Audi S4 2019: prices, diesel engine specs and UK release date

Audi has announced that its new S4 saloon and Avant estate will be powered by a diesel engine for first time.

The Volkswagen-owned carmaker’s performance-focused saloon and Avant models will also feature “mild-hybrid” systems, which automatically switch to electric power at lower speeds, in a bid to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, CarBuyer reports.

The S4’s V6 diesel engine and hybrid system is the same powertrain configuration found in Audi’s S5 coupe, S6 saloon and the S7 four-door coupe.

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The move indicates that Audi is still committed to using the controversial fuel. By contrast, Porsche, which is also owned by VW, dropped its diesel engines last year in favour of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.

Autocar reports that Audi is also developing a new version of its A4 range, on which the S4 line is based - which suggests the diesel S4s will be among the last to appear on the current A4 platform.

Engine specs

A 3.0-litre V6 diesel hybrid engine that produces 342bhp and 516lb-ft of torque takes the new S4 models from zero to 62mph in “less than five seconds”, with a limited top speed of 155mph, says Top Gear.

That’s a similar level of performance to the S4’s closest rival, the Mercedes-AMG C43, but the Audis offer a fuel economy of 45mpg - some 15mpg more than its competitor.

Release date and pricing

Audi has yet to say when orders will open for the diesel S4 range, but given that the company has released images showcasing the diesel saloon and estate, potential buyers shouldn’t have too long to wait.

The new saloon is expected to be priced in a similar region to the £44,000 petrol-powered version, while Avant models tend to command a premium of around £1,500.