2021 Audi S4

header-image
Rating8.6

Ranked #3 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$49,900 - $58,200
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 1, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Refined powertrain with a spirited acceleration

Steering feedback feels too light

Since its redesign only happened last year, the 2021 Audi S4 sees no major changes except a few additions to the technology suite and available packages

Cutting-edge tech suite representing German excellence at its best

The small trunk may not be practical for families

Wireless Apple CarPlay is added fresh this year

Quiet and composed ride quality combined with an elegant interior setup

he Convenience package gets a new heated steering wheel and Park Assist added to the equation

The Premium Plus trim now unlocks Audi's adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a top view camera while the Prestige trim gets heated rear seats

Specs & Features

$49,900

price

349 hp @ 6300 rpm

horsepower

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

3.0L 6cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Luxury sport sedans have always been a hot topic of discussion in the automotive market. The familiar 2021 Audi S4 has been a genuine contender in this segment for many years, offering all the perks and traits of a fierce sports sedan. However, with rivals getting better with every model year, the S4 still stands strong against its competitors like the BMW M340i and the Mercedes-AMG C43. In fact, Joe Raiti from "Raiti's Rides" even considers the 2021 S4 to be a more all-round package over the other two. Check out the video below to know what more he has to say on the S4. 

Buying Advice

We will definitely suggest the mid-range Premium Plus trim as usual, as it offers a range of impressive creature comforts and gizmo. Alternatively, you can also equip this trim with the Convenience package to get almost all the privileges of the top-draw trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2021 Audi S4 sedan has a lot of flair going for it, with a powerful V-6 powertrain, well-crafted interiors, and a class-leading tech suite inside. With all these positive aspects, will the Audi S4 be the top choice for performance enthusiasts? Let’s discover what amazing features we can get by opting for the 2021 Audi S4 Sedan.

Features

The 2021 trim lineup remains the same with 3 trims on offer- Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. As you move up the trim level, more technology features and driver assistance tech get added. Here is an overview of all the trims and features.

Trim

Premium

Premium Plus

Prestige

MSRP (AWD)

$49,900

$53,500

$58,200

Key Features

Matrix-design LED headlights

In addition to or replaces Premium trim features with:

In addition to or replaces Premium Plus trim features with:

 

MMI touch display with 10.1-inch center screen

Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster

Animation for headlights and taillights

 

Wireless Apple CarPlay

A top view camera system

Audi MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect PRIME & PLUS (six-month trial subscription)

 

Leather/Alcantara seats with diamond stitching

Audi phone box with wireless charger and signal booster

Park assist

 

Lane departure warning

Audi adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist

19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound

 

Audi active lane assist

Head-up display

Which Trim should you buy?

We will definitely suggest the mid-range Premium Plus trim as usual, as it offers a range of impressive creature comforts and gizmo. Alternatively, you can also equip this trim with the Convenience package to get almost all the privileges of the top-draw trim.

Fuel Economy
7.5/10

The Audi S4 can return a mileage of 20mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway, with a combined MPG of 23. These figures are decent enough for a V-6 powered vehicle. With a fuel tank capacity of 15.3 gallons, the S4 can shell out a driving distance of 306 miles in the city and 428 miles on the interstate. On average, the S4 should be able to offer you around 351 miles of combined driving range. The S4 isn’t particularly a family-friendly sedan in terms of economy, but it is still more efficient than most performance-oriented sedans out there in the market. 

Models

2021 Audi S4 

2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

2021 BMW M340i

2021 Genesis G70 3.3T

MPG (City)

20

18

23

17

MPG (Highway)

28

27

32

25

MPG (Combined)

23

21

26

20

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

15.3

17.4

15.6

15.6

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

306/428/351

313/470/365

269/395/312

The Audi S4 offers more fuel economy than its Mercedes-AMG c43 but loses out to its Bavarian counterpart. The BMW M340i is the overall best choice with its fine balance of performance and fuel efficiency, offering the best mileage in this segment.

