Under the S4′s hood is the 3.0litre supercharged V6 333bhp, if there ever has been a modern car that proves to be much more than the sum of its parts, the S4 is it. In a word, it is probably the most dynamically enjoyable Audi. The engine is combined with the S Tronic gearbox. 440 newtons are made at 2900rpm, the supercharged V6 develops a lot of it before peak. This couple with the direct throttle response, makes for 0 – 100km/h reached in 5.4 seconds. It feels much faster because of the unending stream of torque delivered.

The S4 has the usual quattro all wheel drive system which shunts torque to and fro, in default driving conditions the torque is split 40:60 front and rear. The S4 has mostly neutral handling character which manifests into under steer the closer you are to the limit. Instead of locking the wheels together like a limited-slip differential, it actually sends torque to the outside rear wheel while cornering, depending on parameters like speed and steering angle.

The cabin is tranquil, disturbed only by some minor tyre noise when you let the V6 off its leash, it has one of the best interiors around, attractively laid out and luxuriously appointed.