► New 3.0-litre TFSI turbo V6 engine
► Output sits at 349bhp and 369lb ft
► 0-62mph in 4.7sec and 38.2mpg
It’s goodbye supercharger and hello turbocharger for the new 2016 Audi S4 and S4 Avant as a brand-new V6 engine sees power raked to 349bhp, 20bhp over its predecessor. With the turbo comes torque, and plenty of it: 369lb ft to be precise. But it’s not all go-faster tech for the new S4, as economy figures are also improved and the interior gets Audi’s fancy new ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument panel.
Both variants of the S4 were unveiled this week at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show and are expected to go on sale in the UK in spring 2016, with deliveries expected sometime around the summer of next year.
The nitty gritty: 2016 Audi S4 performance
Audi S models tend to pack a slightly lighter punch to avoid clipping the heels of the company’s ultimate RS variants, but the new S4 closes the gap somewhat. We can all definitely agree that 349bhp and 369lb ft of torque is no small amount, especially as Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, a number not too shy of previous RS models. It’s the added torque that can be highlighted as the main contributor to the swifter acceleration as peak figures arrive at a usefully low 1,300rpm.
The 3.0-litre TFSI V6 engine benefits from increased economy, says Ingolstadt, now sitting at a healthy 38.2mpg. That’s a near-10mpg improvement over the supercharged engine in its predecessor. As is typical of the majority of German sports saloons, top speed is limited to 155mph.
Audi’s virtual cockpit
As in the all-new A4, the S4 and S4 Avant both receive Audi’s new ‘virtual cockpit’ digital dash display. A 12.3in screen makes up the instrument panel, with the rev counter and speedo visible concurrently with a 3D sat-nav display. Driving modes, including adaptive damper settings, are controlled by a combined touchpad and rotary pushbutton on the centre console. A multi-function steering wheel also does the job, and if you are feeling extra lazy, you can talk to your infotainment system to access features via voice command. These are displayed on a separate 8.3in screen placed in the centre of the dashboard, so passengers have something to stare at too.
For those who love their music, as an optional extra you can opt for a Bang & Olufsen sound system with what’s described by Audi as ‘3D sound.’
2016 Audi S4: design
In typical S4 style, the exterior’s relatively low key, with larger air vents and accentuated grilles distinguishing it from a regular A4. The 18in alloys offered as standard sit on 245/40 tyres, with an optional 19in alloy on standby. If the Audi TTS is anything to go by, we suggest you stick with the 18’s if you prefer avoiding a visit to the chiropractor.
From the rear, the S4 features a black diffuser and dual tailpipes. As for the S4 Avant estate, luggage capacity has been quoted as 505-1510 litres (with back seats folded) with an overall weight increase of only 45kg over the saloon.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but with the outgoing S4 priced at around the £36k mark, expect to pay a minor premium for its successor.