Back in 2004, when the S4 introduced the entry-level luxury-car segment to V-8 power, it was named a 10Best
Car. Fast-forward six years. The all-new S4 lost a couple of cylinders
but packs a silky, 333-hp supercharged V-6 (it makes just seven fewer
horses than the old V-8 did) and might be the most controversial car on
this year’s list.
The purists on staff contend that four-wheel drive has no place in a
sports car (or a sedan trying its hardest to be one), and they also
believe that the 3-series (including the ass-kicking M3) is a better
all-around array when compared with the A4 lineup. They are right on one
count: The 3-series is a better all-around array. But the S4 stands
apart from the A4 line like a narc at a Dead show, and the rest of our
staff can’t deny its capabilities. They outnumber the purists.
And capable it is. The S4 recently knocked off the blue-chip BMW 335i in a head-to-head comparison test [November 2009]
despite producing practically identical performance numbers and
weighing nearly 400 pounds more. The car exhibits a relatively high
amount of understeer unless fitted with the optional (and by our
standards essential) $1100 torque-vectoring rear differential, which
transforms the S4 into an oversteering hoon. Suffice it to say, the
fun-to-drive quotient grows, too.
Practicality is also on the S4’s side. Exceptional ergonomics, good
comfort (especially in the rear seat), and class-leading styling round
out its winning package.
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