Audi is known for its family of luxurious, high-performing cars. Always managing to find the ideal balance between a family vehicle and track-conqueror, the S4 sedan is one of Audi’s best-selling cars. The newest 2020 Audi S4 is updated, refreshed, and after a drive from the experts, may just turn out to be the best model year yet. Here’s why the Audi S4 is the perfectly-balanced performer of the luxury sports sedan segment.

Why the 2020 Audi S4 is the ideal performer

The newest Audi S4 comes with an unchanged engine, but increased horsepower and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. This powertrain, along with a specially-tuned suspension helps make the 2020 Audi S one of the best-performing sedans in the segment.

Its standard, six-cylinder turbocharged engine “hustles this four-door along,” according to Car and Driver, stating that the new Audi S4 has “never met a twisty stretch of road it couldn’t conquer.”

The S4’s turbocharged engine can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds, making 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. According to Jalopnik, the S4’s “Goldilocks amount” of power is more than enough to put “a smile on your face.”

Though not the smallest or lightest car in its segment, the S4 has an astounding way of balancing power and performance to hug curves, dart into turns, and “shrink around you once you get moving.”

Where the 2020 Audi S4 excels and where it needs work

All current 2020 Audi S4s come with the same turbocharged, six-cylinder engine. But the perfectly-balanced performer is paired to an equally-talented eight-speed automatic transmission and can hit speeds of up to 155 miles per hour.

According to MotorTrend, however, its lack of available manual transmission is a sad mistake by Audi. New for the 2020 model year is a variety of exterior styling updates that give the S4 a fresher, sportier look.

These updates include new wheel designs and grille, updated bumpers and mirrors, and a trunk lid spoiler. New owners can also expect updated, expressive headlights that Audi is now known for.

Experts find that while its driving capabilities are smooth, powerful, and fun, cabin noise is a bit excessive for a vehicle in this class. And though many S4 buyers may care more about its performance than interior styling, it’s where the sedan may need the most updating.

You’ll find around 30 color choices of ambient lighting and beautiful upholstery, but a lack of comfort overall. Audi did, however, update the 2020 S4 with a larger, standard 10.1-inch touchscreen display over the previously smaller, knob-controlled screen. The S4 is also available in a variety of customizable options.

According to the experts on MotorTrend, the Audi S4 does come standard with driver-assist features like automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning, but “most of the advanced systems are an option.” Compared to advanced safety suites offered by even less-luxurious brands, the S4 is behind.

Is the newest Audi S4 worth the buy?

Car and Driver experts say that “when it comes to being a well-made, very quick, well-rounded sports sedan, the S4 is one of the best on sale today.” Starting prices of the 2020 Audi S4 begin around $50,000, but can range up to about $70,000 with available options and packages.

This starting price is surprisingly lower than the previous model year’s, competing strongly with its biggest rivals in the segment from BMW or Mercedes. Between its competitive price and high-performance, the 2020 Audi S4 is “powerful and lusty enough to offer a thrill while still serving as a comfortable daily driver.”