S4 might get totaled; Hybrid?

[S4shawn]

I'm sad to say my 2014 Ice Silver might be totaled. I should know this week. I was in a massive pile up on Interstate. Not my fault.
I'm considering a hybrid because of the HOV lane access for commuting. Any recommendations on a sporty hybrid less than 60k? Infinity has the Q50h with something like 360hp. Thanks.

[afig367]

That's pretty much your best bet. If you'd consider an SUV, the RX 450h is worth looking at as well.

Hopefully, for your sake, it is totaled because if the damage is bad enough that it *might* be, it's doubtful that it would ever drive the same.

[KnewJack]

Q50h MPG rating is about the same as the S4. I've gotten a true 30mpg out of mine doing 90% highway (MPG computer said 31.7). Maybe get a dummy passenger and new S4?

Check out the BMW active 5 hybrid. Does it have to be new? Maybe a CPO Lexus GS450h. It'll be cool when Audi starts offering some performance oriented e-Tron cars in the states that aren't SUVs.

[mr shickadance]

I'm sad to say my 2014 Ice Silver might be totaled. I should know this week. I was in a massive pile up on Interstate. Not my fault.
I'm considering a hybrid because of the HOV lane access for commuting. Any recommendations on a sporty hybrid less than 60k? Infinity has the Q50h with something like 360hp. Thanks.

used tesla? or if you can stretch, a new 60kw tesla? after credits it should be right around $60k

[yjypm]

I would suggest an used Panamera S hybrid.

[cspcrx]

Tesla! and run 10sec quarters

[Wiredin]

Tesla or Infiniti. Those Q50h are ballin.

[Trent212]

I was looking at a 330e my self, think they get like 72mpg. Lease started around 350is I want to say.

[14S4GWM]

No pics of the massive carnage? sorry to hear about your ride.

[S4shawn]

Update. Car is totaled. I have one cell phone pic, but its not great of a Dodge Caravan munching on my bumper. It was an 8 car wreck.I was hauled off in an ambulance. (Sore but ok).I like the Tesla idea and have looked at used ones already. From what I can tell, you really need to keep a sharp eye on these, they go fast.
I'll have to test drive the Infinity. Looks like the only reasonable (non-porsche, etc) hybrid with some real stones.

I'm really torn. I loved that car. My first brand new car ever. One thing I didn't mention. The airbag igniters went off....but no airbag. Smoke in the cabin but no boom.
Although I believe the car protected me in the accident, the airbag thing makes me think twice about another S4.

[EDIT]: see my later post. Apparently it was the seat belt igniter

If I do, I think I'll be looking for someone else to take the depreciation hit and buy used this time.

Thanks for the feedback.

[jygesq]

there was an airbag reall . my car manufactured Oct 2014 had recall done at Port in Nov 2014. It involved soft ware up date, maybe you missed recall see https://www.cars.com/recalls/audi-s4-2015/ .IF that is the case I would not hesitate to buy another s4

[S4shawn]

I remember the recall. I was told it was taken care of in my scheduled service. I remember them saying it was only an update to software.

[jygesq]

you could run your vin at my audi to see if in fact it was. If it was not you could really hit dealer up for some of the injuries you may have received

[S4shawn]

Great idea. Just did. No recalls.

[S4shawn]

I just spoke with the body shop. They believe that the rear end collision would not have deployed the airbags. The smoke I saw and smelled was from the seatbelts "deploying." Apparently there's a similar igniter that retracts the seatbelts. Go figure. Makes sense to me and frankly I'm glad its not a defect.

[jygesq]

I just spoke with the body shop. They believe that the rear end collision would not have deployed the airbags. The smoke I saw and smelled was from the seatbelts "deploying." Apparently there's a similar igniter that retracts the seatbelts. Go figure. Makes sense to me and frankly I'm glad its not a defect.

yes and there no serious injuries. Buy another S4 !

[EvohuntinS3]

Another S4 :)

[doughboy17]

Used S4; sorry to hear of the car but glad you are okay.

