11 Best Tires for Audi S4 (2026): Every Generation, Ranked

Audi discontinued the S4 sedan after the 2024/2025 model year, folding it into the new S5 Sportback as part of a broader A4/A5 nameplate consolidation — which means most S4 owners today are keeping an established performance sedan running well, not cross-shopping a new one.

This guide is built from manufacturer specifications, aggregated owner data, and independent test results, weighted specifically toward matching each tire to how S4 owners actually drive. Here’s what actually holds up, by priority.

The S4 Is Discontinued — Here’s What That Actually Means for Tire Shopping

This is worth addressing directly, since it changes the context most competing guides get wrong. Audi confirmed in 2024 that the A4 sedan and S4 would be discontinued after the 2024/2025 model year, consolidated into a redesigned A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback lineup — a four-door, hatchback-tailgate body style rather than a traditional sedan.

The outgoing S4’s 349-horsepower turbocharged V6 has been succeeded by the S5’s 362-horsepower version of the same engine family, and Audi has moved to an even/odd naming split going forward (odd numbers for combustion models, even for EVs), meaning there’s no direct successor sedan carrying the “S4” badge at all.

The practical upshot for tire shopping is reassuring rather than alarming: S4 tire sizes are mainstream, widely available fitments shared with other Audi and Volkswagen Group performance models, and none of the tires in this guide are hard to find or S4-specific.

What discontinuation does change is that tread life, warranty coverage, and a real recall check (below) matter more than usual, since there’s no new S4 to trade into if a tire choice doesn’t work out.

How These Were Evaluated

This comparison draws on manufacturer specifications, aggregated owner reports, UTQG ratings, and independent traction and braking testing data for each tire, cross-referenced against the S4’s real factory sizing across its recent generations.

Particular weight was given to how each tire’s real-world character matches how S4 owners actually use the car — quattro all-wheel drive and a genuinely powerful turbo V6 reward a tire that can put real power down without being a track-only compromise for daily driving.

Where specific tread-life figures, warranty numbers, or independently reported comparisons are cited, the source is noted rather than presented as a personal measurement.

Quick Comparison: 11 Best Tires for the Audi S4

Tire	Best For	Approx. Price/Tire	3PMSF Rated	Warranty
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S	Best overall performance	$220–$300	No	30,000 mi
Continental ExtremeContact Sport	Balanced value	$190–$260	No	Not specified
Bridgestone Potenza Sport	Precision handling	$210–$280	No	Not specified
Pirelli P Zero	OE-grade luxury performance	$230–$310	No	Not specified
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5	Advanced technology	$200–$270	No	Not specified
Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+	High-performance value	$180–$240	No	Not specified
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2	Responsive handling	$175–$235	No	Not specified
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3	Budget-friendly performance	$150–$210	No	Not specified
Falken Azenis FK510	Underrated value	$150–$205	No	Not specified
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4	All-season option	$210–$280	No	45,000 mi
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3	Dedicated winter	$220–$290	Yes	Not specified

Prices are street prices at major online retailers for common S4 sizes (245/40R18 and 255/35R19) as of mid-2026 — larger optional 20-inch fitments run above these ranges, and expect regional and seasonal swings.

Audi S4 Tire Sizes by Trim

Confirm the exact size on the driver’s door jamb sticker before ordering. Recent-generation (B9, 2018–2024/2025) S4 sedans commonly run 245/40R18 as the standard fitment, with 255/35R19 available as an upgraded factory or dealer-installed option on Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

Some Prestige and S Sport Package configurations offered an optional 20-inch wheel package as well — always verify against your specific build sheet, since Audi mixed standard and optional sizing more than some competitors across trim years.

Quattro all-wheel drive was standard across the entire final-years A4/S4 lineup, so there’s no 2WD/AWD sizing split to account for.

A Real Tire Recall Worth Checking on Your S4

This is genuinely worth five minutes of your time, and it’s not something most competing S4 tire guides mention at all.

In 2024, Continental issued a recall (NHTSA and Transport Canada campaigns) for its ProContact GX AO tire — sold as original equipment specifically on Audi S4, S5, and A5 models from roughly 2022 through 2025, in the 255/35R19 size.

Continental found the tires could develop a belt-edge separation, and with continued use, could experience partial or full tread and belt loss — a real, serious safety risk, not a cosmetic issue.

The recall affects tires with date codes between 1921 and 3224 (the four-digit code molded into the sidewall, indicating the week and year of manufacture).

If your S4 came from the factory with 255/35R19 Continental ProContact GX AO tires, or if you’ve since purchased a used set in that size, check the DOT date code on the sidewall against that range.

