2017 Audi S4 new car review

On our test drive, swapping between the sedan and Avant, Drive covered more than 400 kilometres of country cruising - Orange to Canberra, on secondary roads, if you really need to know - in an effortless, relaxing fashion that reflected very positively on the refinement and comfort of S4 siblings.

There is probably a little difference in interior noise between the sedan and wagon, but we couldn't detect it.

We also defy anyone to pick the difference in acceleration between the sedan and wagon.

Playing with the displays and infotainment systems was simple and fast and, importantly, intuitive. Phone connectivity happens in a blink. Apple Play (in our case) gives alternatives to music choices. The centre screen has great clarity in sat-nav mode, with the Google influence a welcome addition.

But the S4 is really about fast, safe cruising at appropriately cosseting comfort levels. 

The turbo V6 has the engine response and effortless thrust that Australia's sporty drivers love. This one thrusts smoothly and eagerly all the way to the 6500rpm red line, accompanied by an agreeable reaction from the bank of exhausts. More cultured than raucous, it defers to the sensibilities of conversational people who wouldn't really want to shout over the engine.

Acceleration is instant due to the absence of hesitation from the torquey turbo engine and the lightning response of the gearbox, which does its work without intrusion.

Switching between the extremes of Dynamic and Comfort within the Drive Select system showcases the broadness of choice (affecting steering weighting, throttle sensitivity, transmission reaction, cruise control aggression, firmness of dampers,  and exhaust flaps). But in any mode, the S4 is very settled, composed and grippy.

The Comfort mode is generally ideal for day-to-day motoring, still offering a sporty flavour, albeit without the pushier character felt in the Dynamic selection.

Ride comfort varies from firm to not-so-firm but the suspension comes with generous compliance, with the S4 settling quickly and without any jolting as it soaks up bumps.

The steering, particularly in the sportiest Drive Select mode, firmly gives excellent feedback while not reacting badly to imperfections in the bitumen.

The brake system is fittingly serious, with 350mm ventilated front discs and 330mm rears along with six-piston calipers.

One of our S4s was kitted with the $5900 S performance pack which is really not so much about performance but about pampering - real carbon-fibre inlays, S sports front seats with diamond quilting in swish Nappa hide, pneumatic lumbar support with several massage functions. And red brake calipers. The pair of dual exhaust pipes make some very expressive yet somehow cultured noises as the revs rise, yet such is the cabin insulation, the sound doesn't overwhelm.

There is also a Technik package which includes Audi matrix headlights with LED running lights, a Bang & Olufsen sound system and head-up display. Set aside $5600 for that.

Overall, the S4 is lively enough to satisfy enthusiast drivers while it's also big enough (rear knee room is fine for adults) and generously kitted to meet premium-buyer expectations.

It's a great alternative to the softer, mainstream A4 and the hectic RS 4 - the next iteration of the latter is yet to be announced but will certainly materialise in the future.

Audi S4 Sedan and Avant price and specifications

Price: $99,900 (sedan); $102,900 (wagon) plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol

Power: 260kW at 5400-6400rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1370-4500rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.7 L/100km (sedan); 7.8 L/100km (wagon)

• For all the latest information visit our Audi showroom.
• View full 2017 Audi S4 specifications.