Though many more variations are available in Europe and a few other countries, we’ve focused only on Canadian models for this guide. The modern S4 debuted in Germany in 1997, but it didn’t go on sale here until late 1999. Back then, the original S4 was about the same size as the S3 is today, so fans of smaller, lighter machines might also want to check out the smallest of the S models. Over time, the convertible model was also spun off into the S5, and today, there are S5 Sportback, coupe, and convertible models, which are worth considering if you’re in the market for an S4.
To help guide your search, we’ve outlined each generation of Canadian-market S4 in this guide, and included some information about the RS4 models as well. We've also included advice about what to watch out for and what to expect to pay for each generation.
Audi fans like to refer to their cars by their internal Audi development codes, so you’ll often hear them refer to a second-generation model as a “B5” or the fifth-gen version as the “B8,” and we’ve reflected that here.
Audi S4 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Audi S4 years are the best?
The most recent ones. The fifth-generation “B8” models built from 2013 to 2016 are generally very reliable and are now getting fairly affordable. The later “B9” model, the current one, is the same way. In both cases, these models used V6s that are closely related to the ones used in the Audi A6, which are less complex to run and repair than the V8s used in earlier models. This likely accounts for some of the improved reliability.
What are the worst Audi S4 years?
The V8 years, from 2004 to 2009 (the B6 and B7 generations) easily earn the worst title, despite being great to drive. Shoving a big powerful V8 into a small car like this means these cars are fast and fun, but they’re also wildly complex and hard to service. These 4.2-litre V8s use timing chains, unlike the vulnerable rubber timing belt on the earlier B5 models, but the chain tensioners periodically need replacing and it’s a laborious, expensive job. There are also lots of potential electrical gremlins in these models. They’re pretty rare now as a result. These years also encompass the only RS4 models sold in North America, which also used the V8.
Is a used Audi S4 a good deal?
It can be. The more recent S4s offer more power and more equipment than their regular A4 siblings for only a little more money. Post-2012 S4s are also no less reliable than A4s, so the S4 isn’t a bad value in those late-model versions. It isn’t as fast as equivalent BMW M-performance or Mercedes-AMG mid-range models, but it isn’t slow either. In earlier years, the big maintenance costs of the V8 models and the electrical systems of older versions make them less of a good deal.
Audi S4 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful engines, standard all-wheel drive
- More standard features than equivalent A4s
- All-around good driving experience
Cons:
- Not as fun to drive as some rivals
- High maintenance costs
- Conservative design
Audi S4 Generations
Sixth Generation (2018-present)
The current S4, the “B9” generation, was introduced in 2018 and largely continued the format of its “B8” predecessor. As before, where the A4 uses only four-cylinder engines (in the North American market), the B9-Series S4 uses a V6, a TFSI unit closely related to the engines used in most of the larger A6 lineup. A bigger engine in a smaller car, as is usually the case, means more speed.
This generation uses a 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged V6 engine producing 354 ponies and 369 pound-feet of torque. The A4’s four-cylinder engines max out at 261 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters) puts the power down to all four wheels with enough grip to lay down a zero-to-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds. The B9 S4 has plenty of thrust, but it isn’t as athletic a handler as cars like the BMW M340i or Mercedes-AMG C43, though it does ride very smoothly for a performance sedan. It’s still lots of fun, and all-wheel drive is standard, but it’s not the most exciting vehicle in its class.
Audi was one of the first automakers to put Google navigation into cars, and combined with the reconfigurable Virtual Cockpit in the S4, it packs a powerful punch. For most of this generation, two trims have been sold in Canada, Progressiv and Technik. Beginning in 2023, the higher-optioned Technik trim became the default.
For the 2020 model year, the S4 got a styling refresh, with a revised grille and some nips and tucks both inside and out. A new infotainment system debuted this year with quicker response times, but some found it less intuitive to use than the previous iteration. However, it’s not too hard to learn, and in 2021, Audi added wireless Apple CarPlay.
In late 2024, Audi announced that 2025 will be the last model year for the A4 and the S4, and both will be replaced by new variations of the A5 and S5 Sportbacks. These two are already tempting machines for S4 buyers, and they’re worth checking out. The S5 Sportback is much the same vehicle as the S4 mechanically, but it has a very versatile hatchback body instead of the S4’s middling trunk, and its back seat is about the same size. The A5 model lineup also offers the 444-horsepower RS5 Sportback, which is a much faster machine than the S4.
These S4 years rate decently for reliability, but Audis typically require more maintenance than rival brands and RepairPal rates them below average. The S4 isn’t a big seller, so there’s less reliability data on it than on the A4, but that model also gets strictly average reliability ratings. As these cars are still new enough to qualify for factory warranty extensions and Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs, both might be worth investigating.
