For all of the redesigned 2017 Audi S4 sedan's improvements—more power, a completely new platform, and enhanced technology features—you may have a hard time telling the new model apart from its predecessor. The B9-generation S4 makes an evolutionary styling change and does away with one of our favorite features from the last S4: a manual transmission.

See all 21 photos

Available only with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, the 2017 Audi S4 does pack more power under the hood from its new 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine—354 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque, up 21 hp and 43 lb-ft from the previous supercharged V-6. Quattro all-wheel drive, of course, is standard. In combination with a lighter curb weight of 3,593 lb, the extra power makes for quoted performance numbers of 4.7 seconds from 0-62 mph and a top speed of 155 mph. Chassis improvements include a 0.9 inch lower ride height than the A4 and a sport-tuned suspension, while options like a sport differential, variable steering, and adaptive dampers further improve the S4's handling prowess.

See all 21 photos

Exterior enhancements over the standard 2017 Audi A4 include slightly different trim for the singleframe grille, standard 18-inch and optional 19-inch wheels, various matte grey accent trim pieces, and different front and rear bumpers. On the inside, sport seats, Alcantara trim, and brushed aluminum accents round out the S treatment, and the S4 uses the same redesigned MMI infotainment system as the standard A4. As we saw with previous spy shots, the overall visual effect of the S4 is a subtle change from the base car.

We expect the 2017 Audi S4, which debuted at the Frankfurt auto show in both sedan and Avant wagon forms, to arrive in the U.S. sometime after the standard 2017 A4 goes on sale in 2016. An even more powerful RS 4 variant is likely to follow the S4, possibly packing around 480 hp from an electrically turbocharged V-6 engine.