When the open road calls and the sky is a perfect blue, few cars answer with the same blend of performance and luxury as a convertible. It was pure luck that we got our hands on the updated 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet during an unseasonably warm February in California. With a long weekend ahead and no better plan than to explore Highway 58, stretching across a third of the state from Bakersfield to Santa Margarita, we were perfectly positioned. While the rest of the country was gripped by winter, we dropped the top and cruised along freshly paved roads. Days like these remind you why you love California, and why the impressive Audi S4 is such a joy to drive.
What We Test Drove
Our Brilliant Red 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet started at a base price of $56,420, including a $720 destination charge. Adding the mandatory $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the base S4 Cabriolet comes to $58,120. Heated front seats added another $450, and for city driving, we recommend the $1,200 Tiptronic automatic transmission. The premium Bose audio system is another grand. A Convenience Package, priced at $1,050, includes a wind blocker, adaptive front lighting, rain and light sensors, driver’s seat memory, auto-dimming mirrors, and a Homelink transmitter. Our test car also had Audi Navigation Plus ($1,950) and carbon fiber beltline trim ($400), bringing the total to $62,970.
Performance
Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 engine in the 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet is a refined and powerful powerplant, producing a sonorous note. However, it feels like there’s a slight flat spot in the middle of its torque curve. The car launches quickly and has plenty of power at the higher end of the rev range, but the mid-range punch feels less substantial than expected from a 340-horsepower V8 with 302 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 3,500 rpm. Fuel economy is SUV-like, with EPA ratings of 14 city and 19 highway, and we averaged 16.1 mpg in mixed driving. Launching the S4 Cabriolet smoothly can be tricky due to the clutch engagement, but the six-speed manual transmission is otherwise a joy to use.
Handling
Equipped with standard Quattro all-wheel drive and a stiff chassis, the Audi S4 Cabriolet handled the twists and turns of California Highway 58 with ease. Entering a sharp turn at twice the recommended speed, there’s a hint of understeer as the 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sports tires grip the road, dealing with the weight over the front. However, a tap of the throttle at the apex and the 2007 Audi S4 regains composure, exiting the corner with agility and grace. In urban settings, the ride is firm, and the Servotronic steering is light and effortless, but still provides good feedback. Parking is easy thanks to a tight turning radius, and the brakes are responsive and bring the S4 to a quick and controlled stop.
Visibility
With the top raised on the 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet, rear visibility is severely limited. The fabric roof’s thick rear pillars, the small rear window, and large rear seat headrests contribute to this issue. Reversing becomes an exercise in faith and guesswork. Forward visibility, however, is excellent thanks to slender windshield pillars, and the large side mirrors offer a good view of adjacent lanes. As expected with any convertible, lowering the top dramatically improves visibility in all directions.
Fun to Drive
The Audi S4 Cabriolet is undeniably fun to drive, boasting a rich exhaust note that is genuinely captivating, a smooth and responsive gearbox that rewards spirited driving, impressive all-wheel-drive traction, and communicative steering. However, the V8 engine does feel somewhat lacking in mid-range power delivery. While BMW’s turbocharged six-cylinder in their convertible offers more immediate thrill, the 2007 Audi S4’s Quattro all-wheel drive system makes it a more versatile choice, especially in regions with varied weather conditions.
Front Comfort
The 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet features well-bolstered sport seats that might feel snug for larger occupants. For most, however, these leather-upholstered seats are comfortable and supportive for both driving and passenger comfort. The tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel is wrapped in supple leather, the center console armrest is generously padded, and the driver’s seat includes a thigh extension. Optional six-stage heaters effectively combat chilly days. Comfort drawbacks include the hard upper door panels and somewhat limited legroom. If you prefer to rest your elbow on the window sill or need to stretch your legs on long journeys, the S4 might feel a bit restrictive.
Rear Comfort
While the rear seats themselves are comfortable in the 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet, legroom is tight if front occupants are tall. This is further compounded by the hard front seatbacks with storage nets. However, if the front seats are adjusted forward a bit, the Audi S4 Cabriolet can accommodate adults in the rear. Convenient levers and buttons fold the front seatbacks and power the seats forward to ease entry and exit for rear passengers.
Interior Noise
With the fabric top up, the Audi S4 Cabriolet effectively minimizes wind and traffic noise, thanks to its improved acoustic top design. However, tire and suspension noise become more noticeable than expected in a car in this price range. Lowering the roof eliminates road noise, but introduces cabin buffeting, which can be reduced by using the wind blocker over the rear seats and keeping the windows raised.
Loading Cargo
The fabric roof design benefits the 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet’s trunk in terms of shape and volume. The trunk opening is wide and the liftover height is low. The trunk is deep and usefully shaped, and includes a small pass-through to the rear seat for longer items. Despite the 10.2 cu.-ft. trunk capacity (with the top up) and all-wheel-drive components, Audi managed to fit a full-size spare tire under the floor. For those who frequently take road trips, these features are highly practical.
Build Quality
After consistently experiencing Audi’s typically high build standards, we noted some build quality issues with our S4 Cabriolet test vehicle. Minor misalignments were found on the hood and trunk fit, variable headlamp installation, and what appeared to be adhesive residue on the right rear window trim marred the exterior. Inside, the driver’s door panel and dashboard didn’t align correctly, the upper and lower dash joints around the center stack were uneven, and the glovebox door or the carbon fiber trim above it was misaligned, creating an inconsistent seam.