Interior
9.5/10

Audi’s cars have always featured drool-worthy interior designs with intricate little details that stand out when you catch a first glimpse of the cabin. The 2021 Audi S4 interior reflects on the same philosophy featuring an elegant yet simple cabin that looks appealing to the eyes. Driver functionality is also the key element here, owing to the sporty nature of the sedan. Standard interior bits include 12-way power-adjustable sport seats with a 4-way power-lumbar and heating and massage function, which is standard on all three trims. The seats are covered in leather or Alcantara upholstery, both of which add to the ambiance of the cabin. Standard mood lighting creates a cozy atmosphere for the passengers seated. 

The Convenience package adds a heated steering wheel and memory functionality to the driver’s seat. Customers also get a variety of interior colors and stitching patterns, to upgrade their cabin as per their incline. The trunk behind can only store 12 cubes of space, which is pretty underwhelming for a family on a trip. Still, the trunk may fit in 3 large suitcases with ease, making it ideal for daily use. The rear seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 split at the click of a button to accommodate some of your monthly groceries, while 4 cupholders and center armrest storage provide further convenience.

Models

2021 Audi S4 

2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

2021 BMW M340i

2021 Genesis G70 3.3T

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.3/55.9/41.3

37.1/55.3/41.7

38.7/56/42

38.7/56/42

Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37.4/54.5/35.7

37.1/55/35.2

37.6/54.6/35.2

37.6/54.6/35.2

Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)

12

12.6

17

13

The Audi S4 offers exquisite levels of luxury with its roomy interior dimensions and opulent material quality. The S4 has the smallest trunk in its segment though, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to rivals.

The standout interior features onboard the Audi S4 sedan are:

  • Leather/Alcantara seating upholstery
  • 12-way power-adjustable sport seats with a 4-way power-lumbar and heating and massage function
  • Brushed Aluminum inlays
  • Available Driver's front seat memory

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Audi’s love affair with futuristic technology continues inside the 2021 Audi S4 Sedan. A sizable 10.1-inch touchscreen displays all the infotainment features in crisp graphics. Audi’s intuitive MMI technology provides haptic feedback to the driver’s touch responses. Voice control enables an even more natural way of communication between the driver and the interface. 

Almost all the modern infotainment features are also integrated into the touchscreen, including the likes of wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. A 10-speaker sound system plays your music on the go, while a 19-speaker 3D sound system from Bang & Olufsen is also available to woo audiophiles. 

The optimal Audi Virtual cockpit plus brings impressive features like a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen, three display modes and relays your location in Google Earth or via a 3D map. Customers can also enjoy the privilege of the available Audi Connect services, which brings to the table navigation directions, an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and much more. Other technological enhancements like SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and two rear USB ports for charging complete a brilliant tech suite.

In a nutshell, the 2021 Audi S4 has a plethora of cutting-edge gizmo like:

  • 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth
  • 10-speaker sound
  • Audi Virtual cockpit plus with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • 2 USB ports
  • Optional 19-speaker 3D sound system from Bang & Olufsen

Exterior
9.5/10

The 2021 Audi S4 Sedan exterior design is widely related to its A4 sibling, but the S4 possesses several visual differences like a unique Singleframe grille with subtle vents and numerous aluminum-look accents. For 2021, the S4 turns on the style with its updated 18-inch wheel design and a new front and rear fascia. In the rear, a combination of the diffuser with a quad-exit exhaust setup and an integrated trunk spoiler looks sporty as hell. The S4 also makes a style statement with its S-tuned quad exhausts, LED daytime running lights, and a colorful palette of 8 exterior colors. 

Models

2021 Audi S4 

2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

2021 BMW M340i

2021 Genesis G70 3.3T

Curb Weight (lb)

3847

3836

3849

Length (inches)

187.5

185

185.7

184.4

Width (inches)

72.7

71.3

71.9

72.8

Height (inches)

56.2

56.3

56.4

55.1

Ground Clearance (inches)

4.5

3.5

5.1

Wheelbase (inches)

111

111.8

112.2

111.6

The exterior dimensions of the S4 remain unchanged for 2021. The exterior dimensions are well on par with other sedans in the class. The S4’s low ground clearance combined with Quattro all-wheel-drive grant it more stability and grip.

