2020 Audi S4 Avant Facelift Shows RS4-Inspired Snout For The First Time

Last month we saw prototypes of the facelifted Audi A4 for the first time and now it’s time to see the go-faster S4 version too.

As before, the S4 represents the performance-focused alternative for Audi A4 buyers who don’t want (or afford) to go all the way and get the range-topping RS4 Avant. The S4 also represents Audi’s rival for the Mercedes-AMG C43 and the BMW M340i.

The first sighting of a new Audi S4 prototype comes in Avant flavor and brings quite a few changes. The photos reveal a full body wrap that doesn’t allow too many details to be noticed. However, we can spot the newly-designed air intakes carved into the front bumper, as well as the new RS4-inspired grille with a honeycomb structure that replaces the current model’s design consisting of horizontal lines.

The headlights appear to be in for a significant update as well, although the disguise makes it hard to anticipate what they will look like in the end. They do seem to be full-LED units, though. At the rear, the taillights appear to be restyled as well judging by the amount of camouflage they feature. The signature round quad exhausts carry over and the bumper only seems to get minor tweaks.

As with the regular 2020 A4, the S4 will gain a refreshed dashboard inspired by the latest A6, complete with the newest tech available. Expect a slight power update to the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in order for the S4 to keep up with the all-new 382hp BMW M340i (369 hp/374 PS in Europe) and facelifted Mercedes-AMG C43 that has 385 hp (390 PS) on tap.

In the current model, the engine delivers 354 PS (349 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the obligatory quattro AWD system with self-locking center differential and torque vectoring, the S4 completes the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.7 seconds (sedan) and 4.9 seconds (wagon).

Expect the 2020 Audi S4 to debut sometime in late 2019 or early 2020, after the premiere of the regular A4 range.