2008 Audi S4 Avant Review

What the reviewers like:
The Audi S4 Avant wagon is packed with luxury standard features, including a sunroof, heated exterior mirrors and satellite radio. More than one reviewer rhapsodizes over the 12-way power-adjustable leather seats that they say cradle riders in all the right places. Safety features include standard stability control and full-length side-curtain air bags. Road-testers say the Audi S4 Avant wagon's all-wheel-drive sticks to nasty roads nicely. Ride comfort is adequate for such a sporty car, they say, and cargo space is a roomy 61 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

What the reviewers don't like:
The 2208 Audi S4 Avant wagon is hard on the budget, reviewers say: It's expensive to buy, to insure and to keep fueled. The Audi S4 Avant wagon's high performance comes at a price – the worst fuel economy in its class.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 13 to 14 mpg city, 20 to 21 mpg highway, depending on transmission

2008 Audi S4 Avant review highlights

Compared to other luxury station wagons, the 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon gets the worst fuel economy in its class, posting 16 mpg in mixed driving. Its parent Audi A4 Avant wagon (*est. $32,000 to $39,400) wins praise for its fuel economy, but the souped-up Audi S4 Avant wagon emphasizes performance over economy. The Audi S4 Avant wagon's standard 340-hp V8 (you can choose a 420-hp option) delivers far more power than the Audi A4 Avant wagon, while the Quattro all-wheel-drive – tweaked to distribute more power to the rear wheels on the Audi S4 Avant wagon – makes the Audi S4 Avant aggressive on corners, reviewers say. Although testers say handling is not quite as razor-sharp as that of a BMW 3-series wagon (*est. $34,200 to $36,100), they say the Audi S4 Avant wagon's all-wheel-drive makes it a good choice for drivers who want a performance wagon that will handle well in snow and rain.

FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, compares the 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon's fuel efficiency with other small wagons based on government tests. The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research compares Audi's entire S4 line with other sporty cars in the $35,000 to $50,000 price range. Edmunds.com provides an in-depth review of the 2008 Audi S4 line, while KBB.com road-tests the S4 Avant station wagon specifically. ConsumerGuide.com combines its review of the Audi S4 with that of its parent car, the Audi A4, while pointing out differences.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. FuelEconomy.gov
2008 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Vehicles
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The 2008 Audi S4 Avant wagon takes the dubious honor of least-fuel-efficient small wagon in this ranking at FuelEconomy.gov, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website where consumers can look up EPA estimates of fuel economy for any given car.

2. IFCAR.net
IFCAR's Picks for Best-In-Class
Editors of IFCAR.net

The Audi S4 line is chosen as Best-In-Class $35,000 to $50,000 Sporty Car at The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research, over the also-recommended BMW 3-Series. The S4 combines interior space, luxury features and adequate ride comfort with sporty features like strong acceleration and handling, the review says, but it's also fuel-thirsty.

3. Edmunds.com
2008 Audi S4 Review
Editors of Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com covers the entire 2008 Audi S4 line in this review, noting where the Avant wagon version differs from the sedan version – for example, its roomy 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. This review gives a thorough overview of the Audi S4's sports-car handling, sporty interior, potent engine, multiple safety features and traction compared with other performance wagons, such as the BMW 3-series.

4. KBB.com
2008 Audi S4 Avant Quattro
Editors of KBB.com

For those who can afford it – and the gas to feed it and the expensive insurance – the 2008 Audi S4 Avant is a remarkable car, concludes this review at KBB.com, the online home of Kelley Blue Book. It's comfortable enough to drive every day, the review says, while delivering racetrack-style power and handling. High points include a luxurious interior and strong resale value.

5. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Audi A4 Full Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Dec. 20, 2007

ConsumerGuide.com's review of the Audi S4 wagon is combined with that of its parent car, the Audi A4. Although the Audi A4 ranks as a ConsumerGuide.com "Best Buy" in the premium compact car class, the review notes that the souped-up S4 has some pros and cons the A4 doesn't have.

Also see full report: Station Wagons