The Audi S4 stands out amongst the crowd with its unique styling elements like:

  • Auto-dimming exterior mirrors
  • 18-inch 5-Y-spoke design wheels
  • Matrix-design LED headlights
  • Integrated trunk spoiler
  • LED daytime running lights

Safety
7.0/10

The 2021 Audi S4 pays equal emphasis on performance as well as the safety of its passengers. Thus, to fulfill that promise, the S4 includes a host of standard safety features like LED headlights with auto high beams, rain-sensing wipers, a rearview camera, lane departure warning, and forward collision detection with autonomous emergency braking. By opting for the higher trim levels, the driver unlocks new safety techs like 

  • Audi adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and turn assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
  • A heads-up display
  • Park assist
  • Vehicle exit warning

Audi also provides a unique top view camera system that relays a birds-eye view of your car’s surroundings. You can also add matrix LED headlights to the table that enhance both your vehicle’s style and safety quotient.

Competition
8.0/10

2021 Audi S4 Sedan vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan

The battle between two of Germany’s greatest automakers has always stirred up a lot of heat, and this duel is no different. The Merc may have the upper hand with a more powerful engine, but the S4 sends out a stern reply with a 0-60 mph time just 0.1 seconds faster than the Merc. However, the Merc’s AMG credentials prove to be the decisive factor in the handling sector, as it is more adept than the Audi in scaling corners. Both the sedans are almost neck-to-neck in terms of practicality, although the Mercedes offers slightly more storage. The Merc feels more like a raw performance-oriented sedan rather than a sports cruiser like the Audi S4. The choice is yours.

2021 Audi S4 Sedan vs 2021 BMW M340i Sedan

Audi and BMW’s fierce rivalry continues with the Audi S4 and the BMW M340i. However, the BMW M340i has clear bragging rights over its rival in the power and speed charts, fuel economy, handling dynamics, and cargo space. Technology-wise, both the sedans are evenly matched. The BMW can get pricier as you opt for more features though, but we still believe it is still worth all the bucks.

2021 Audi S4 Sedan vs 2021 Genesis G70 Sedan

The Genesis G70 is a welcome change over its aggressive German rivals in this segment. It has a snug old-school sedan-like feeling to it, without trying to overdo its sportiness. The G70 is a powerful sedan in its own sense, but the Audi S4 is at an advantage with more power under its hood. The G70 offers similar levels of luxury as the S4. Audi’s tech suite is still one of the finest in its business, but the G70 offers more trunk room. In a nutshell, the Genesis G80 is a great out-of-the-box choice in its pricey segment, although the Audi S4 is an amazing sedan in its own sense.

Final Verdict

The 2021 Audi S4 Sedan is an excellent driver’s vehicle that offers luxury and performance in a single package. Audi’s Quattro AWD system and the powerful V-6 make the sedan a treat to drive. The best part about this sedan is the convenience of taking it out on daily errands as well as fun weekday trips with your family. The S4 feels right at home with its cutting-edge technology and racetrack-oriented vibes and is definitely one of Audi’s finest creations.

Trims

    Premium
    $49,900 onwards
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Forward collision mitigation
    • Heated front sport seats
    • Lane departure warning
    • Leather and simulated suede upholstery
    Premium Plus
    $53,500 onwards
    • Blind-Spot monitor
    • Digital instrument panel
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Keyless entry
    • Parking sensors
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Surround-View camera system
    Prestige
    $58,200 onwards
    • Bang & Olufsen audio system
    • Head-Up display
    • Heated rear seats
    • Navigation system

