The B9 Audi S4 is already a formidable machine—a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, all-wheel drive, and a chassis that balances luxury with genuine sportiness. Yet for many owners, the stock 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque leave a bit of potential on the table. Enter Malone Tuning. This software package has become a go‑to for enthusiasts who want sharper throttle response, stronger mid‑range punch, and a genuine increase in peak power. Real‑world dyno runs and owner reports confirm that a Malone Tune can add 70 horsepower to the wheels, transforming the S4 from a fast daily driver into a serious performance sedan.

The B9 Audi S4: A Strong Foundation for Tuning

The B9 generation (2017–2020) brought Audi’s new MLB Evo platform and a heavily revised 3.0T, now turbocharged rather than supercharged. The EA839 engine features a hot‑v turbo layout, dual overhead cams, and direct injection. Even in stock form, it responds well to ECU recalibration because Audi leaves safety margins in timing, fuel, and boost. The 8‑speed ZF8HP automatic transmission handles the extra torque without complaint, and the quattro system provides the traction needed to put the power down.

Understanding the car’s potential is key: the B9 S4’s engine is under‑stressed from the factory, meaning a careful tune can unlock significant gains without pushing components past their reliable limits. Malone Tuning’s approach respects those limits while extracting genuine performance.

What Is Malone Tuning?

Malone Tuning is a veteran in the diesel and gas tuning world, known for their work on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, and other European brands. They specialize in ECU (Engine Control Unit) remapping delivered via an OBD flash—no need to remove the ECU, solder, or install physical chips. The process is straightforward: a dealer or a DIY customer with an OBD flash device loads the custom calibration, overwriting the factory settings for boost pressure, fuel injection timing, ignition advance, and throttle mapping.

What sets Malone apart is their attention to data. Each tune is developed on actual vehicles using dyno testing and real‑world driving. They offer multiple stages for the B9 S4, typically starting with a Stage 1 (software only) that delivers the advertised 70‑hp gain, and then Stage 2 which requires an upgraded intercooler and downpipe for even higher numbers. For many owners, Stage 1 is the sweet spot: big power increase, no hardware changes, and a reasonable cost.

Key Features of Malone’s B9 S4 Tune

  • Customizable via OBD flash tool – you can switch between stock and tuned files, or use Malone’s “Tune & Tune” system for multiple maps (economy, performance, valet).
  • Boost control recalibrated – higher peak boost (still within safe limits for the stock turbo and fuel system) with improved spool characteristics.
  • Throttle response remapping – eliminates the factory delay, making the car feel immediately responsive.
  • Fueling optimized – adjusts injection timing and fuel pressure to match the increased airflow, while keeping air/fuel ratios safe.
  • Transmission tune available – Malone also offers a TCU tune for the ZF8 that firms up shifts and raises torque converter lockup, perfect for those wanting the full experience.

Real‑World Results: 70 HP Gains Confirmed

The number that catches everyone’s attention is the 70‑horsepower increase. On a chassis dyno, a stock B9 S4 typically puts down around 320–330 hp at the wheels (depending on the dyno and correction factor). After a Malone Stage 1 flash, owners see numbers pushing 390–400 whp. That’s a wheel‑horsepower gain of 70 hp, which corresponds to a crank increase of roughly 85–90 hp when accounting for drivetrain loss. Peak torque also jumps from about 360 lb-ft (crank) to over 470 lb-ft (crank), significantly improving in‑gear acceleration.

But dyno graphs only tell part of the story. Real‑world driving impressions are even more compelling.

“I had my 2018 S4 flashed by a local Malone dealer. The difference from the moment I left the shop was night and day. The car pulls much harder from 2,500 rpm and just keeps going. On the highway, a quick throttle blip sends you past 100 mph effortlessly. I’ve also seen a slight improvement in fuel economy during normal cruising—about 1–2 mpg better on the highway.”

— B9 S4 owner posting on AudiWorld forums (shared with permission)

Performance Testing: Before and After

Multiple independent tests have been published on forums and tuning sites. A common result for a Malone Stage 1 B9 S4 on 93‑octane fuel (R+M/2) is a 0–60 mph time dropping from 4.3 seconds (factory) to 3.7–3.8 seconds with a good launch. The quarter‑mile goes from the mid‑12s to low‑12s or even high‑11s, depending on conditions. That places the tuned S4 in territory that was once reserved for dedicated sports cars.

It’s also worth noting that the power delivery is smooth. Unlike some tunes that add power in an abrupt surge, Malone’s calibration keeps the torque curve progressive. The car still feels like an Audi—refined and polished—until you bury the throttle and it pins you back.