[cspcrx]

If you loved it, get another one!

[emnahum]

If you loved it, get another one!

This.

[will13k7]

S3, M235i, M2, M3, 335i, B9 A4. My B8 feels very dated now, would not buy new.

[B8Addict]

Q50h MPG rating is about the same as the S4. I've gotten a true 30mpg out of mine doing 90% highway (MPG computer said 31.7). Maybe get a dummy passenger and new S4?

Check out the BMW active 5 hybrid. Does it have to be new? Maybe a CPO Lexus GS450h. It'll be cool when Audi starts offering some performance oriented e-Tron cars in the states that aren't SUVs.

Are you joking? The regular 3.7 in the Q50 has similar MPG to the S4 however there is a huge MPG difference between the Q50 hybrid and the S4. I can barely get 18MPG on the S4 mixed vs my brother who recently got a Q50S hybrid and averages 28MPG driving spirited. He has hit 34MPG driving like a grandma.

[S4shawn]

I definitely didn't that kind of mileage on my S4. I went to the shop today to say goodbye (really just to get my stuff). Sad
How does your brother like the Q50?

The reviews I've read are mixed. Most of the mags don't like the electric steering. Not many used S4s locally (surprising for S. Florida) but I'm still looking.

[TaroBaapG35]

I definitely didn't that kind of mileage on my S4. I went to the shop today to say goodbye (really just to get my stuff). Sad
How does your brother like the Q50?

The reviews I've read are mixed. Most of the mags don't like the electric steering. Not many used S4s locally (surprising for S. Florida) but I'm still looking.

The Q50 Sport hybrid is nice, comfortable, but if you're a fan of quick DSG, you're not gonna like the 7AT on the Q50. The steering is weird, you just have to get used to it. Reviews on S4 also state "numb" steering, but I personally love it, and the Q50 is the same. You get less road feel. but thats about it.

[Strief]

Tesla seems like the right way to go. The P90D .... stupidly fast. =)

PS: I enjoyed the 2 episodes of "Head 2 Head" on Netflix featuring Tesla. On one of them, a Tesla SUV beat an Alfa Romeo 4C in a drag race ... while towing another Alfa 4C on a trailer =).

[SportVier]

^ Enjoyed my test drive in an Alfa 4C more than any other car I have ever driven. Didn't even miss the 3rd pedal.

[KnewJack]

Are you joking? The regular 3.7 in the Q50 has similar MPG to the S4 however there is a huge MPG difference between the Q50 hybrid and the S4. I can barely get 18MPG on the S4 mixed vs my brother who recently got a Q50S hybrid and averages 28MPG driving spirited. He has hit 34MPG driving like a grandma.

Absolutely right, I saw numbers for the non-hybrid (Doh). I thought they were low for a hybrid, especially city where it should really shine driven correctly. I am an expert at mileage exaction from hybrids having owned several. Takes patience and disciple if you are a natural lead foot!

Best mixed 60/40 City/Hwy MPG on S4 for me so far is 25.7. Have to stay almost completely out of boost and stay in comfort mode for lazy throttle response and short trans shifts. Not much fun, but I just wanted to see what the car was capable of. Pretty efficient for a Lo/mid 12sec car.

[MVR 155]

While the Infiniti hybrid will deliver better mileage it will not be the the same car from a driver standpoint. Do you really need the better mileage at the expense of the driving experience? Unless your ultimate goal is economy I don't think you can find a better "all around" car than the S4. I have driven the last few days on 2 lane roads where I have had to keep my speed at 55-65mph..... My average mpg on the DIC has been around 26-27mpgs. I have found the DIC to be about 1mpg optimistic. On average I get 19-21mpg's with mixed driving over the 3.5 year ownership of this car. For a car that performs like the S4 I'd have to say that I'm pretty happy with the economy. Cannot say the reviews on the Infiniti are all that great.

