AUDI S4 Avant Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Audi introduced the fifth generation of the A4 lineup in 2015 and refreshed it in 2019 for the 2020 model year, and that update affected the entire range, including the TDI version of the S4 Avant.

The S4 was a known nameplate in the German automaker's inventory since 1997, when a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 powered the first generation of this monicker. Further developments followed, and up until the 2017 model year, all the S4s, regardless of their body shapes, were fitted with gasoline engines. Then, in 2019, the four-ring badged brand made a split decision: a turbocharged V6 for the North American market and a mild-hybrid turbo diesel for the European customers. Surprisingly, both versions were similar in terms of performance, albeit the oil burner boasted a much better fuel efficiency than its spark-ignited sibling that Audi sent across the pond.

Audi refreshed the entire A4 lineup, so the 2020 S4 Avant also got a new front fascia. It sported new LED headlights that sported a daytime running light signature on their top featuring five small blocks and an L-shaped sixth one on the upper outer corner. The singleframe signature grille was adorned by a honeycomb mesh pattern and sported the S4 silver and red badge. On the lower side of the bumper, the automaker added a narrow second grille and massive side scoops that hosted the fog lamps.

From its profile, the S4 Avant revealed its lower ground clearance compared to its non-S sibling. A set of aerodynamically profiled side sills emphasized the car's sporty look, while the standard 18-inch alloy wheels featured a unique design. As an option, customers could fit the car with a set of 19" wheels. The longroof version of the S4 featured black door mirrors as a distinctive styling element compared to the non-S version. Finally, at the back, Audi installed a quad-exhaust system underneath the bumper, with two pairs of chromed tips on each side of the vehicle.

While the exterior was subtle compared to the rest of the A4 Avant lineup, the interior got essential upgrades. As a result, customers could enjoy the high-bolstered front bucket seats, which were available with S4 lettering on their seatback. Also, the flat-bottom steering wheel was adorned on its lower side by the same logo. Fronting the driver was a digital instrument cluster known as the Audi Virtual Cockpit, while atop the center stack, the automaker included a touchscreen for the infotainment system. Behind, on the split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat where three passengers could sit. The trunk could hold (17.8 cu ft) but could be expanded to 1,510 liters (53.3 cu ft) when the rear bench seat was folded flat.

Under the hood, Audi installed a turbocharged V6 diesel, helped by an electronic compressor and a belt-driven starter generator, which could also bring some power to the table when needed. As a result, the S4 Avant TDI boasted 347 PS (342 hp), just seven less than the gas-powered S4 sold in North America.

The station-wagon version of the S4 TDI has the same technical platform as its sedan sibling. The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel is the same, with 347 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission is the same Tiptronic with 8 speeds which is using a normal torque converter, not the dual-clutch technology seen in other DSG gearboxes. The sports center differential is a self-locking type and can redistribute the torque between the front and rear wheels, but most of the time it will send it to the front wheels.

The interior for the estate was made with family needs in mind. The front seats are bucket-type but the rear bench is almost completely flat. The S4 sedan offers more head-room for the rear-seats occupants. The trunk is only 420 liters (14.8 cu-ft) but can exceed 1435 liters (50.6 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded down.

The Audi MMI has the same large display in the middle of the dashboard. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and can be accessed either via a touch-screen.

From the outside, an S4 can be easily recognized by the honeycomb front grille structure surrounded by a chrome line around it. The headlights are LED fitted as standard. For the S4, Audi offers standard 18” wheels with 245/40 tires. The customers can choose for 19” wheels fitted with 255/35-series tires.

Performances are very good for this oil-burner with a 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is a limited 250 kph (155 mph).

The ninth generation of the A4 was introduced in 2008 and was based on the same platform as its predecessor, although with some aesthetic changes.

Fast forward to 2012, and the financial crisis was over, and Audi was ready to revamp its compact-sized lineup. So, along with the sedan version, the station wagon, traditionally named Avant, had received a refresh for the entire range, including the sporty S4.

The car's front fascia received new, waved-shaped headlights that featured LED daytime running lights. They flanked the big, single-frame grille crossed by horizontally mounted double slats and a fat cross-section for the license plate. A small red-and-gray badge warned bystanders that it wasn't just a regular A4 but the S4. In its station wagon shape, the car sported a sloped-down roof line ended by the raked-forward tailgate at the back. Underneath the rear bumper, the S4 Avant boasted four oval-shaped exhausts.

Inside the cabin, Audi installed high-bolstered front seats with an option for sports seats. Inside the instrument cluster, the S4 logo adorned the tachometer's dial. The same badge was embroidered into the front seats' seatbacks as well. At the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench seat was profiled for two passengers but with a third headrest between them for a third occupant.

The same supercharged V6 powerplant introduced in 2008 powered the facelifted version of the S4 Avant, and it was mated with the same six-speed manual, with an option for a seven-speed automatic.

The fifth generation of the sporty S4 saw the lights of day in late 2008, and the Avant version wasn't sold on the North American market, leaving its fans in tears.

