Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a 2013 Audi S4, courtesy of CarUnder10k in Dayton, TN. Justin from CarUnder10k was kind enough to lend me this vehicle for a few days, allowing me to thoroughly assess it for a review. This particular Audi B8.5 S4 was a bit of a rebel, having been fitted with straight pipes, meaning it was devoid of catalytic converters, factory resonators, and mufflers – a truly loud setup. My first stop was Quick Everett’s Garage to get a professional opinion. After a quick diagnostic check revealed no tunes or error codes, I was given the green light to experience this car to its fullest. Today, I’m sharing my insights on this audi b8.5 S4 and evaluating if it genuinely represents a performance luxury car bargain at the $15,000 price point.
Performance Prowess of the Audi B8.5 S4
The audi b8.5 S4 is factory-rated at 333 horsepower, stemming from its supercharged V6 engine. Even in its stock configuration, this car boasts an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds. Driving this specific model, the experience feels even more rapid, largely due to the enhanced exhaust note, which commands attention wherever it goes. It’s a car that brings smiles to faces, passengers and bystanders alike (though perhaps not my wife, who remains indifferent to loud cars). In standard “D” drive mode, gear shifts are smoother and more comfort-oriented, rarely pushing the engine past 2,500 RPM. Switching to “S” sport mode, however, transforms the car’s character, making it significantly more responsive to throttle inputs, offering near-instant acceleration. My personal favorite is “M” manual mode, where downshifts are accompanied by exhilarating pops and bangs from the aftermarket exhaust system.
Luxury and Interior Refinement in the Audi B8.5 S4
Audi truly excels in the realm of automotive luxury, and the audi b8.5 S4 is a testament to this. The interior is adorned with premium leather seats, sophisticated carbon fiber trim, and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Unlike many vehicles that utilize plastic trim in less visible areas, the S4 predominantly features aluminum or carbon fiber accents. The car offers tri-zone climate control, providing separate settings for the front passengers and rear occupants. Naturally, heated front seats with full electric adjustability are included. The overall aesthetic of the audi b8.5 S4 is sleek and understated, allowing it to blend seamlessly into everyday traffic, a feature I personally appreciate. It takes a discerning eye to recognize the performance capabilities lurking beneath its subtle exterior.
Daily Driveability and Practicality of the Audi B8.5 S4
Having driven stock audi b8.5 S4 models before, I can attest to their exceptional daily driving characteristics. In factory form, engine noise is minimal until you demand significant power. However, this particular car, with its modified exhaust, presents a different experience. The exhaust note is consistently present, and the drone at highway speeds around 70 mph approaches being overwhelming. If I were to purchase this specific car, reinstalling the original mufflers would be a priority. Aside from the exhaust, the suspension is firmer than a typical luxury sedan, yet remains comfortable for daily use. Only substantial road imperfections are noticeably felt. The suspension achieves a commendable balance between ride comfort and performance handling. Fuel economy is also respectable; I averaged around 23-24 MPG during my time with the car. It truly shines in city driving and on winding back roads.
Value Proposition of a Used Audi B8.5 S4
There’s no avoiding the conclusion: the audi b8.5 S4 represents remarkable value. Offering 333 horsepower, all-wheel drive (AWD), a supercharged V6 engine, and a luxurious interior featuring leather, carbon fiber, and tri-zone climate control, it’s challenging to find another vehicle in this price bracket with comparable features and specifications. For instance, a fully equipped 2017 Toyota Camry might approach the luxury level, but it lacks carbon fiber accents and falls significantly short in horsepower. Conversely, a similarly aged Ford Mustang GT delivers more horsepower, but typically comes at a higher purchase price, lacks AWD, and doesn’t offer the same level of interior refinement as the Audi. The audi b8.5 generation S4 stands out as a compelling all-around bargain and a highly capable daily driver.
In conclusion, after five days and approximately 150 miles, it was time to return the audi b8.5 S4. If my current commitments weren’t so demanding, and I were in the market for a well-rounded performance daily driver, I would seriously consider acquiring this exact car. This generation of the S4 arguably represents the best overall value in the performance luxury car segment. Many 2013 models in similar condition and mileage are available in the used market for around $20,000 or less. While this particular example had some minor cosmetic imperfections on the rear and exceeded 130,000 miles, it still drove remarkably well. Overall, for anyone seeking a fun and luxurious daily driver, the audi b8.5 S4 is an excellent choice. Don’t forget to check out the video review I created about this car – despite some shaky tripod issues, it offers further insights!
Once again, many thanks to CarUnder10K for providing this audi b8.5 S4 for review – and yes, it is currently available for sale!
Review, Photos & Video by Ben Battles.
