2020 AUDI S4 REVIEW: CAN TURBO V6 POWER STAND A CHANCE AGAINST THE TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE?

EV Channels Review

The 2020 Audi S4 receives a facelift, presenting a compelling alternative to electric sports sedans like the Tesla Model 3 Performance, albeit with a different philosophy. While the S4's 3.0L turbocharged V6 delivers a respectable 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic, it falls short of the Model 3 Performance's outright acceleration, with 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds compared to the Tesla's 3.2 seconds. However, the S4 excels in its driving dynamics, offering a more raw, engaging, and sorted chassis that feels lighter and more connected on twisty roads, especially with the optional sports package. The interior is praised for its solid build quality, premium materials like carbon fiber inlays, and a refined, albeit less minimalist, design compared to the Model 3. The reviewer highlights the S4's understated styling as a key appeal, a 'sleeper' that doesn't shout its performance. Downsides include noticeable turbo lag in city driving and the fact that even a loaded S4 or S5 Sportback can approach the price of higher-performing EVs. Ultimately, the S4 is positioned as a sophisticated, dynamically superior, but less brutally fast sports sedan for those who appreciate traditional internal combustion performance and build quality.