The Audi S4 Avant (8E, B7) 4.2i V8 quattro Tiptronic, produced from August 2004 to June 2008, represents a high-performance iteration of Audi’s popular Avant (wagon) model. Positioned as the top-tier performance variant within the B7 generation S4 lineup, it offered a compelling blend of practicality, luxury, and exhilarating performance. This model occupied a premium space, sitting above the standard A4 Avant and offering a significant performance upgrade over the 1.8T and 2.0T engine options. It served as a direct competitor to other high-performance wagons like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, primarily targeting enthusiasts in the European market, though a limited number were imported to the United States as grey market vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | S4 |
| Generation | S4 Avant (8E,B7) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.2i V8 (344 Hp) quattro Tiptronic |
| Start of production | August, 2004 |
| End of production | June, 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 17.9 l/100 km (13.1 US mpg, 15.8 UK mpg, 5.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 295 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.1 kg/Hp, 196 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 233.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 344 Hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 410 Nm @ 3500 rpm (302.4 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | BBK |
| Engine displacement | 4163 cm3 (254.04 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 5 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1755 kg (3869.11 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2305 kg (5081.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 442 l (15.61 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1354 l (47.82 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4586 mm (180.55 in.) |
| Width | 1781 mm (70.12 in.) |
| Height | 1441 mm (56.73 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2651 mm (104.37 in.) |
| Front track | 1516 mm (59.69 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S4 Avant 4.2i is the BBK engine, a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8. This engine, a descendant of the Volkswagen Group’s modular V8 architecture, features an aluminum alloy block and cylinder heads. It utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with five valves per cylinder (four intake, one exhaust). The engine produces 344 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 302 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. Paired with this engine is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, a conventional torque-converter automatic with manual shift capability. This transmission was chosen for its blend of convenience and performance, though it doesn’t offer the outright speed of a dual-clutch transmission. The quattro all-wheel-drive system, a staple of Audi performance models, distributes power between the front and rear axles for enhanced traction and stability.
Driving Characteristics
The 4.2-liter V8 and Tiptronic transmission combination delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. While not as aggressively geared as a manual transmission, the Tiptronic offers responsive shifts when driven in sport mode. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 5.6 seconds, and the car feels confident at highway speeds. The V8 provides a broad torque curve, making it easy to accelerate in various driving situations. Compared to the 1.8T or 2.0T models, the 4.2i offers significantly more power and a more engaging driving experience. However, the increased weight of the V8 engine and the Tiptronic transmission result in slightly lower fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S4 Avant 4.2i typically came well-equipped as standard. Interior features included sport seats upholstered in Milano leather, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and brushed aluminum interior trim. Standard exterior features included a unique S4 body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, and xenon headlights. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, premium sound system (Bose), and parking sensors. The S4 Avant was generally offered as a single, well-specified trim level, with options allowing for personalization.
Chassis & Braking
The S4 Avant features a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard A4 Avant. The front suspension utilizes an independent multi-link setup, while the rear employs an independent trapezoidal link design. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The chassis is designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, offering a firm but not overly harsh ride.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S4 Avant 4.2i was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, refined driving experience, and practical wagon body style. However, some critics noted the Tiptronic transmission wasn’t as engaging as a manual gearbox. Fuel economy was also a common point of criticism, given the V8 engine’s thirst for gasoline. Compared to the 1.8T and 2.0T models, the 4.2i offered a significant performance advantage but came at a higher price point and with increased running costs.
Legacy
The Audi S4 Avant (8E, B7) 4.2i V8 quattro Tiptronic remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market. The BBK V8 engine is generally considered reliable, though regular maintenance is crucial. Common issues include oil leaks and occasional problems with the timing chain tensioners. The Tiptronic transmission, while generally durable, can require expensive repairs if neglected. Today, these wagons are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their blend of performance, practicality, and Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel-drive system. They represent a unique offering in the performance wagon segment, offering a compelling alternative to more common sports sedans.
