Fuel consumption

[blueaudi]

I've been tempted by the S4 since selling my RS4 in January, but following threads elsewhere I've noted some horror stories about mpg from the supercharged V6, mainly in the S5 cab. Just wondered what S4 owners are getting.

[Pete.S]

Motorway cruising @ ~ 70 - 80mph returns high 20's, my overall since purchase (around 25k total miles) 24.1mpg. Not terrible but certainly a lot less than the advertised 30+ combined

[BlingBling]

How does the mpg compare against your old B6?

[blueaudi]

I've heard of 10mpg around town from a guy in an S5 cab and others stating that they get under 20mpg in mixed driving. It's all anecdotal I know and it's probable that a cab is less efficient, but it does seem that Audi's claims are even more exagerated than usual. It's a shame that there aren't more posters on this board, where do S4 owners hang out?

[Pete.S]

The combined (no reset for 40k-ish miles) on the B6 when I swapped was sitting on just over 22 IIRC, so a little better on the B8, but the claims in the speil for the B8 of it being, what was it now, 33% better (?), I can't help feel were bull!

[Pete.S]

I've heard of 10mpg around town from a guy in an S5 cab and others stating that they get under 20mpg in mixed driving. It's all anecdotal I know and it's probable that a cab is less efficient, but it does seem that Audi's claims are even more exagerated than usual. It's a shame that there aren't more posters on this board, where do S4 owners hang out?

TBH don't pay much attention to town driving mpg but am sure it's usually high teens, definitely not as low as 10.

No, unfortunately not much activity on this forum, but then I've still yet to see another B8 on the road in 25k miles! IMO another good reason to get one

There's loads of info (albeit from 95% US owners) here

[worsy]

Using mine to drive to the station at back at present (max 40) and getting around 24mpg, On a run it's better of course.

Don't see many around at all either!

[hershie]

I get between 20-24mpg out of mine (auto), at times i feel it's worse than my RS4 B7.

[BlingBling]

I get between 20-24mpg out of mine (auto), at times i feel it's worse than my RS4 B7.

Having owend a B7 Rs4 and B8 S4. How would you compare the 2 cars? Are they close in terms of performance dynamics?

[hershie]

At the risk of going slightly off topic I tend to drive enthusiastically most of the time. I would go as far to say that the two cars are very different. The RS4 had a greater sense of urgency as you gathered pace coupled with that amazing naturally aspirated V8 sound track. (I still miss it like crazy). The S4 although it’s certainly no slouch just takes a faction longer to gather its breath before it starts to gather pace at nearly the same rate as the RS4 (granted my S4 is auto so I'm not sure if the guys with manuals will have same experience). When driving the RS4 I had a grin/smirk on my face, the S4 has me smiling (not sure if I’m making sense)

Under braking I find the S4 behaves much better as I remember the RS4 tended to get a little tail light under heavy braking. This might be due to the fact that the V6 is mounted further back and directly over the front axial. The B8 S4 for me was a no brainer as there simply was not anything else on the market that I wanted or could afford. The C6 RS6 saloon was tempting but my pockets were not quite deep enough. The bottom line for me is when Audi produce another RS4 as long as it’s a V8 or better I’ll go for it. Maybe in a few years time once the kids are grown up I would be able to consider 2-door cars again. (R8, TTRS and RS5 all become options again)

[BlingBling]

Its all on topic one way or the other...Thanks for the input.

[Necroscope]

There are a few more of us over on audi-sport.net

[blueaudi]

Hershie, I'm interested to know your thoughts as I owned an RS4 Avant until 6 months ago, when I traded it for an A5 3.0tdi. I do a reasonably high mileage and wanted to get out of the RS while the mileage was sensible and with some warranty left, the A5 was a holding position to wait for the RS5, but tbh I'm pretty underwhelmed by it, especially for the money, hence my interest in the S4. The fuel consumption is a concern (got used to 36mpg), but does it handle and steer as well as the RS? Is it an even more practical package as a daily driver? How would you say 'ownership' compares? Sorry to burden you with questions but would like to know your thoughts.

[alex_123_fra]

I used to own a B7 RS4 saloon prior to my current B8 S4 saloon. In terms of mpg, they are almost exactly the same. 20-25 mpg with a mix of town and motorway driving. I get roughly 250-275 miles between refills. So I guess that part is disappointing although the road tax is a lot less which is a bonus.

In terms of driving dynamics, the B8 S4 punches way above its league. I honestly don't miss much about the RS4 except the V8 sound. My S4 has all the extra bits including sports diff, drive select, dynamic steering and damping control and is a manual car. Overall it feels actually much more sure footed than the RS4 on long sweeping bends and I am able to sustain much greater speeds in these to the point where I look down on the speedo and feel very surprised how effortless it all is. Turn in is sharp and I also agree it is more stable under hard braking.

Acceleration-wise, the drama of the RS4 isn't there in terms of noise, but I have no doubt that the pace is almost identical if not slightly quicker. Again, you get the sense that not much is happening due to the quiet nature of the engine/exhaust and you look down at the speedo to be pleasantly surprised.

Practicality is great with massive boot, folding seats, loads of space for rear passengers etc. It is an absolute bargain car in my opinion and residuals are fairly stable over the last 6-8 months (which will of course change).

[blueaudi]

High praise indeed Alex, I get the impression it's a fine car, it may be a better proposition than the RS5. Can't understand the economy though, Audi claim 26mpg overall and I've yet to find anyone who can get anywhere near it with the V6 supercharged. It's a shame, it would be an unbeatable package if it could match its' makers claims.