New Audi S4 Avant expected in 2023

• Prototype seen testing near the Nürburgring
• 3.0-litre petrol engine may return to UK market
• Likely to be last petrol-powered S4

The new Audi S4 Avant has been seen testing on the roads near the Nürburgring. The S4 sits between the regular A4 and the high-performance RS4 Avant, and competes with the BMW M440i and Mercedes C43 AMG. It’s expected to follow the regular A4 which goes on sale next year. 

Although the S4 in our pictures wears a camouflage wrap, you can see the car has a low ride height and four tailpipes – noticeable changes against the standard model. The front bumper also has a large vent underneath the main grille which will likely help with cooling the S4’s turbos. The rear of the test vehicle has a sharply raked rear hatch window giving it a more dramatic look than the current generation although this may mean slightly less load space.

Inside, a flat bottom steering wheel can be seen although it is not known if this will be a standard or optional feature when the vehicle is released. You can also expect the new RS4 to get a ‘floating’ infotainment screen, although options for screen size or software are yet to be announced.

Currently, the UK market gets the Audi S4 as a 3.0-litre diesel after the petrol was dropped during its mid-life facelift. It is possible the diesel engine won’t return to the next generation S4 given diesels unpopularity on sales floors.

The Audi RS4, meanwhile, may go fully electric for the next generation offering much faster acceleration than the combustion-engined in the S4. 

If you’re looking for a spacious car but want added performance check out our 10 best fast estates.