[Johnnycash]

The infiniti q50 red sport with the new vr tt in 300, and 400 trim is supposed to be a phenomenal powerplant, the tranny needs some work, but im guessing the former version will deliver good economy, and even the latter 400 hp version is supposed to be very efficient...

gonna be test driving one soon when i get the chance.

[B8Addict]

Absolutely right, I saw numbers for the non-hybrid (Doh). I thought they were low for a hybrid, especially city where it should really shine driven correctly. I am an expert at mileage exaction from hybrids having owned several. Takes patience and disciple if you are a natural lead foot!

Best mixed 60/40 City/Hwy MPG on S4 for me so far is 25.7. Have to stay almost completely out of boost and stay in comfort mode for lazy throttle response and short trans shifts. Not much fun, but I just wanted to see what the car was capable of. Pretty efficient for a Lo/mid 12sec car.

That makes more sense.. ;).. DSG cars definitely get better mileage due to the extra gear...


to OP. The Q50 Hybrid sport was a lot of fun to drive in my opinion and the technology is not bad at all. I personally think the styling is amazing and its nice to have a car that doesn't consume much gas yet is very powerful. It is not as fun to drive as the S4 but for me I personally would enjoy driving a Q50S Hybrid especially if they made the 7 Speed auto as good as a ZF gearbox or put a DCT in there. The current gearbox is really what makes it a little sluggish during shifting but thats really my only complaint. The all wheel drive comes straight from the R34 GTR(not current R35 which is ATTESA-ETS pro, just ATTESA-ETS) and it makes it very RWD like. I occasionally get to drive it as my brother has one and I do have a genuine smile when I run it through its paces. Most reviews on the Q50 are from the regular engine, not the hybrid.

Drive it and see how you like it. Personally I would take it over the BMW Active Hybrid 3.

I would rather get the Q50 Hybrid sport over the Q50 Red sport 400HP version just due to the fact that I have similar horsepower, better response due to the electric motor and amazing gas mileage for a 4000lb sport sedan.

With all this being said. I love my S4 and it is the most fun to drive out of all the cars I've mentioned. Gas mileage is eh but this car truly is a joy to drive and nothing beats a 6MT for driving experience.

[S4shawn]

While the Infiniti hybrid will deliver better mileage it will not be the the same car from a driver standpoint. Do you really need the better mileage at the expense of the driving experience? Unless your ultimate goal is economy I don't think you can find a better "all around" car than the S4. I have driven the last few days on 2 lane roads where I have had to keep my speed at 55-65mph..... My average mpg on the DIC has been around 26-27mpgs. I have found the DIC to be about 1mpg optimistic. On average I get 19-21mpg's with mixed driving over the 3.5 year ownership of this car. For a car that performs like the S4 I'd have to say that I'm pretty happy with the economy. Cannot say the reviews on the Infiniti are all that great.

Mileage would be a nice plus however my main interest is qualifying to commute in the HOV lane. im willing to sacrifice driving experience for a faster, possibly safer commute. I drive 70 miles every day in bumper to bumper highway rush hour traffic. It has already taken years off my life. This accident has made me rethink my priorities.
More ideas? I looked up 330e. I don't think it's for sale yet. Used Tesla is on the list but it's a bummer I don't get the tax credit if it's used.

[TexasDfwS4]

Good Luck Shawn, Hope it works for you. The choice is yours and I totally agree that the DD should work for you. I don't commute much but if I had to drive 70 miles daily I would be right beside you.

[RhythmAddict]

Get a volt and a gym used weekend car.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[mr shickadance]

Mileage would be a nice plus however my main interest is qualifying to commute in the HOV lane. im willing to sacrifice driving experience for a faster, possibly safer commute. I drive 70 miles every day in bumper to bumper highway rush hour traffic. It has already taken years off my life. This accident has made me rethink my priorities.
More ideas? I looked up 330e. I don't think it's for sale yet. Used Tesla is on the list but it's a bummer I don't get the tax credit if it's used.

tesla would be my choice then, autopilot would make bumper to bumper commuting an opp for you to do something more productive with your time while in the car.