I'm wondering if any other Audi S4 owners (or any sporty sedan really) went the Cayenne route? I currently have a diesel Merc ML that I use for snow/utility/mild offroad duty and an S4 for any other trips. I'm thinking about consolidating the two vehicles in one but still want something that handles well and is fun/sporty to drive. I think the Cayenne is pretty much the only option. I like the GLE AMG better styling wise but doubt it will handle as good as a Cayenne.

My S4 is a 2013 B8.5 Prestige with a stage 1 tune (~ 430hp) and I'm considering the 958.2 Cayenne S; probably with 20" wheels since tire selection is better for winter/offroad driving.

Thoughts ?

 

I guess no one has

 

I have had a MT 2010 S4 Avant also tuned ~400hp. I also have currently a S-tronic 2012 A6 3.0TSFI Avant with same engine as the S4 (tuned ~400hp). Now I bought a Cayenne S 2015 (V6 420hp). Quite frankly the Audis were more fun to drive, handled better and was way faster. The cayenne is big and you can bring a lot of stuff in the boot, but even comfort wise it is not that good. The large and heavy wheels do not handle small and harsch bumps in a good way.

 

Thanks for the info! I don't mind a firm ride too much but would like good handling. Maybe better to wait and find a 16+ GTS with air suspension? That should aid both handling and ride quality. Another option I'm considering is a GLC 43 AMG; it would give up some cargo space but still has air suspension for more ground clearance when needed. Last option is keep what I have but 4 cars with limited space is a bit overkill; I'd love to go down to 3 total.

The S4 does handle surprisingly well. I have the sport diff and it is magic on backroads; feels much lighter than it really is.

 

I have a 2018 B9 S4 that I purchased new in 2017. Last August, I picked up a CPO 958.2 GTS as I wanted an SUV and liked the prospect of a relatively quick, good handling one. I was able to come across a very nice spec (Agate grey interior, carbon ceramic brakes) that I jumped on. Shortly after I purchased, I installed an FVD tune that supposedly brings HP to around 480 or 487 and torque to that level or higher. I noticed a big difference with the tune so would recommend it and you can flash at home with a laptop.

My S4 has a few mods, including an ECU tune, TCU tune, aftermarket springs, transmission mounts. I can tell the S4 is significantly faster and has the better transmission. The Cayenne GTS is no slouch but I figure my tuned S4 is a low 12 second or high 11 second car and the GTS tuned is a high 12 or low 13 second car in the quarter mile.

For a large SUV, the GTS is very fun to drive and handles well given its size. I love the air suspension and the steering is, in my opinion, the biggest difference between the two cars. My B9 S4 steering is pretty numb.

After owning both for the past 8 or so months, I feel like maybe I should sell the S4 because they are kind of similar. The Cayenne GTS is the most comfortable road trip car I’ve ever owned; it eats up the miles and has very comfortable seats. I do think the engine, in stock form, feels a bit underpowered coming from a tuned S4. Overall, I love the 958.2 GTS but I am tempted to test drive a new GTS because of the V8 however, the new Cayenne GTS model does not have a significant weight savings over the Turbo model.

 

Thanks for the info! I test drove a 958.1 Turbo and 958.1 GTS this past weekend. The turbo was quick but only left me luke warm; nothing too exciting. Then I drove a V8 GTS with an exhaust bypass valve; SOLD LOL!! It's like a different car compared to the turbo; feels much smaller and sportier and the sound is incredible, wow! Hoping to pick it up tomorrow.