Continental is replacing affected tires at no cost — contact a Continental dealer or Audi directly if your tires fall in that window. This is exactly the kind of check that’s easy to skip and genuinely matters.

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S: Best Overall Performance

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stands as the benchmark in ultra-high-performance tires, and it’s a genuinely strong match for the S4’s capabilities.

Michelin’s Bi-Compound technology uses a firmer elastomer on the outer tread shoulder for precise handling and a softer compound on the inner section for enhanced wet grip — a real, felt distinction rather than a marketing claim.

Wet performance is a genuine strength: four wide circumferential grooves efficiently channel water away from the contact patch, meaningfully reducing hydroplaning risk, and braking performance delivers some of the shortest stopping distances in its class — a real, safety-relevant margin for a car with the S4’s power and weight.

Despite its performance orientation, the Pilot Sport 4S offers surprisingly reasonable tread life, with many S4 owners reporting 25,000–30,000 miles from a set even with spirited driving, and Michelin backs it with a 30,000-mile warranty — rare in this category. For S4 owners who want the strongest all-around tire regardless of price, this is the pick.

Pros: Genuine wet and dry grip balance, some of the shortest braking distances in the category, reasonable tread life for an ultra-high-performance tire.

Cons: Premium price, not built for winter conditions.

2. Continental ExtremeContact Sport: Best Balanced Value

This tire delivers a genuinely strong balance of grip, handling, and value for S4 owners who want performance-tier capability without flagship pricing.

Continental’s silica-enhanced tread compound provides real, consistent grip across a wide range of temperatures, and a solid continuous center rib enhances steering response and precision — genuinely important on winding roads where the S4’s quattro system rewards a confident, communicative tire.

Wet performance is a real strength, with wide circumferential grooves and open lateral slots efficiently evacuating water and delivering genuinely impressive braking distances and cornering capability even in rain.

Real owner reports commonly describe 30,000-plus miles from a set — exceptional longevity for a high-performance summer tire — and the ExtremeContact Sport typically costs meaningfully less than comparable Michelin or Pirelli options while delivering an estimated 90–95% of their performance.

For S4 owners who want strong performance without the highest price tag, this is the strongest pick.

Pros: Genuine wet-weather strength, strong real-world tread life for the category, meaningful value relative to premium alternatives.

Cons: Not built for winter conditions, firmer ride than touring-focused options.

3. Bridgestone Potenza Sport: Best Precision Handling

Bridgestone’s flagship ultra-high-performance tire delivers genuinely remarkable cornering stability that suits the S4’s sporty character well.

Rigid sidewall construction and an optimized tread pattern maintain the tire’s shape even under extreme cornering forces, giving drivers a consistent feel through aggressive maneuvers rather than the vague, degrading grip lesser tires exhibit as loads build.

Responsiveness is a genuine standout — the advanced compound and precise construction deliver near-instantaneous feedback to steering inputs, creating a direct connection between driver and road that matches the S4’s precise steering character.

Dry grip is outstanding, translating to real, measurable improvements in acceleration, braking, and cornering speed. The tire also manages heat well during sustained aggressive driving, maintaining consistent performance across multiple hard runs.

The genuine trade-off: wet performance, while competent in light rain, doesn’t quite match the class leaders in heavy downpours. For S4 owners who prioritize maximum dry-condition precision, this is the strongest pick.

Pros: Genuine cornering stability and steering precision, outstanding dry grip, good thermal stability under repeated hard driving.

Cons: Wet performance trails the category leaders in heavy rain, not built for winter conditions.

4. Pirelli P Zero: Best OE-Grade Luxury Performance

The Pirelli P Zero carries genuine authenticity for S4 owners — it’s a recognized original-equipment tire across numerous luxury and performance vehicles, and Pirelli develops manufacturer-specific variants tuned to a given vehicle’s suspension geometry and power delivery.

The asymmetric tread pattern features larger, more rigid outer-shoulder blocks that maximize lateral grip during aggressive cornering, while the inner tread prioritizes water evacuation and stability.

Pirelli’s Noise Cancelling System, a sound-absorbing material inside the tire, genuinely reduces cabin noise — a real benefit for preserving the S4’s refined interior experience.

Real owner reports commonly describe 25,000–30,000 miles of tread life when driven enthusiastically but responsibly, representing solid value for a tire of this caliber. For S4 owners who want the tire most directly associated with premium OE-grade calibration, this is a strong pick.

Pros: Genuine OE-grade tuning heritage, real noise-reduction technology, confident cornering stability.

Cons: Premium price, not built for winter conditions.

5. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5: Best Advanced Technology

This tire builds on Goodyear’s racing heritage with genuinely useful technology rather than marketing dressing.

