With a powerful 3-liter TFSI V6 engine and a new 8-speed tiptronic transmission, the new Audi S4 & S4 Avant features a lightweight design, plenty of on-board tech and of course excellent performance.

Two weeks after getting a close look at an undisguised prototype of Audi’s S4 Saloon, we can finally exhale and admire the real deal in all its high-res glory. Granted, the overall design wasn’t going to surprise anybody, but in terms of performance, we have plenty of reasons to get excited about this car.

The 3.0 liter turbocharged TFSI engine has a total output of 354 PS (260 kW) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of peak torque, available from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. This power unit can accelerate the S4 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous generation S4.

Weight-wise, the S4 sedan tips the scales at 1,630 kg (3,593 lbs) while the Avant weighs 1,675 kg (3,692 lbs). Overall, it’s a huge improvement over the out-going model.

Of course, as an S-model, the 3.0 TFSI’s muscle is flexed with the help of Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, where the self-locking center differential funnels 60% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front during normal driving.

Otherwise, it’s perfectly capable of distributing up to 70% to the front or up to 85% to the rear, which is what you want to hear if you’re thinking about buying this car and hitting your local race track for some quick laps.

Both the S4 and the S4 Avant feature impressive straight-line stability thanks to the newly developed five-link suspension. The standard ‘S sport’ suspension is 23 mm (0.9 in) lower than on the regular A4, while the ride height remains the same with the optional suspension with active damper control. Also, variable speed-dependent dynamic steering is available as an option.

As we’ve said before, in terms of design, we pretty much knew what to expect thanks not just to the spy shots but also some of the renderings that came out after the new-gen A4 broke cover.

In short, you’ve got your aluminum mirror housings, an S-specific rear bumper, S diffuser clip and four tailpipes.

The interior features S sport seats, covered in peark Nappa leather and Alcantara, illuminated door sill trims with S4 logos, a special S4 start screen, the MMI operating system, the optional Audi virtual cockpit as well as the Audi connect hardware module which provides high-speed Internet connection using LTE standard.

In terms of driver assistance, both S4 models come with active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, Stop&Go, Park assist, cross traffic assist, collision avoidance assist and turn assist. The S4 and S4 Avant also feature LED headlights and LED rear lights with dynamic turn signal, while the Avant comes with an electrically controlled tailgate and luggage compartment cover, as well as anodized aluminum roof rails.

As an option, you can also get Matrix LED headlights, head-up display and sensor control for the tailgate on the S4 Avant.

Both S4 models will be available from 2016.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO