This 2017 Audi S4 is lighter and more fuel efficient, but also more powerful, than the previous S4. It also has a relatively subdued look compared to some of the S and RS performance models from Audi’s rich back catalogue. The engine is a turbocharged 2995cc petrol V6, replacing the supercharged V6 of the previous S4. It comes with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. You can switch between four driving modes (Efficiency, Comfort, Auto and Dynamic, plus a customisable fifth set-up), giving differing levels of responsiveness from the engine, steering and gearbox. Dynamic will hold on to low gears for longer as you accelerate, whereas E mode will be up into sixth before you’ve topped 30mph. The S4 has its own look, albeit relatively subtle: black brake calipers, with an S logo on the fronts; a different grille and side air vents; a rear diffuser and tiny spoiler; and two sets of twinned oval tailpipes. The classy but not flashy interior has different seats to the A4: sportier without being hardcore buckets, they’re heated and electronically adjustable, and nicely finished in nappa leather. There are brushed aluminium inlays, or optional carbonfibre. There are paddles for manual gearshifts, as well as a chunky gearlever that doubles as a wrist rest while you’re fiddling with the MMI dial. You have a choice about how you control the audio and some of the other comfort and infotainment functions. As well as the MMI dial and the central screen, there are many, many stalks, buttons, switches and dials, most of which double or even treble up. This may seem perverse. But the reality is that these minor controls are so logically grouped that using them is entirely natural. If you guess how to adjust something, you’ll guess right; the manual on many an S4 will go entirely unread. It’s not a plush car, but it is comfortable and reasonably quiet, although you get a good dose of engine noise when you first fire it up and again when you up the pace when you exit the 30mph zone. Verdict The S4 is not the ultimate anything, but it is a super