- Twin-turbo petrol V6 engine has abundance of torque without lag
- Accurate steering
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- quattro system provides immense traction and stability
- Steering lacks feel
- Gearshift action lacks precision
- High running and maintenance costs
- Limited rear seat legroom and awkward centre seat
Overview
Released in November 1999, the Audi B5 Series II (B5.II) S4 and S4 Avant were high-performance, compact executive sedans and wagons respectively. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the all-wheel drive Audi B5 S4 and S4 Avant were powered by a 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission, driving all four wheels via Audi’s ‘quattro’ four-wheel drive system.
2.7-litre biturbo V6 engine
The Audi B5 S4’s 2.7-litre AZB/AGB V6 petrol engine had a cast iron engine block, a die-forged steel crankshaft, forged pistons, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts. five valves per cylinder actuated by hydraulic tappets, variable intake camshaft timing over a range of 22 degrees, two parallel water-cooled Borg Warner K03-series turbochargers, two side-mounted air-to-air intercoolers and a compression ratio of 9.3:1. Maximum engine speed for teh AZB/AGB engine was 6800 rpm.
| Drive | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S4 andS4 Avant | quattro | 2.7-litre AZB/AGB twin-turbo petrol V6 | 6sp man. | 195 kW at 5800 rpm | 400 Nm at 1850-3600 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the Audi B5 A4 on which it was based, the S4 sedan was 4 mm longer (at 4483 mm), the same width (1715 mm), 19 mm lower (1395 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2615 mm); the S4 Avant had the same dimensions. The S4 had four-link front suspension and unequal length double wishbone rear suspension (with the lower control arms mounted to a subframe which included the differential housing).
quattro and electronic differential locks
The Audi B5 S4 and S4 Avant were fitted with a fourth generation permanent four-wheel drive quattro system which utilised a T-2 Torsen centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. However, the front and rear axles were fitted with electronic differential locks which could apply the brakes to spinning wheels – at speeds of up to 80 km/h – with the effect of locking the differential and transferring torque to the opposing axle.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi S4 and S4 Avant included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Brakes
The Audi B5 S4 and S4 Avant had 321 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake disc with two-piston Lucas HP2 brake calipers and 256 mm by 22 mm rear discs with Lucas single-piston sliding calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Audi S4 included 17-inch six-arm Avus alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR17 performance tyres, a six speaker Bose sound system with a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable Recaro front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, xenon headlights with washers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.
Beyond this, the S4 Avant added rear parking sensors.
Related links