Beyond Peak Numbers: How the Tune Improves Drivability

A 70‑hp gain is impressive, but the real beauty of the Malone tune is how it changes the character of the S4. The stock ECU has a noticeable lag between tip‑in and actual acceleration, partly due to emissions mapping and torque management. Malone’s software virtually eliminates that delay. The result is instant response, making the car feel lighter and more eager in everyday driving—merging, passing, or simply pulling away from a stop.

  • Throttle response: No more “climbing the revs” before the power arrives. The engine builds boost earlier and holds it longer.
  • Mid‑range punch: Where the stock tune flattens out around 4,500 rpm, the Malone tune keeps pulling hard to redline.
  • Transmission integration: Pairing the ECU tune with Malone’s TCU flash eliminates the lazy shift behavior in stock Drive mode and makes Sport mode genuinely aggressive.
  • Driving enjoyment: On a back road, the tuned S4 feels more alive. You can more easily control corner exit with throttle, and the quattro system allows earlier application of power without understeer.

Considerations Before You Tune

No performance upgrade is without trade‑offs. Before you commit to a Malone tune on your B9 S4, consider the following factors carefully.

Warranty Implications

Flashing the ECU will be detected by Audi’s TD1 flag if the car is scanned during a dealer visit. This can void powertrain warranty claims related to the engine or transmission. However, because the tune is reversible (you can flash back to stock before dealer visits), some owners minimize risk— but modern systems may still log the number of flashes or detect tampering. It’s a calculated risk.

Component Wear

Increasing power from 349 hp to roughly 430–440 hp (crank) does put additional stress on the engine, turbo, and drivetrain. The EA839 engine is known to be tough, and the ZF8 transmission is robust, but the clutch packs in the quattro system may experience increased wear under aggressive launches. Proper maintenance becomes even more critical: quality synthetic oil, shorter oil change intervals, and using high‑octane fuel are essential.

Cooling Requirements

With more boost comes more heat. During repeated hard pulls on a hot day, the stock intercooler may heat‑soak and reduce power. Many Stage 1 owners find the car still performs well for street use, but if you plan to track the car or do many back‑to‑back runs, an upgraded intercooler is recommended. That would move you into Stage 2 territory.

Emissions and Smog Checks

A Stage 1 tune typically retains all emissions equipment (catalysts, O2 sensors) and does not trigger check engine lights. However, some states with strict smog testing may detect the software change during an OBD scan. Malone offers “emissions legal” tunes for some diesel models, but for gasoline applications, the tune is intended for off‑highway use only. Check local laws before proceeding.

How Does Malone Compare to Other Tunes for the B9 S4?

The B9 S4 tuning market is competitive. Brands like APR, Unitronic, 034Motorsport, and Integrated Engineering all offer their own Stage 1 tunes. Malone’s strengths lie in its smooth, refined calibration and the ability to flash without shipping the ECU. The company also has a strong dealer network and a reputation for conservative, safe maps that prioritize longevity over chasing the highest dyno number. That said, the power gains are on par with competitors: 70–80 whp is the typical Stage 1 benchmark. The choice often comes down to user interface (Malone’s OBD tool is excellent), local dealer support, and the option to add a TCU tune that integrates seamlessly.

Real Owner Testimonials and Forum Discussions

The best source of real‑world feedback is the enthusiast community. On platforms like Audizine and AudiWorld, numerous B9 S4 owners have shared dyno sheets, dragy runs, and long‑term impressions. A consistent theme: the Malone tune transforms the S4 into a car that feels much faster than its price point suggests. Many report that the car then becomes difficult to keep stock—once you experience the responsiveness, it’s hard to go back.

Another resource is the Malone Tuning official website, which lists certified dealers, product pages, and FAQs. They also provide downloadable files and updates for existing customers.

Conclusion: Should You Tune Your B9 S4?

The B9 Audi S4 is a fantastic vehicle in its own right. Adding a Malone Tuning Stage 1 software delivers a genuine 70‑horsepower increase at the wheels, along with sharper throttle response, broader torque curve, and a much more engaging drive. The gains are real, as proven by before‑and‑after dyno testing and thousands of miles of owner experience.

However, tuning is not for everyone. If you rely on your factory warranty heavily or are in a strict emissions location, you may want to wait. But if you’re the kind of owner who wants to unlock the car’s full potential—and you’re willing to perform proper maintenance—Malone Tuning offers one of the most refined and effective ways to get there. The 70‑hp boost is not just a number; it’s a noticeable, usable transformation that brings the S4 closer to the performance of far more expensive machines.

For those ready to take the leap, the process is simple: find a Malone dealer, schedule a flash, and prepare to fall in love with your S4 all over again.