Audi has unleashed an all-new S4 high-performance sedan at the IAA in
Frankfurt. Alongside it, the Avant version also made its debut.
With intelligent lightweight design, powerful engines, an extensive package of
the latest technologies, and 354 hp, 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, Audi hopes to
gain ground on its competitors, which include the
BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S.
The all-new S4 is expected to go on sale in the U.S. market in 2016. The Avant
is not planned for the U.S. market.
2017 S4 Sedan's Exterior Design
The appearance of the new S4 models is subtly understated. At the front, the
Singleframe grille and the accentuated horizontal lines underline the width. The
bumpers and air inlets are prominently profiled. Many of the add-on parts are
painted in finely graduated matt gray tones, accentuated with chrome trimming at
selected points.
The exterior mirror housings in aluminum look are a visual highlight on the
clear flowing side lines. The strongly profiled sill trims also give both models
a striking appearance. On the tailgate, a separating edge provides targeted
aerodynamics. The S-specific rear bumper integrates a black honeycomb grille, an
S-typical diffuser clip, and the four tailpipes of the dual-branch exhaust
system. Intelligent composite construction characterizes the body. This makes it
exceptionally torsionally rigid, safe, and lightweight. It is the basis for the
low unladen weight of the car. The sedan with quattro drive as standard tips the
scales at 3593 lbs (1,630 kilograms).
Sporty Interior
The spacious interior can comfortably hold five passengers. The acoustic comfort
sets new standards in the class, while the build quality is at a very high
level. The Audi S4 Avant provides 505 to 1,510 liters (17.8 to 53.3 cu ft) of
luggage space depending on the position of the rear backrests. The S4 Sedan has
480 liters (17.0 cu ft) of luggage capacity in the trunk. The homogeneous
styling with broad air vent strip on the instrument panel and integrated air
conditioning control panel gives the interior a generous width. In darkness, LED
light guides outline the profiles of the doors and the center console.
The S sport seats are covered in a combination of pearl Nappa leather and
Alcantara in the colors ebony, rotor gray and magma red. They have adjustable
side sections, integrated headrests, and a pneumatic massage function. Typically
for an S model, black is the dominant color in the interior. The standard inlays
are made of matt brushed aluminum. Details such as the illuminated door sill
trims with S4 logos, the embossing in the seats, and the special S4 start screen
round off the equipment.
The technical innovations in the interior include the optional Audi virtual
cockpit. The fully digital instrument cluster displays all key information on a
high-resolution 12.3 inch screen using detailed graphics. The driver can choose
between three views - one of them is an exclusive Sport screen, which moves the
rev counter into the center.
The second major innovation on the S4 models is the MMI operating system. Its
operating logic is similar to that of the latest smartphones, including the
intelligent free text search function.
