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-liter turbo engine. Sometimes referred to as the UrS4 (Ur for “original“), it was housed in the Audi 100’s understated body and featured Audi's typically luxurious interior, yet it was hard to tell the S4 apart from the 100—until you got behind the wheel.

When the 100 got a name change to the A6, the S4 became the S6. 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.

Generations: Five

• Audi S4 5th generation
• Audi S4 4th generation
• Audi S4 3rd generation
• Audi S4 2nd generation

Pros: All-wheel drive, plenty of tech, all-around good driving experience
Cons: Steering can be numb, high maintenance costs, long shift throws in the manual transmission

Audi S4 Fifth Generation (2018-present)

In 2018, the S4 got an overhaul, with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 354 ponies and 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission put the power down to all four wheels with enough grip to lay down a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds. 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.

In 2019, a new base Premium trim joined the Premium Plus and Prestige trims. This trim was still well-equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, low-speed forward-collision warning, and emergency braking.

The S4 got a bit of a styling refresh for the 2020 model year, 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 to be a little less intuitive to use than the previous year’s model.

In 2021, Audi added wireless Apple CarPlay. For 2022, Audi made the S4’s carbon fiber interior trim standard.

Audi S4 Fourth Generation (2010-2016)

The S4 got bigger for 2010, but more importantly, the eight-cylinder engine disappeared for good in this sport sedan. And only a sport sedan was available, as the wagon and convertible were nixed for this generation. In place of the V8 was a 3.0-liter 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 a boon to fuel economy, returning six mpg more combined.

Handling prowess was taken care of by adaptive dampers and an optional rear differential to push more bias between the rear wheels for maximum fun.

In 2011, Audi added blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment, but 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.

Audi S4 Third Generation: (2004-2009)

In 2004, the S4 was available as a sedan, a wagon, or a cabriolet. All got a stonking 4.2-liter V8 engine with 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, but a six-speed automatic was also available.

Numerous reports indicate that used Audi S4 models of this generation tend to need major timing chain service later in life. It’s important to note that the chain assembly for these models is located at the back of the engine, resulting in high labor costs for any maintenance.

For 2005, the S4 got satellite radio, while 2006 saw the all-wheel drive torque split go to 40 front/60 rear on cars equipped with a manual gearbox. This year Audi also produced the “25quattro” special edition to celebrate 25 years of the manufacturer’s all-wheel drive system.

The S4 Cabriolet 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.

For 2008, the S4 got bluetooth and satellite radio standard, and the cabriolet version got standard heated seats—all the better to motor top-down in the winter. In 2009 only the cabriolet carried over. The Audi S4 sedan and wagon were not available.

Audi S4 Second Generation: (2000-2002)

For the new millennium, Audi took its four-door A4 platform and made it hot. The result was the S4. Sporting a 2.7-liter twin-turbo 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.

Inside, the S4 got more aggressive seat bolsters than its A4 brother, as befitted a sports car, but it shared the same design aesthetic. Outside, the S4 sported bigger wheels and front intakes to accommodate those turbos.

In 2001, Audi gave us the S4 Avant, which had a station wagon body style, but the car remained unchanged for 2002.