All-New Audi S4 Sedan Debuts with 3-Liter Turbocharged Engine in Frankfurt

Compared to the S models Audi has built on the MQB platform (S3 and TTS), the S4 sedan is a bit underwhelming. While the average C400 or C450 AMG models use twin-turbo 3-liter engines, Audi chose to stick only one turbo on its fast sedan. Yes, that means there's no longer a supercharger under there, something that should affect the A6, A7 and A8 shortly.

With 354 hp at the disposal of the quattro all-wheel drive, this sedan takes 4.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). The S4 is not particularly sexy either, although that's expected when the base A4 was drawn with a ruler. Differences include a new type of grille, slightly more aggressive bumper and silver mirror caps. Rocker panels have been installed, but they are quite small.

Around the back, we saw that the S4 comes with a very subtle diffuser, trunk lid spoiler and quad exhaust pipes. Surprised? We aren't.

This is our first time sitting in a new A4 model, and we are impressed. It's not as sexy as the C-Class, but everything has a nice weight to it, and the details are bordering on perfect. A Virtual Cockpit dashboard, form-hugging seats and touch-sensitive climate control system are just some of the highlights.

The bit that makes the S4 different is the Torsen limited slip differential in the middle of the car. Audi also allows you to have a mechanical diff over the rear axle, but it's an optional extra. We think it's a good idea to get that because it improves the handling in a big way.

The new S4 feels underwhelming, more like an A4 S-line than anything else. However, the base sedan is so good that a simple turbocharged V6 engine might just do the trick.