only as a sedan and not an Avant wagon."

Subtle yet effective changes are evident throughout the interior of the 2010 Audi S4, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Motor Trend notices that "Audi has added sport seats with pull-out thigh support, a new instrument panel," and a choice of four different interior trim levels. The overall layout wins praise as well, with Left Lane News reviewers mentioning that the Audi's "relatively logical controls" are "considerably more user-friendly than even the latest variant of BMW's iDrive." ConsumerGuide reviewers love the control layout as well, reporting that the 2010 Audi S4's "gauges are clear and well-lit," although the "automatic climate system is a bit complex."

Conclusion

The 2010 Audi S4 wears quietly upgraded trim that's a step up from the A4 sedan.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Fresh lines, an improved cabinMotor TrendThe casual observer wouldn't know it's the performance variantCars.comMMI interface is considerably more user-friendly than even the latest variant of BMW's iDriveLeft Lane News Audi's sporty entry-level sedan lineup, the A4, was redesigned for last year, but the high-performance S4 variant remained unchanged for 2009. Audi took the extra year to refine the new-and-improved 2010 S4, which arrives on dealer lots with the new-generation A4's styling and a powerful supercharged V-6 engine. The 2010 Audi S4 sedan features styling that is very similar to that of the latest-generation A4, and Motor Trend reviewers love the "fresh lines" on this single-trim model. Overall styling changes are minor, and Road & Track points out that a "subtle front grille and rear decklid S4 badging...are essentially the only visual tell-tales" that distinguish the S4. Out back, sharp-eyed observers will also notice the quad-exhaust treatment, though overall Automobile Magazine agrees that the Audi S4 "looks unexpectedly understated." The one element that will turn heads, however, is the front headlight treatment; it gets Audi's characteristic "LED running lights," which Cars.com reviewers say "are very good at grabbing the attention of oncoming motorists." Unlike the European version of the S4, which comes in two body styles, Cars.com reports that the 2010 Audi S4 is "offered only as a sedan and not an Avant wagon." Subtle yet effective changes are evident throughout the interior of the 2010 Audi S4, according to reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Motor Trend notices that "Audi has added sport seats with pull-out thigh support, a new instrument panel," and a choice of four different interior trim levels. The overall layout wins praise as well, with Left Lane News reviewers mentioning that the Audi's "relatively logical controls" are "considerably more user-friendly than even the latest variant of BMW's iDrive." ConsumerGuide reviewers love the control layout as well, reporting that the 2010 Audi S4's "gauges are clear and well-lit," although the "automatic climate system is a bit complex." ConclusionThe 2010 Audi S4 wears quietly upgraded trim that's a step up from the A4 sedan. 2010 AUDI S4 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: "Fresh lines, an improved cabin" Cars.com: "The casual observer wouldn't know it's the performance variant" Left Lane News: "MMI interface is considerably more user-friendly than even the latest variant of BMW's iDrive" Audi's ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Audi S4 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

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