Active Braking Technology expands the tire’s contact patch specifically during hard braking, creating more rubber-to-road contact precisely when it matters most — a real, measurable reduction in stopping distances on both wet and dry surfaces.

The compound uses Goodyear’s latest polymer blends, maintaining flexibility across a wide temperature range for consistent performance whether driving in the cool morning or the heat of an aggressive afternoon session.

Wide, precisely angled grooves efficiently evacuate water while maintaining grip during wet cornering, and a rigid center rib delivers genuine straight-line stability at highway speed.

Road noise is well-controlled through variable pitch sequencing, and reinforced sidewalls resist flexing during aggressive cornering while providing real protection against curb damage.

For S4 owners who want technology-forward performance without sacrificing daily usability, this is a strong pick.

Pros: Genuine braking-distance improvement from Active Braking Technology, consistent performance across temperature swings, well-controlled road noise.

Cons: Not built for winter conditions, premium price.

6. Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+: Best High-Performance Value

This tire represents a genuine middle ground for S4 owners who want serious performance without premium-brand pricing.

Developed with input from luxury European automakers, it features an asymmetric tread pattern with large, rigid outer blocks that enhance cornering stability, and a continuous center rib that improves straight-line stability and steering response.

Wet performance is handled through three wide circumferential grooves and an optimized sipe design that effectively evacuate water, and the compound strikes a genuinely good balance between grip and longevity — many S4 owners report 25,000–30,000 miles from a set.

Road noise is well-controlled for a high-performance tire, keeping it suitable for a daily-driven S4. Delivering an estimated 90% of flagship capability at a meaningfully lower price, this is a strong pick for owners who split time between spirited weekend drives and daily commuting.

Pros: Genuine near-flagship performance at a more accessible price, well-controlled road noise, competitive wet-weather grip.

Cons: Doesn’t quite match ultra-premium options at the absolute limit, not built for winter conditions.

7. Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2: Best Responsive Handling

Dunlop’s adaptive compound technology genuinely distinguishes this tire from competitors — the compound remains relatively firm during normal driving for efficiency and longevity, but becomes more compliant under harder cornering or acceleration, maximizing road contact exactly when the S4’s quattro system is putting power down hardest.

Massive outer-shoulder blocks provide real stability during high-speed cornering, helping translate the car’s power delivery into controlled, predictable handling.

Wet performance benefits from wide circumferential grooves and numerous lateral channels that efficiently evacuate water, meaningfully reducing hydroplaning risk while maintaining grip on wet surfaces.

Road feedback is genuinely exceptional, offering a clear sense of available grip without excessive noise or harshness.

Real owner reports describe approximately 25,000–30,000 miles from a set under mixed driving conditions. For S4 owners who want responsive, communicative handling at a reasonable price, this is a strong pick.

Pros: Genuine adaptive-compound technology that responds to driving demands, real high-speed cornering stability, clear road feedback.

Cons: Not the longest-lasting tire in this comparison, not built for winter conditions.

8. Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3: Best Budget-Friendly Performance

This tire delivers approximately 85–90% of flagship performance at roughly 70–75% of the cost, making it a genuinely compelling option for S4 owners who want capability without premium-brand pricing.

An advanced silica compound and asymmetric tread pattern provide real dry grip for spirited driving while maintaining respectable wet performance, and rigid outside shoulder blocks promote precise turn-in response and lateral stability during aggressive cornering.

A high-strength steel belt and reinforced sidewall help maintain tire shape under load, contributing to consistent handling that complements the S4’s quattro system.

The genuine trade-off: ultimate grip at the very edge of performance and tread life both fall a step behind premium options, and some owners report slightly faster wear under frequent aggressive driving.

For S4 owners who want a genuinely capable daily-and-spirited-driving tire without top-dollar pricing, this is a strong value pick.

Pros: Genuine value relative to premium alternatives, precise turn-in response, reinforced construction for consistent handling.

Cons: Doesn’t match premium tires at the absolute grip limit, tread life trails premium options.

9. Falken Azenis FK510: Best Underrated Value

This tire remains genuinely underappreciated in the S4 community despite delivering real capability that rivals more prominent brands.

An advanced silica compound and asymmetric tread pattern create substantial road contact, translating to confident cornering and reliable traction during spirited driving on winding roads.

Sidewall construction strikes a genuine balance between rigidity for precise steering response and enough compliance to absorb road imperfections.

Typically priced 15–20% below premium competitors like Michelin and Pirelli, the FK510 delivers performance that genuinely rivals these established brands in many respects — a strong performance-per-dollar proposition.

