More than 110 years after its first automobile debuted, Audi continues to set the standard for high-level performance, groundbreaking technology, and sophisticated style. While its SUVs, coupes, and convertibles have all made headway in recent years, its executive sedan line still forms the automaker’s backbone. Breathtaking power, the Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and a sleek interior are three things that make an Audi sedan equally adept at everyday driving and adrenaline-fueled outings.
If you’re in the market for an executive or luxury family sedan, Audi has no shortage of options, from fuel-efficient subcompacts to full-size machines that drive more like sports cars. Which one is best for you? In this overview, I’ll look at the four main Audi sedan families and their sub-models so you can see what they offer.
A3, S3, and RS3: Subcompact Size With Full-Blown Performance
The smallest Audi sedan dates back to 1996, but small doesn’t mean insignificant. These cars have many of the same features as larger Audi vehicles in a design ideal for people who travel light or need maneuverability in heavy traffic. In the case of the A3, which was Audi’s second-best-selling American sedan in 2023, they are affordable as well, with new models starting at $35,800.
Car buyers have three options when it comes to Audi’s subcompact luxury sedans. The Audi A3 can be considered the company’s “starter” sedan. It’s powered by the EA888 2.0L mild hybrid turbocharged engine that delivers 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage is solid, with an EPA-estimated 32 MPG combined for eco and wallet-conscious daily drivers. The Audi S3 sport subcompact gets a performance upgrade with 306 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque, and a standard Quattro system. If you want to feel like a subcompact Superman, the Audi RS3 uses a 2.5L turbocharged inline-five engine that screams forward with 401 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Looking beyond the powerplant, these three cars share many features, including a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for smoother shifts, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a standard set of Audi driver assist features. Each model has multiple trims as well, with higher-end editions getting extras like head-up displays and wireless phone charging. The A3 has an optional sport suspension, while the S3 and RS3 make this mandatory. The RS3 also uses a rear-biased AWD system that includes a Drift Mode. Subcompacts aren’t known for storage capacity, but if you do want some cargo space, the Audi A3 has the most at 10.9 cu.ft., compared to 8.3 cu.ft. for the S3 and RS3.
A4 and S4: More Power and Space
If you have more cash on hand and want to step things up, the Audi A4 and S4 compact sedan pair will be more your speed. The differences compared to the A3 go far beyond the A4 being 11 inches longer and an inch wider. I’ll start with what’s under the hood. The base engine in the A4, which starts at $41,900, has the same horsepower as the A3 but an added 15 lb-ft of torque to compensate for the added weight. The Audi A4 S line is where things get interesting, with a turbo-four engine that produces a reported 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque—and some people claim it feels like more.
Those who want maximum power in their Audi compact should look at the S4. It’s the smallest Audi performance sedan available with a turbocharged V6 engine; the 349 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque send you from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It also receives an eight-speed automatic transmission rather than the seven-speed dual-clutch in the other A4 models.
Legroom is roughly the same between the A4 and A3, with Audi deciding to dedicate the additional space to the cargo area. All A4 and S4 models have 12 cu.ft. in the trunk, letting a family pack for a weekend trip. The 10.1-inch touchscreen carries over from the subcompact, but audiophiles can get up to a 19-speaker sound system for an immersive music experience. Other standard features include a heated steering wheel, LED headlights and taillights, and adaptive cruise control.
A6 and S6: For Families and Thrill-Seekers Alike
What about people who want more space for the kids in the backseat—or more power and tech to satisfy their desires? The midsize Audi A6 and S6 offer both. Not only are they longer and wider than the A4 and S4, but they’re also a bit taller. What does this mean? While the front legroom in the A6 and A4 are the same, the A6 has another 1.7 inches of rear legroom, so teenagers can stretch out a bit. You also get another bump in cargo space to 13.7 cu.ft., giving you more possibilities when traveling or transporting equipment.
Now it’s time to talk about powertrains. The standard engine in the Audi A6 is a 2.0L turbocharged I-4 like the A3 and A4, but it’s been overhauled to generate 261 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. In higher A6 trims, the engine is similar to the V6 in the Audi S4 with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Audi S6 is the first sedan to crack the 400 hp barrier with a twin-turbo V6 that goes for 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The S6 also has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the A6 trims retain the seven-speed dual-clutch.
As for tech, drivers continue to work off the 10.1-inch primary infotainment screen, but there is a secondary 8.6-inch touchscreen dedicated to climate and seat controls. The 12.3-inch digital gauge display and subscription-based navigation that are optional on smaller Audi sedans become standard features, and you can add premium options like Bang & Olufsen speakers and a 360-degree camera. They aren’t cheap, with the Audi A6 starting at $58,100, but you get a lot of car for your money.
A8 and S8: The Sportiest Audi Sedans Around
The full-size Audi sedans are the cream of the crop whether luxury or performance is your goal. This is one of the rare vehicles where there’s more legroom in the back than in the front. The driver and passenger get 41.5 inches while the back seats have 44.3 inches—even tall adults won’t be begging to ride shotgun. It’s worth noting this comes at the expense of the cargo room, which shrinks back to 12.5 cu.ft. But with so much rear space, people can put bags at their feet without trouble.
Underneath the hood, the 335 hp V6 engine and eight-speed transmission from the Audi S6 also power the Audi A8. Going with the Audi S8 gives you a twin-turbo V8 that has 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It’s the most powerful Audi sedan—not counting the all-electric RS e-tron GT––and with the optional predictive air suspension plus a performance-tuned chassis, brakes, and AWD system, it may well drive the smoothest. If you want the perfect balance between sportiness and rush-hour comfort, one that lets you light up the track when you’re not bringing the kids to soccer practice, the S8 is your vehicle.
Inside the A8 and S8, you get the same dual-touchscreen setup and digital gauge display as the A6. You can add plenty of other goodies, though, such as the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that is only available on the full-size Audi. The Executive Package gives you the full complement of driver assist features such as Remote Park Assist Plus and Traffic Sign Recognition. Starting at $90,900, the Audi A8 is the priciest sedan of the bunch. However, in a segment where models routinely enter the six-figure range, these vehicles are a comparative bargain.
Choose the Right Audi for You
When you consider the various trims, there are well over two dozen Audi sedans you can pick from on your car-buying journey—and that’s before counting all the various add-on packages. You can find small high-performance sedans, spacious daily cruisers, midsize dynamos, and everything in between. With the legendary Quattro system, you can even find an Audi sedan that will handle some light off-roading.
Regardless of the Audi sedan you ultimately pick, you will get a high-grade interior, a stylish exterior, and a vehicle that consistently receives safety awards from the IIHS and NHTSA. The sedan selection makes it easy to see why Audi remains a premier player in the luxury performance market.