Beware that the S4 depreciates pretty quickly. You can pick up 2018 models in good condition with under 120,000 kilometres on the odometer for roughly $29,000 to $38,000, which is about half of what they cost when they were new. Expect to pay more for 2021 and newer models, which are just coming off lease. Many S4s are leased, which can sometimes mean many CPO examples to choose from. Regardless, the S4 is not a common car in Canada, so you may need to travel a bit to find one, depending on your location.
Fifth Generation (2010-2016)
The fifth-generation “B8” S4 went through the biggest changes of any version yet. It grew 15 centimetres longer overall as the A4 was enlarged to be more family friendly one year earlier, and it ditched the long-running (but complex) V8. It was now also only available as a sedan in North America, although the wagon version continued in other countries. The former S4 convertible was formally replaced by the droptop version of the S5.
In place of the old V8 was a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 with 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual put the power down to all four wheels, but a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was also available. While folks lamented the loss of the V8, the V6 was nearly as powerful and much better in other respects. It was much cheaper to maintain and more reliable, but it also delivered much better fuel economy. The B8 S4 can return combined fuel consumption in the 11s, compared to more than 15 litres per 100 kilometres for its predecessor.
The different engine also helped the car’s weight balance, though handling was helped by adaptive dampers and an optional adjustable, torque-vectoring rear differential to push more bias between the rear wheels for maximum fun. As with the B9 S4, this version isn’t quite as athletic a handler as rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it’s not a bad driver at all, and in its day won several head-to-head comparisons against the 3 Series.
The S4 remained virtually unchanged in 2012 and 2013. Standard selectable drive modes made it to the S4 in 2014, but the car coasted along for the next two years.
Though earlier versions of the S4 had come with navigation screens, this S4 marked the first use of Audi’s MMI infotainment system on a standard 7-inch screen. It was basic at first and controlled by a clickwheel, but in its day it wasn’t a bad system.
Early B5 S4s get worse reliability marks than later ones, with 2011 and 2012 being criticized by owners for excessive oil consumption and troubles with the optional dual-clutch transmission. The consensus among Audi fans and reliability outlets is to go for models from 2013 or later, which don’t seem to have these issues.
Clean, low-kilometre examples of the B8 S4 aren’t easy to find, but if you shop around, cars with under 150,000 kilometres should cost roughly $18,000 to $30,000. We’d be wary of high-kilometre ones, which might need expensive maintenance, but in general 2013 to 2017 models should be reasonably reliable.
Fourth Generation (2005-2009)
A heavily updated version of its third-generation predecessor, the fourth-gen “B7” S4 didn’t really change that much, but these years did see the addition of the even faster RS4.
The standard engine in this S4 is the same 4.2-litre V8 as in the previous model, with 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, but a six-speed automatic was also available. At first, it came only as a sedan or wagon, with the previous-generation Cabriolet carrying over into late 2005. The suspension was updated with new springs and dampers, and in 2007 Audi fitted the car with a new Torsen central differential that biased torque to the back wheels.
Cosmetically, the front end got more aerodynamic styling with Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights. Audi cooked up new wheel designs, including 18-inch units, which were pretty large for a car of this size. This S4 also got satellite radio, and in 2005, Audi also produced the “25quattro” special edition to celebrate 25 years of the manufacturer’s all-wheel drive system.
The S4 Cabriolet entered this generation in 2006 and got a few revisions, including a quieter top for 2007. The sedan was now available with a body kit inspired by DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing. In 2009, only the Cabriolet remained, as the sedan and wagon production had already ended in 2008. A few leftover models were sold as 2009 units, however.
2007 and 2008 saw the addition of the RS 4, which came only with the six-speed manual and got a much hotter version of the 4.2-litre V8, making 420 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, good enough to sprint to 96 km/h in about 4.6 seconds. The regular S4 of these years is about one second slower. The RS 4’s high cost and launch right into the Great Recession meant it was not offered for very long, and though it continued for years in other countries, only a few thousand were sold in North America.
Like the B6, the B7 S4 and the RS 4 both tend to be costly to buy and run. All V8 S4s tend to need major timing chain service later in life, and this is a very expensive job that requires access to the back of the engine. The timing chain itself isn’t the problem, it’s the tensioners that keep it in place. These S4s are also known for oil consumption and for a variety of electrical issues, which makes getting a maintenance history or a thorough mechanical inspection a must if you want a good experience.
Never huge sellers, these S4s now very hard to find in Canada. A good condition example with under 200,000 kilometres on the odometer should run from roughly $10,000 (for worn ones with no service history) to $15,000 for nice ones. Manual transmission models, the last S4s to come with a stick, command a price premium. Wagons (officially the “S4 Avant”) are worth more than sedans or cabriolets and are even more scarce.
Third Generation (2003-2004)
Though patterned on the A4 as in the second generation, the third-gen “B6” S4 made major changes under the skin, the most important of which was a new engine. Rather than the twin-turbo V6 of the previous model, Audi shoehorned in a 4.2-litre V8 based on the one in the full-size A8.
