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Time was not so long ago that Audi’s S4 squared off directly against the invincible BMW M3. And it never really managed to do it quite convincingly. For 2010, the latest S4, based on the newest A4 platform (internally coded B8), has been redeployed in a different theater of combat, leaving M3-killing duties to the forthcoming RS 5 (itself based off the A5 coupe; no official word yet on a replacement RS 4).



Specifically, the 2010 S4 is aimed at a newer, emerging breed of high performance entry level sport sedans, led by BMW’s 335i, and to a lesser extent the Mercedes-Benz C350 and Lexus IS 350. Chief on the list of S4 revisions is a brand new powerplant to replace the previous generation B7 S4’s 4.2-liter V8. Speculation swirled initially over the new engine’s TFSI designation and the enthusiast contingent grew excited over the possibility that this car would see a return to twin-turbocharged V6 motivation, the type that powered the successful (and still widely popular) B5-generation S4.



In fact, the so-called V6T is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Not quite what the hardcore Audi devotee may have wished for, perhaps, but one that offers the power output of the outgoing V8 with much better efficiency. The 3.0 TFSI makes slightly less horsepower than the V8, 333 vs. 340, but offers that peak on a broader rev range, from 5500 to 7000 rpm. It also makes more torque, 325 lb-ft vs. 302, the peak of which stretches from 2900 to 5300 rpm.



Then there’s fuel economy: The V6T scores estimated returns of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, with an average combined cycle of 21. Compare that to the old V8’s returns of 13, 20, and 15 mpg, respectively.

As with all Audi S models, quattro all-wheel drive is standard. The engine can be hooked to a standard six-speed manual transmission, or to a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic gearbox for a $1,400 premium. Audi claims identical zero to 60 mph acceleration times for each transmission option, 4.9 seconds, and slightly improved highway fuel efficiency for the latter. Of course, another benefit to the S tronic option is the ability to drive the car as an automatic in situation such as on city surface street or in heavy traffic, and then shift through the gears yourself using steering wheel mounted paddles when opportunities for more sporting driving arise.



The ’10 S4 may be ordered in one of two trim levels, Premium Plus or Prestige. The list of standard equipment compares favorably to the competition, including amenities like iPod integration, leather seats with Alcantara inserts, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, xenon headlamps with the signature LED running light strips, brushed aluminum inlays, Bluetooth integration, and a satellite radio trial package. Prestige comes with the range of standard features found at the Premium Plus level, but for a $6,000 premium also includes 19-inch wheels and tires, an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, keyless entry and ignition, Audi MMI navigation, and a 505-watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.



If you opt for the Premium Plus level, the MMI navigation and Bang & Olufsen sound system are available as stand-alone options for $2,500 and $850, respectively. Cosmetic options for the interior include two-tone color options for the seating surfaces and decorative trim inlays in textured stainless steel or birch wood.



The Sport Rear Differential and Audi Drive Select packages are two performance-oriented options not included in either basic trim package. The first, available for $1,100, actively varies torque between the rear wheels and effectively changes the balance while cornering by overdriving the outside wheel. This is intended to cause the car’s front to “tuck” and reduce oversteer, while allowing for greater tail-out leeway and a greater corresponding slip angle.

Drive Select, available for $3,950, includes a multi-stage button that automatically adjusts throttle mapping, suspension damping, the rear differential, and the dynamic steering according to three pre-selected arrangements: Comfort and Sport for, obviously, maximum driving comfort for the highway or maximum sporting potential for the twisty bits. A third setting, Auto, falls somewhere in the middle and might be referred to as the default setting. And yet a fourth setting, Individual, allows the driver to mix and match settings using the MMI interface. For example, greater throttle response while maintaining the maximum suspension comfort settings.

Our initial impressions are very favorable. In a way, Audi has returned the S4 close to its original form by ditching the clunky V8 in favor of a lighter and more efficient power unit, by revising and sharpening the car’s handling characteristics and road feel, and by packing a large amount of value into a reasonably priced high-performance saloon.

The 3.0 TFSI V6 engine has done a pretty good job in stealing some thunder from the BMW 335i’s 300-hp twin-turbo inline six, with both more power and torque, and crisper response. Steering response and feel are excellent considering the front wheels are helping to propel the car, and are perhaps the best Audi has to offer this side of an R8 (the forthcoming RS 5 notwithstanding). The steering wheel itself is a very nice piece, trimmed in smooth leather and featuring subtle sculpted areas that direct your hands into the nine and three o’clock

And as you’d expect, the Audi interior experience is unmatched in just about any price segment in which it competes. This one is no different. The control layouts are welcoming and familiar, and material quality—real wood, aluminum, silky Nappa leather, and top-notch plastics wherever plastic is used—is second to none.

As evidenced by the scultped steering wheel, ergonomics throughout the cabin quite good. Audi has gone to great lengths to explain that extra time is spent making sure the various knobs and buttons offer the same amount of operational resistance regardless of their location or function—a small detail, but one that says a lot about the though that has gone into engineering this car from an ergonomic standpoint.

Most inputs not related to climate control are grouped on the center console behind the shifter assembly, around the central MMI control knob. MMI itself has been upgraded for the 2010 model year. It incorporates a new high-res 7-inch display that features four times the pixels as its predecessor. The MMI knob now incorporates a central “joystick” that allows users to scroll in eight directions on the navigation map display, as well as to operate various menus through the in-car entertainment system. And a wide range of ICE is available; in addition to audio CDs, users can play back personal music from an integrated hard drive “jukebox,” or from interchangeable storage media like SD cards, USB sticks, and of course, your iPod or MP3 player.

We found the Bang & Olufsen system produced a superior factory sound. The company has really made some improvements since its initial branded system for OEs a few years ago, and could now be grouped along with Acura's ELS and Lexus Mark Levinson as a premier automotive audio brand. It's musical and offers a nice balance of frequencies. However, it could use a little more on the bottom end. Also we would like to see a little more control over the EQ. But for drivers who simply want great sound with no hassle, this system should fit the bill nicely.

Re-engineered, repurposed, and more or less reborn. That’s the crux of the new 2010 Audi S4. With this car, the automaker from Ingolstadt proves once again that is is a force to be reckoned with in just about every premium segment. Judging by the new S4, Audi has clearly been taking notes. Its competition will now be wise to do the same.