RDD

Tiptronic transmission. Was considering it as a replacement to my CLK55 since the family is growing by one in a few months and a coupe may not be practical.

Nice little growl from the 4.2 V8 but even though it was fast on the highway, it didn't feel nearly as fast as the CLK. I'm thinking it was the torque. To make matters worse, the gas mileage is probably worse in the S4 as well. I think this little drive will make me consider an A4 2.0T over the S4 Avant. My '07 A4 sedan handles virtually the same as the S4 although the steering in the S4 felt only slightly heavier.

Umlaut

The dealer had one on the lot and he let me take it out on the road.

I really liked the engine growl...an improvement over the 3.2 for sure. And the seats. I loved the seats. The seats in my car pale in comparison. On the road, the car had power...power in abundance. The 6 speed and clutch were not a lot different in feel from what I was used to. I agree with you on the steering feel.
Great car, but for me, not worth the $$$ over the 3.2, especially with the insurance and gas economy factored in. The 4.2 is a pig on gas.

If I could only get those seats...