Audi S4 diesel 2020 launched in Europe

Audi has continued to push diesel performance cars in Europe, launching a TDI variant of its S4 sedan and wagon.

Using the same 255kW/700Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel as the S6 and S7 TDI revealed not long ago, the S4 TDI is capable of a 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint in sedan form (4.9sec for the wagon) and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Those figures put it just 0.1 seconds slower than the petrol S4 and with the same top speed. 

As with the petrol-powered S4, standard fit is an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. 

The S4 TDI's cabin is identical to the regular S4.

Like the other recent performance TDI models, the S4 TDI uses an electric compressor that’s powered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for added acceleration and better fuel economy. 

Despite its performance, Audi claims that the S4 TDI will use 6.2L/100km of fuel on a combined cycle while emitting between 161-164g/km of CO2. By comparison, the petrol S4 uses 7.7L/100km and emits 175g/km.

Stylistically the S4 diesel is identical to the petrol model with sportier styling than the regular A4, quad exhaust pipes, a range of alloy wheels up to 20-inches and on the inside, sports seats and brushed aluminium dashboard trim.

The S4 features quad exhaust pipes.

Audi Australia is yet to comment on the availability of the S4 TDI locally, but we’d suggest that the S4 will remain powered by petrol only for Australia.  

The only S-branded TDI model to be offered locally to date was the SQ5 diesel in the previous-generation version. The current generation SQ5 TDI model is expected on sale later this year to slot in alongside the current SQ5 petrol.

The S4 TDI is unlikely to be sold in Australia.

Do you prefer your performance cars powered by petrol or diesel? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.