It was probably a blessing this car left our office. The car is so good I behaved like a spoiled 12-year-old high on a keg of Mountain Dew. During the S4 Avant's brief time with us, I pulled editorial rank and refused to share. Few cars elicit this type of behavior. And for all intents and purposes, that's a good thing.
It's near impossible to isolate the most impressive aspect of the S4 Avant. It does the sports car thing so well it's easy to forget it's also a family truckster. It's one of those rare vehicles inherently balanced from birth. The S4 Avant can do many things very well. First off it's god-awful fast. The 340-bhp V8 from the A8 places the S4 Avant firmly in musclecar territory. The engine sounds so good it makes me want to remove the muffler entirely. The S4 Avant leaves the line like it's been rear-ended by a TGV bullet train. The sensation is unique to Quattro-equipped cars, the feeling of immense power both pushing and pulling the car forward. The shifter feels extremely solid, almost industrial, as each gear change engages powerful cogs down below.
Audi's sport-tuned suspension is perfectly matched to the Avant's demeanor. Neither too firm nor too soft, it makes the S4 feel extremely athletic. The big brakes add to the effect and are capable bringing this 4,000-pound vehicle to a dead stop with uncanny ease. Perhaps my only gripe is with the steering, which feels a tad light and over-assisted with vague feedback (seems to be a Quattro thing).
If you want a sports car, the S4 Avant will do just fine. It's easy to forget this Audi has four doors and a sizable rear boot. I suppose that's a bonus. And I'll say it once again: Audi's interior design is the best there is. From the MMI-controlled nav system to the silicon-dampened grab-handles, every interior bit of the S4 Avant is exceptional. Yeah, I hogged the S4 Avant and I'd do it again. It's that good. -Les Bidrawn
2006 AUDI S4 AVANT QUATTRO MT6
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive
Engine
4.2-liter V8, dohc, four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Performance
Peak Power: 340 hp @ 7000 rpm
Peak Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm 0-60 mph: 5.3 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
Fuel Economy: 15 city/21 hwy