This new engine packed 340 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, delivered through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Its suspension got stiffer and with a more rigid structure, it could corner better than before. There were also larger 13.6-inch front brake discs, a new variable-assist power steering system, and electronic stability control.
In a head-to-head comparison test, this S4 was the first to trounce its BMW and Mercedes-Benz opposite numbers, the M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C32. But it also drank fuel. The B6 and B7 S4 V8s averaged in the 13 L/100 km combined range at best, and in practice usually fared even worse.
The B6 S4 wasn’t available for very long, coming online in mid-2003 and being replaced for the 2005 model year. At that time, it also added a new body style: a two-door cabriolet. That version of the B6 continued much longer than the others into the 2006 model year, though it wasn’t much different mechanically. The sedan remained the default body style, with the wagon optional. They all got Recaro sports seats up front (with heated versions optional).
While the V8’s power transformed the S4 into a truly fearsome performance car, it also came with the downside of fuel consumption and complexity. In addition to a flotilla of new electronic systems like stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, and an electronic differential lock, this car has two radiators and a liquid-cooled alternator. The V8 did away with the previous V6’s rubber timing belt in favour of a chain. Still, the chain tensioners periodically need expensive replacement, and neglecting this task eventually means an engine failure.
These are the least reliable and most challenging to maintain S4s, and they are hard to find thanks to their high costs and low sales when new. As a result, prices run the gamut. Cheap, worn-out B6 S4s can be had for as little as $5,000, but big bills beckon. High-quality, low-kilometre ones are scarce now and are creeping into collector car territory, usually fetching $12,000 to $20,000. Caveat emptor.
Second Generation (2000-2002)
The first generation of the S4’s current format, the “B5” debuted in Europe in 1997 but was not sold in North America until late 1999 as a 2000 model-year vehicle. It came as either a sedan or, starting in 2001, a wagon (the S4 Avant). Building on the popularity of the A4, which helped revive Audi’s fortunes on this continent after a long period of decline, the S4 used the same body and styling but swapped in a twin-turbocharged, double-intercooler 2.7-litre V6.
With 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the S4 wowed when sprinting off the line. Power went to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic. This first S4 could do zero-to-100 in the high five-second range, which was fast, if not blisteringly so, back in the DotCom era. Big vented disc brakes and four-piston calipers helped haul it down to a stop, and it used a firmer version of the A4’s multi-link suspension.
Inside, the S4 got more aggressive seat bolsters than its A4 brother, as befitted a sports car, but it shared the same design aesthetic. The interior came only in black or silver. At the same time, the S4 also got its own exterior palette, with the most desirable colours being Nogaro Blue and Imola Yellow, both exclusive to the model.
This S4 also offered plenty of luxury options, like navigation, a premium sound system, and Alcantara seat inserts. The initial S4 was quite popular, but the S4 Avant wagons were rarer, and they’re the most sought-after today. Manual models also command a price premium over the Tiptronic automatic.
Though not quite 25 years old, the B5 S4 is already a collector car. It wasn’t unreliable when it was new, but changing the timing belt at regular intervals is both a requirement and an expensive proposition. Compared to the costs of dealing with the later V8s, that’s actually not so bad, but if you buy a B5 S4 and don’t know when the belt was last changed (or maybe it never has been), it’s a wise investment.
These are already changing hands among collectors, and any B5 S4 in good shape with under 200,000 kilometres on the odometer is going to cost at least $12,000. Some nice S4 Avant manuals have fetched more than double that in the U.S. in recent years.
First Generation (1992-1994)
With the disappearance of the Audi 200 turbo, Audi's midsized 100 sedan lacked a high-performance counterpart. Enter the Audi S4, in 1992 with its sport-tuned suspension, Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD), and 2.2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine. This version is sometimes referred to as the UrS4 (Ur for "original") or the “C4” as it was based on Audi’s midsize C platform.
It shared the Audi 100’s understated body. It also featured Audi's typically luxurious interior, yet it was hard to tell the S4 apart from the 100—until you got behind the wheel. The turbocharged five packed 227 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque—about 35% more power than the V6 in the standard 100—and it was mated to a notchy five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Anti-lock brakes and bigger performance brake hardware were standard, as were many of the 100’s luxury features.
When the 100 got a name change to the A6, the S4 became the S6 for 1995. Not until the Audi A4 compact sedan was introduced did the S4 make a comeback in 2000 as the hot luxury sport sedan we know today.
The UrS4 is an exceedingly rare car, with only a scant few thousand sold on this side of the Atlantic over three seasons thirty years ago. It’s as reliable as the 100 was, which is to say it had a mixed record. It’s definitely a collector car today, but it tends to fetch about the same price as the later B5 S4, which is generally a more well-known car. Odds are high that you’ll need to shop in the U.S. to find one of these, where you can expect to pay at least $18,000 U.S. for a clean manual transmission example.
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