The Audi S4 B9 3.0 TFSI from 2017 remains one of the most complete and well-rounded performance saloons I’ve had the pleasure of owning. It was a car that felt just right in so many situations. Whether carving through twisty Norfolk B-roads or cruising with the family in comfort, it never felt out of place. It was both an athletic sprinter and a refined long-distance cruiser.
Powered by a turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine producing 354 bhp and 369 lb ft of torque, it replaced the previous generation’s supercharged unit with more power and less weight. Acceleration was immediate and addictive. The quattro all wheel drive system and smooth shifting eight speed Tiptronic gearbox meant 0 to 62 mph was dispatched in just 4.7 seconds. Combined with the relentless traction from the quattro system, the car felt planted and confident even when conditions were far from ideal.
This wasn’t a car you had to drive fast to enjoy either. In Comfort mode, it cruised along the motorway with ease, offering a refined ride and hushed cabin. Audi’s Drive Select system allowed you to tailor the driving characteristics to suit your mood. Dynamic mode gave you the sharper throttle response and weightier steering you’d expect when pressing on, while Comfort softened everything for long-distance ease.
The interior was another standout feature. Typical Audi quality was on full display, with premium materials, brushed aluminium trim and intuitive MMI controls. My particular model came with the optional massaging front seats which made longer journeys genuinely relaxing. The combination of white exterior paintwork and the Black Edition styling package gave the car real presence on the road without being shouty. It looked every bit as fast as it was.
One of the often overlooked aspects of the B9 S4 is just how tuneable it is. With 034Motorsport offering an easy ECU flashing solution, the engine can be safely pushed to even more impressive levels. Gains of over 400 bhp are well within reach with just a Stage 1 tune, which transforms the car from quick to seriously rapid.
To give the S4 context within Audi’s performance range, it traditionally sat just below the RS4 Avant, offering a more discreet and approachable take on Audi’s go-fast estate and saloon lineup. While not quite as hardcore as the RS cars, the S4 delivered a near perfect balance of pace, luxury and usability. In more recent years, the S4 badge has transitioned away from petrol power in favour of a V6 TDI diesel setup in Europe, with the S5 now effectively replacing the S4 in some markets. The diesel versions still offer plenty of torque and all weather confidence, but the character and rev-happy nature of the older petrol-powered B9 is sorely missed by enthusiasts.
Of course, it wasn’t without its downsides. Fuel economy wasn’t great. Officially it could return around 39 mpg combined but in reality I found it more in the low to mid 20s in mixed driving. The small tank and fairly thirsty V6 meant visits to the pump were more regular than I’d have liked.
Still, the S4 delivered such a well judged balance of performance and everyday usability that it was hard to fault. It could be fun, fast, refined and practical all in the same day. Sadly, I had to part ways with it due to an increasingly long commute, but it remains one of the most memorable and versatile cars I’ve owned.
If you’re after a quick saloon that doesn’t compromise on comfort or class, the 2017 Audi S4 B9 is still a top choice.
