Why the 2017 Audi S4 is Still a Masterpiece

Did you ever wonder why certain cars just refuse to age, regardless of how fast the automotive industry moves? The 2017 Audi S4 is exactly that kind of machine. Honestly, when you sit behind the wheel of one today, it feels like it could have rolled off the assembly line yesterday. I still clearly remember a road trip I took down the Pacific Coast Highway a few years back. I had originally planned to rent a standard, boring economy box to save some cash. Luckily, my buddy tossed me the keys to his pristine B9 generation sedan instead. That drive completely shifted my perspective on what a daily driver could actually be.

We blasted through those twisting coastal roads, and the car practically glued itself to the pavement. It wasn’t just basic transportation; it was a pure, visceral experience that balanced comfort with serious aggression. The chassis feedback, the predictable power delivery, the plush interior—it all clicked perfectly. If you are hunting for a ride that perfectly walks the tightrope between raw, heart-pounding power and the kind of refined comfort you want for a daily commute, you are in the right place. We are going to break down exactly what makes the B9 generation so exceptionally special, from its completely redesigned turbocharged V6 heart down to the understated, sleeper-style exterior that still turns heads even now in 2026.

The Core: Unpacking the Perfect Daily Driver

So, what exactly is the deal with the 2017 Audi S4, and why do enthusiasts still talk about it constantly? At its core, the B9 generation represents a massive shift in engineering philosophy for the brand. They ditched the old supercharged setup and introduced a totally new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. This change brought a massive wave of low-end torque that makes city driving effortless and highway passing an absolute thrill. You get 354 horsepower and a whopping 369 lb-ft of torque, all channeled through an incredibly smart 8-speed automatic transmission.

Let’s look at how it stacks up against its main rivals from the same era. You will see that the competition was fierce, but the S-model held its own beautifully.

Model	Engine	Horsepower	0-60 mph (sec)
2017 Audi S4	3.0L Turbo V6	354 hp	4.4
BMW 340i xDrive (2017)	3.0L Turbo I6	320 hp	4.6
Mercedes-AMG C43 (2017)	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6	362 hp	4.6

The real value proposition here isn’t just the raw numbers, though. It’s how the car delivers that performance. First, you have the ultimate ‘stealth wealth’ factor. To the untrained eye, it looks like a slightly sporty executive sedan. It does not scream for attention with massive wings or crazy exhaust tips, but when you put your foot down, it rockets away from basically anything else at a stoplight. Second, the legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system turns this car into an absolute year-round beast. Whether you are dealing with a torrential downpour or a snowy winter commute, the traction is frankly unbelievable.

Here are the top three reasons you should absolutely consider buying one today:

1. Unmatched Interior Quality: Even years later, the Virtual Cockpit, the massage seats, and the carbon fiber trim feel remarkably premium and modern.
2. Tuning Potential: The EA839 engine is heavily detuned from the factory. A simple software flash can unlock massive amounts of hidden horsepower safely.
3. Versatility: It is quiet and comfortable when you are taking your grandmother to the store, but switch it into Dynamic mode, and it becomes a completely different, highly aggressive animal.

Expanding the Lineage: A Rich History

The Origins of the S Badge

To really appreciate where the 2017 Audi S4 stands, you have to look back at the origins of the badge itself. The story started way back with the original Ur-S4 in the early 90s, an absolute legend powered by a quirky but lovable inline-five turbo engine. That car established the fundamental formula: take a standard executive car, give it a heavily beefed-up engine, add Quattro all-wheel drive, and keep the exterior styling somewhat subdued. Over the decades, the recipe evolved, moving through the famous biturbo 2.7-liter V5 of the B5 generation, and eventually leading into the roaring naturally aspirated V8 engines of the B6 and B7 eras. Every single generation had its own distinct personality, but they all shared that core DNA of all-weather performance.

The Evolution from Supercharger to Turbocharger

Then came the B8 generation, which introduced a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. People absolutely loved the instant throttle response and the whine of the supercharger. It became a darling of the tuner community. However, as emissions regulations got stricter and the demand for better fuel efficiency grew, the engineers knew they had to pivot. That is exactly what led to the monumental shift for the 2017 model. Moving from a supercharger to a single, twin-scroll turbocharger mounted inside the valley of the engine was a huge risk. Purists were initially worried about turbo lag and losing that instant punch. But the moment people actually drove the B9, those fears vanished. The torque arrived even earlier in the rev range.