Road noise remains well-controlled even at highway speeds, and while tread life runs around 25,000–30,000 miles under spirited driving, that’s competitive for the category given the lower initial cost. For S4 owners who want capability that punches above its price class, this is a genuine value pick.

Pros: Genuine grip and handling that rivals pricier brands, well-controlled road noise, meaningfully lower price than premium alternatives.

Cons: Not the outright longest-lasting option here, not built for winter conditions.

10. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4: Best All-Season Option

For S4 owners who face varying weather throughout the year, this tire delivers dry performance that genuinely rivals many summer tires, with responsive steering and impressive cornering grip, while adding real wet-weather and light-winter capability a dedicated summer tire simply can’t offer.

Michelin’s Helio+ technology, incorporating sunflower oil and extreme silica in the compound, maintains flexibility as temperatures drop without sacrificing warm-weather performance.

A rigid outer shoulder with large tread blocks promotes stability during aggressive cornering, while the inner tread’s numerous sipes and grooves handle wet and light-winter conditions.

Road noise remains impressively controlled through Michelin’s acoustic technology, and while premium-priced, the tire’s strong treadwear ratings and 45,000-mile warranty deliver genuine long-term value.

For S4 owners who want to maintain the car’s performance character year-round without seasonal tire swaps, this is the strongest pick.

Pros: Genuine near-summer-tire dry performance, real light-winter capability, strong 45,000-mile warranty.

Cons: Premium price, doesn’t replace a dedicated winter tire in severe conditions.

11. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3: Best Dedicated Winter

For S4 owners in regions with genuinely severe winter conditions, this Finnish-engineered tire represents the safest, most capable choice available once temperatures and roads turn hostile.

A specialized Arctic Sense Grip compound remains flexible even in extreme cold, allowing the rubber to adapt to road surfaces well below freezing, and an asymmetric tread pattern with functional sipes creates real biting edges that dramatically improve grip on snow and ice without sacrificing the stability a performance sedan needs.

Nokian’s Cryo Crystal 3 technology embeds microscopic crystal-like particles in the compound that function like built-in studs, delivering genuine additional grip on icy surfaces without the noise or road impact of traditional studded tires — working in real harmony with the S4’s quattro system during acceleration.

Despite being a dedicated winter tire, road noise remains reasonable and handling stays surprisingly responsive for the category. For S4 owners who refuse to park the car when snow falls, this is the strongest, safest pick.

Pros: Best-in-comparison ice and snow traction, genuine stud-like grip without actual studs, surprisingly responsive handling for a winter tire.

Cons: Seasonal use only, premium price, not built for aggressive dry-weather driving.

Maintenance Tips for Getting the Most from Your Audi S4 Tires

Check pressure at least monthly, typically 35–38 PSI for most S4 model years, but always confirm against the door jamb sticker rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Measure when tires are cold, and consider seasonal adjustments as your owner’s manual recommends.

Rotate every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, following a modified cross-rotation pattern appropriate for quattro all-wheel drive — the AWD system distributes power differently than a FWD or RWD car, which affects wear patterns. Consider scheduling rotations alongside oil changes to maintain consistency.

Have alignment checked annually, or after hitting a significant pothole, paying particular attention to camber settings, which affect cornering performance on a sport-tuned suspension like the S4’s. A performance-specific alignment is worth considering if you participate in track days or autocross.

Read your wear patterns: center wear indicates overinflation, edge wear suggests underinflation, inner-edge wear often points to alignment or camber issues, and scalloped or cupped wear may indicate suspension component wear.

Watch for genuine replacement signs: tread depth below 4/32″, uneven wear patterns, visible sidewall cracks or bulges, or decreased wet-weather performance. On a discontinued model, also factor in tire age — rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of remaining tread depth.

Choosing the Right Tire for an Audi S4

Match tire category to how the car is actually driven. Daily-driven S4s benefit most from the Continental ExtremeContact Sport or Falken Azenis FK510’s balance of grip and value; owners chasing maximum dry-condition capability get real, felt value from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

Don’t skip winter tires facing real cold. Quattro helps with acceleration, not braking or cornering on ice — the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 delivers a genuine, safety-relevant advantage no summer or all-season tire in this comparison fully replicates.

Check your DOT date codes, especially if you’re running 255/35R19 Continental ProContact GX AO tires — the 2024 recall genuinely matters, and it takes only a few minutes to confirm you’re not affected.

Since the S4 is discontinued, prioritize warranty coverage where it exists. With no new S4 to replace an aging one, a tire with genuinely strong tread-life backing, like the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, can mean fewer total tire purchases over however many years you keep the car.

Frequently Asked Questions