Audi took a different approach when it launched the S4 range in 2008. Since the coupe and the convertible versions were now offered in the A5 range, the A4 was left only with the sedan and the station wagon. But, at least, some customers could enjoy the fast long-roof version designed as a family carrier and also a vehicle that could scare many sports car owners.

Since the carmaker started to adopt the Singleframe design grille, the S4 Avant had it, and like any of the S-series versions, it sported a black and chrome finish on it. In addition, on the bumper, the extended grille was flanked by a pair of wide air-intakes that helped cool the front brakes. The headlights featured a new daytime running light LED design that underlined the aggressive look of the car. On the sides, the blackened B- and C-pillars tried to offer the image of a shooting brake. At the back, Audi placed a roof spoiler atop the raked-forward tailgate, while at the bottom installed a diffuser flanked by four oval chromed exhausts.

Inside, the carmaker installed high-bolstered front seats as standard, while a pair of sports seats was available at extra cost. The aluminum trims and the flat-bottom steering wheel that featured the S4 silver and red logo completed the car's sporty image. Moreover, the rear bench received a special S4-only design with a V-shaped stitching pattern on the split-folding seatback.

Under the hood, Audi installed a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that replaced the former 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8. It offered less power but a higher torque than that, but overall it provided better performances and improved fuel efficiency.

In 2005, Audi introduced the new generation of the S4. It was available as a sedan, convertible and station-wagon, named Avant. It was a true factory sleeper.

At the beginning of the 2000s, Audi started to built faster cars that looked just like the other regular sedans from its lineup. Soon, it evolved by offering station-wagons with big and powerful engines.

From the outside, few elements could differentiate an S4 from a regular A4 model. There were few clues though, such as the chromed rim around the grilles (both the upper and the lower one) bigger wheels and tires and dual exhaust in the back. From the sides, the satin-silver door-mirrors were another distinctive element for the A4.

Inside, the front seats were signed by Recaro. They were the sport-bucket type with high bolstering for those who like to go fast on the corners even with a station-wagon. On the instrument cluster, Audi painted the S4 logo on the tachometer dial, so the driver knew that that was not an ordinary car.

In the back, there was room for three adults, but with limited shoulder room for all three and less legroom for the one in the middle. Due to the all-wheel-drive system, named Quattro by the Germans, there was a transmission tunnel that ran through the floor all the way to the rear differential. The trunk space was big and it could have been extended by folding the rear seats either completely or by a split 60:40 way.

The 4.2-liter V8 unit was the biggest engine ever installed on an A4 bodywork to the moment the S4 was introduced to the market. It was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Introduced in 2003 as a sedan and a station wagon, the S4 represented the third generation of the performance-oriented version of the A4 lineup, and, unlike its main competitors, it was all-wheel drive.

The horsepower race in Europe started decades after the U.S. market dealt with that in the muscle-car era. Europeans looked more focused on fuel efficiency and even improving the diesel technologies. Yet, the customers asked for more power, and those who didn't deliver were doomed to low sales figures. But the S4 Avant was something different. It provided not only a high-performance version but also a large trunk in the back.

With the S versions, Audi dared to challenge the M and the AMG versions from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, respectively. By 2003, it already had a more than two-decade tradition, and that made the carmaker bolder than before. With the S4 Avant, the carmaker emphasized the front fascia with projector lenses on the headlights, chromed trims around the upper and lower grilles, and silver-painted door mirrors. As a tradition, it kept the six-spoke Avus-style alloy wheels. At the back, on top of the tailgate, the carmaker placed a roof spoiler. Under the rear skirt, a dual exhaust system with chromed tips completed the car's sporty image.

Inside, the S4 Avant carried over the front seats from its sedan sibling, with high-bolstered bucket seats. But, unlike the sedan, it offered a split-folding rear bench that enlarged the trunk up to 1,495 liters (52.8 cu. ft.).

Under the hood stood the acclaimed 4.2-liter V8 naturally-aspirated powerplant, which replaced the previously used turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 from the former second-generation S4. A six-speed manual was fitted as standard, while a six-speed Tiptronic (automatic) with sequential shifting was available as an option. Power went in all corners.

The Audi S4 (or the Audi B5) was very similar to the A4 model, however, it had a lower suspension, beautiful 17-inch wheel, chrome accents, and a color coated grille with a sporty feel.

The car was equipped with a powerful 2.7-liter V6 engine that developed 265 hp, with a top speed of 150 kph, with the power transmitted to all of the 4 wheels, or how Audi would say, it had the Quattro system. Many have said that the S4 was rather a racing car for the road.

The S4 had 4 airbags, 2 for the front passengers and 2 for the rear passengers. It used a Concert surround sound system and it was a pleasure to drive it and listen to some music at the same time.

The standard came with a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 5-speed automatic gearbox.

The S4 released in 1997 was already at its 2nd generation, and besides the saloon, an estate version was also revealed.

The B5 was fitted with a 4-wheel independent suspension, with the front one being a multi-link and the rear one was an unequal length double wishbone design.

The brake system of the S4 was performant, being equipped with ventilated discs for both front and rear and 2-piston brake calipers for the front and single-piston calipers in the rear. The B5 also had ABS, EBD, EDL, and ESP.