The Modern State of Audi Performance

Looking at the modern state of performance cars, especially as we navigate through 2026, the 2017 release serves as a crucial bridge. It set the technological foundation for almost everything the brand has built since. The interior layout, featuring the brilliant Virtual Cockpit digital dash, became the gold standard for the entire auto industry. The EA839 engine architecture proved so incredibly robust and versatile that it is still being used across multiple high-end models in the Volkswagen Auto Group lineup today, including some Porsche models. It genuinely represents a sweet spot in automotive history—right before the massive push toward heavy hybridization and full electrification, giving you pure internal combustion joy combined with modern reliability.

Scientific and Technical Deep Dive

Inside the EA839 V6 Engine Architecture

Let’s get a bit technical and talk about what makes this car tick under the hood. The EA839 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is an engineering marvel. Instead of hanging the turbochargers off the sides of the engine block like traditional designs, the engineers utilized what is known as a ‘Hot-V’ layout. They essentially reversed the airflow of the cylinder heads. The intake air comes from the outside of the block, and the exhaust gases exit directly into the valley between the cylinder banks, right where the twin-scroll turbocharger sits. This means the exhaust gases have a significantly shorter distance to travel before hitting the turbo turbine. The result? Drastically reduced turbo lag and a throttle response that feels almost naturally aspirated. The cylinder heads even have the exhaust manifolds integrated directly into the water-cooling circuit, which helps warm the engine up faster and drastically reduces exhaust gas temperatures under heavy load.

The Magic of Quattro and the ZF 8-Speed

Another major technical shift for the 2017 Audi S4 was the transmission. They dropped the fast-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission used in previous models and replaced it with an 8-speed traditional torque converter automatic made by ZF. While some track enthusiasts initially complained, the science behind the decision was sound. The torque output of the new turbo engine was simply too high for the older DSG to handle reliably long-term. The ZF8 is famously used in everything from sports cars to heavy-duty trucks because it shifts incredibly fast while handling massive amounts of torque smoothly. Combined with the permanent Quattro all-wheel-drive system—which features a self-locking center differential that defaults to a 40:60 front-to-rear power split—the mechanical grip is simply staggering. You can also get the optional Sport Differential, which uses an active torque vectoring system to literally push the outside rear wheel faster during a turn, completely eliminating the understeer typically associated with heavy, front-engine all-wheel-drive sedans.

• Engine Block Material: Cast aluminum alloy, heavily ribbed for structural rigidity while saving weight.
• Peak Torque RPM: The massive 369 lb-ft of torque hits perfectly at an incredibly low 1,370 RPM and holds flat all the way to 4,500 RPM.
• B-Cycle Combustion: Under light engine loads, the engine uses a modified Miller combustion cycle to dramatically improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing power.
• Brake Setup: Massive 350mm front rotors clamped by 6-piston fixed calipers ensure fade-free stopping power.

The Ultimate 7-Day New Owner Blueprint

So, you just picked up a 2017 Audi S4. Congratulations! You now own one of the best daily drivable sports sedans ever made. But buying a used high-performance German car means you need to be smart about how you handle it. Here is your comprehensive 7-day action plan to get the absolute most out of your new machine.

Day 1: The Initial Inspection and Fluid Check

Before you go doing hard launches from every stoplight, take a day to understand the car’s current health. Check the oil level digitally through the MMI system. Inspect the coolant levels—the water pump and thermostat housing are known wear items on the EA839 engine, so look for any pink crusty residue around the front of the block. If you do not have service records, schedule a comprehensive fluid flush (oil, brake fluid, and differential fluid) just to be totally safe.

Day 2: Deep Detailing and Paint Correction

German paint is notoriously hard, but it can still show swirl marks over the years. Spend your second day giving the car a thorough wash, using a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants, and applying a high-quality ceramic coating. Not only will this make the metallic paint absolutely pop in the sunlight, but it will also make future washing incredibly easy.

Day 3: Updating and Mastering the MMI System

Sit in the garage with the ignition on and fully explore the Multi Media Interface (MMI). If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to run flawlessly, ensure your firmware is fully updated. Take the time to set up your home address, pair your Bluetooth devices, and customize the Virtual Cockpit layout to show the giant center tachometer—because let’s be real, that is the best-looking display mode.

