The 2008 Audi S4 is impressive through its good looks and smooth performance. It has a sporty design and performs with a power that only exotic cars have. It is quick, comfortable and an enjoyable car to drive. The interior is plush and luxurious, the safety reviews are at par with other vehicles in the same class, and the exterior is equally smashing.
Performance
The S4 performance rates well. Handling, brakes and acceleration are superb. The car is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine that’s sure to provide enough power for a four door sedan. It has a 340 hp at 7000 rpm and the torque runs at 302 pounds per feet at 3500 rpm. In simpler, non-engineering terms: it’s very good. It’s a very rugged muscle car that doesn’t sound like a very rugged muscle car. It sounds what a normal V8 engine should be: purring loudly but not roaring.
The Audi S4 accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. If you are using a car with the automatic transmission, the acceleration may be a tad slower at 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Fuel efficiency is at 13/20 miles per gallon (city/highway) for manual transmission and 14/21 with automatic transmission.
The Audi S4 features a brake system that has a front and rear ventilated disk brakes. It also has an Anti-Lock Brake system, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution. This helps in detecting emergency brakes and helps by applying ample force needed to stop the car.
Exterior & Interior
The exterior of the car is attractive, and it looks like a serious coupe. It is a four door sedan. The trademark grille is still there, but the overall shape and appearance of the car is subtle, harking conventional car designs. If you want to attract attention though, you can order the car in loud colors such as yellow and bright red. It has adjustable exterior mirrors, sunroof with slide and tilt functions, retractable headlight washers and high intensity xenon headlights. It also comes with 18 inch alloy wheels.
The interior is also a winner. It is very sleek. It has adjustable seats covered with luxurious Napa leather. Trimmings are made of high quality birch wood, which is also decorated with the S4 logo. All the seats are ergonomically designed. They are specifically designed to give support to the lower back (lumbar region), making driving a pleasure. The legroom for the front seats are ample, a little tight for the passengers at the rear.
Rear seats are cramped and there is limited legroom. The car is ideal for two people, although it is designed to accommodate four people. It has a standard air filter for dust and pollen for perfect air quality inside the car. The Bluetooth technology is very useful for taking calls. It also boasts of an AM/FM car stereo, with a six disc CD changer. The Audi S4 has an optional navigational system but the critics dismiss it as a navigation system with a difficult interface, and can be distracting for the driver.
Safety
Safety features of this car are also sophisticated. It has the standard crash air-bag protection, front airbags, and a LATCH system for children at the rear seats. The S4 sedan also offers 13.4 cubic feet of cargo space (sedan model) and it also features a ski sack and hidden storage areas under the front seats. It comes in three body styles: sedan, wagon and convertible.
Overall Rating
85 out of 100
What others say:
“Few cars age as gracefully as the Audi S4, which has been on the road in its current form for over six years. The classically styled 2008 Audi S4 still looks good…”Car Connection
“The S4 is a high-performance version of the small Audi A4.”Consumer Report
“While the Audi isn’t quite as razor-sharp as a BMW or Infiniti, the extra grip afforded by its all-wheel drive could justify the trade-off for many enthusiasts, particularly those who live in parts of the country where rain- or snow-slicked roads are a part of life.”Edmunds
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | MSRP: $37,570.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 14 city / 21 hwy |
| Length: 180.6 in. (459cm) | Width: 70.1 in. (178cm) |
| Height: 55.7 in. (141 cm) | Curb Weight: 3990 lbs (1809 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (265 cm) | Ground Clearance: 3.7 in. (9.3cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 4 |
| Engine: 4.2L DOHC V8 | Displacement: 4.2 liter |
| Horsepower: 340 hp | Max RPM: 7000 rpm |
| Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds | 1/4 Mile: NA |