Compare to similar cars

Price

$49,900- $58,200

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.6

Horsepower

349 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque

369 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$69,900- $72,800

Gasoline

8.01

473 hp @ 6250 rpm

406 lb.-ft. @ 2650 rpm

5

Read Review

$40,350- $75,250

Gasoline

7.51

280 hp @ 5200 rpm

306 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,700- $56,700

Gasoline

7.53

382 hp @ 5000 rpm

368 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$37,750- $48,000

Gasoline

7.99

250 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$43,995- $49,995

Gasoline

7.43

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,250- $43,250

Gasoline

8.26

255 hp @ 5000 rpm

294 lb.-ft. @ 1550 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,200- $61,750

Gasoline

9.05

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$41,600- $56,700

Gasoline

8.06

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm

5

Read Review

$76,000- $82,850

Gasoline

7.82

416 hp @ 6000 rpm

442 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    2021 Audi S4

    Ranked #5

    4.4 sec13.1 sec155 mph
    3.72 sec--
    3.91 sec--
    2021 BMW M3

    Ranked #3

    4.1 sec12.0 sec155 mph
    4.24 sec--
    4.4 sec--

    2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      2021 Audi S4

      Ranked #6

      20 mpg28 mpg23 mpg15.3 gal.306/428.4 mi.
      26 mpg36 mpg30 mpg15.6 gal.405.6/561.6 mi.
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg19.5 gal.487.5/643.5 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg28 mpg17 gal.-
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg18 gal.450/594 mi.
      24 mpg33 mpg27 mpg15.3 gal.367.2/504.9 mi.

      2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        2021 Audi S4

        Ranked #6

        187.5 in.72.7 in.56.2 in.4.5 in.111 in.
        206.1 in.74.8 in.57.1 in.6.6 in.123 in.
        196.5 in.75.8 in.57.7 in.5.5 in.118.5 in.
        195.8 in.73.5 in.58.2 in.5.5 in.117.1 in.
        195 in.78 in.57.4 in.5.3 in.116.5 in.
        2021 BMW M3

        Ranked #5

        189.1 in.74.3 in.56.4 in.4.7 in.112.5 in.

        2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2021 Audi S4

          Ranked #5

          12 cu.ft.116.6 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.
          --370.8 cu.ft. -
          10.5 cu.ft.-116.9 cu.ft.
          13 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          13 cu.ft.143.2 cu.ft.72.2 cu.ft.
          22.8 cu.ft.93.5 cu.ft.52.7 cu.ft.

          2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            2021 Audi S4

            Ranked #1

            57.5 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.76 ft.
            16.7 cu.ft.14 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.-
            15.1 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.13.1 cu.ft.-
            2021 BMW M3

            Ranked #4

            30.8 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.30.8 cu.ft.-
            -12.6 cu.ft.--
            72.2 cu.ft.13 cu.ft.72.2 cu.ft.76 ft.

            2021 Audi S4 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2021 Audi S4

              Ranked #1

              1058 lbs.3847 lbs.
              1390 lbs.3655 lbs.
              2021 BMW M3

              Ranked #1

              860 lbs.3840 lbs.
              1045 lbs.3957 lbs.
              860 lbs.3849 lbs.
              825 lbs.3582 lbs.

              Top Audi Cars

              2021 Audi RS 6 Avant

              Horsepower : 591 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3.5 sec

              #1

              2021 Audi RS 7

              Horsepower : 591 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3 sec

              #2

              2021 Audi RS Q8

              Horsepower : 591 hp

              MPG Combined : 15 mpg

              0-60 : 3.4 sec

              #3

              2021 Audi R8

              Horsepower : 532 hp @ 4475 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 3.6 sec

              #4

              2021 Audi SQ7

              Horsepower : 500 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 4.3 sec

              #5

              2021 Audi SQ8

              Horsepower : 500 hp

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 4.3 sec

              #6

              2021 Audi S8

              Horsepower : 453 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 3.8 sec

              #7

              2021 Audi RS 5

              Horsepower : 444 hp @ 5700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 20 mpg

              0-60 : 3.7 sec

              #8

              2021 Audi S6

              Horsepower : 444 hp

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 4.4 sec

              #9

              2021 Audi S7

              Horsepower : 444 hp

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 4.5 sec

              #10