Day 4: Tire and Brake Assessment

Power is absolutely useless without proper grip. Inspect your tires closely. If the previous owner left you with cheap, mismatched rubber, trash them immediately. Invest in a fresh set of premium tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. While you are down there, check the life remaining on your brake pads and the lip on your rotors.

Day 5: Exploring Audi Drive Select

The 2017 Audi S4 completely changes its personality based on the Drive Select mode. Take a long drive and experiment. Go into the ‘Individual’ setting and create your perfect custom profile. My personal favorite setup? Engine and transmission set to Dynamic for the loudest exhaust and sharpest throttle, but suspension and steering set to Comfort to soak up the terrible city potholes.

Day 6: Finding Your Preferred Twisties

Now that you trust the mechanicals and understand the tech, it is time for the fun part. Find an empty, winding backroad or canyon route early on a Sunday morning. Feel how the Quattro system pulls you out of corners. Feel the grip of the tires. Learn the limits of the chassis in a safe, controlled manner.

Day 7: Planning Your First Modifications

After a week of driving, you will start noticing things you want to tweak. Day 7 is for research. Look into Stage 1 ECU tunes from reputable companies. A simple software flash can safely add over 50 horsepower without touching any mechanical parts. You might also want to look into an upgraded air intake to hear those turbo spool noises a bit louder.

Myths and Reality

There is a lot of misinformation floating around car forums about this specific generation. Let’s clear the air and debunk some of the biggest nonsense out there.

Myth: It is just an A4 with a slight tune and some badges.
Reality: Absolutely false. The S4 features a completely different V6 engine (the A4 uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder), massively upgraded 6-piston brakes, sport-tuned adaptive suspension, and a completely different all-wheel-drive calibration. They are entirely different animals.

Myth: German cars like this are an absolute nightmare to maintain.
Reality: While parts are definitely more expensive than a basic Honda, the EA839 V6 has proven incredibly reliable over the years. As long as you strictly follow the 5,000-mile oil change intervals and address preventative maintenance, it will easily clear 100,000 miles without major drama.

Myth: The loss of the dual-clutch transmission ruined the sporty feel of the car.
Reality: The ZF 8-speed automatic shifts so incredibly fast that most drivers honestly cannot tell the difference. Plus, it handles stop-and-go city traffic much smoother than a clunky dual-clutch ever could, making it a vastly superior daily driver.

Myth: It gets terrible gas mileage because it is a heavy V6 sports sedan.
Reality: Thanks to the incredibly tall 8th gear and the efficiency of the B-cycle combustion process, you can easily pull 30 mpg on the highway if you stay out of the boost.

Frequently Asked Questions & Conclusion

Is the 2017 Audi S4 actually reliable?

Yes, compared to previous generations, the B9 platform is highly reliable. The main issues to watch for are minor coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and PCV valve wear, but major engine failures are exceptionally rare if maintained properly.

Does it have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes! It was one of the first years to offer full smartphone integration natively through the MMI system, making the infotainment feel perfectly modern even years later.

What specific oil does the engine need?

You must strictly use synthetic oil that meets the VW 508 00 specification, which is typically a very thin 0W-20 weight. Do not cheap out on oil.

Can I tune the engine easily?

Incredibly easily. You can flash the ECU directly from your driveway using a laptop or a smartphone app. A basic Stage 1 tune transforms the car completely.

How much does routine maintenance cost?

Expect to pay around 100 to 150 dollars for a DIY oil change, or double that at a dealer. Brakes will be your biggest routine expense due to the massive rotors.

Is the factory exhaust loud?

It is surprisingly quiet in Comfort mode, but switching to Dynamic mode opens up exhaust valves that give a nice, deep growl and some subtle pops on deceleration.

Does it come with a manual transmission?

No, unfortunately. The 2017 model marked the end of the manual transmission option. It is only available with the 8-speed automatic globally.

Ultimately, the 2017 Audi S4 remains a towering achievement in the world of luxury sports sedans. It manages to deliver blistering speed, secure handling, and top-tier interior luxury in a package that doesn’t scream for attention. Whether you are attacking a mountain road or simply commuting to the office in the rain, it performs flawlessly. If you are on the fence about picking one up, stop hesitating. Go test drive one, feel that turbo V6 pull you into the leather seat, and you will understand exactly why this car is so revered. Have questions about specific mods or maintenance? Drop a comment below or share this guide with your car enthusiast friends!