In-depth reviews

Audi RS4 Avant review

The Audi RS 4 Avant is a devastatingly capable and fast all-rounder that’s easy to live with - it just lacks character.

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

  • Impressive all-weather performance
  • Practicality
  • Comfort and refinement
  • Lacks character
  • Almost too competent
  • Expensive options
Find your next car here
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Leasing deals
Used car deals
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

Can a car be too good? The Audi RS 4 Avant is one of the best performance car all-rounders you can buy, offering a blend of incredible pace, strong grip and excellent practicality. A series of subtle updates for 2020 means it’s better than ever.

It’s better to drive than a performance SUV, nicer to look at and surprisingly fuel-efficient. However, buyers looking for driver involvement and character might need to look elsewhere.

About the Audi RS4 Avant

The RS 4 Avant is one of the defining estate cars of the past 20 years. Few cars offer such a compelling blend of muscular styling, thunderous pace, tremendous all-weather grip and family-friendly practicality.

While RS 4 models of old were powered by a naturally aspirated V8, this latest version features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 444bhp and 600Nm of torque. The downsizing means it can deliver 30.7mpg, while offering the kind of performance you’d expect from an Audi wearing an RS badge.

It’ll hit 62mph in just 4.1 seconds, going on to reach a top speed of 174mph with the limiter removed. Thanks to quattro four-wheel drive, this pace and performance are available in all weathers, making it devastatingly quick in a straight line.

An update in 2020 included a subtle facelift and the introduction of a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This is combined with a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit to ensure the RS 4 Avant has the tech to go with the beautifully finished interior.

Thanks to a large boot, space for four adults and a long list of standard equipment, the RS 4 Avant is an ideal family car. That’s if you can live with the £65,000 price tag and the high running costs.

If anything, this Audi is almost too efficient and competent for its own good. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate is more playful, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is more fun, assuming you don’t need the practicality of an estate.

Engines, performance and drive

Ferociously fast, comfortable and capable, but the RS 4 Avant lacks the playfulness of some rivals

All 444bhp and 600Nm of torque flows to the quattro four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. In normal driving, 60% of the torque is directed to the rear axle, with 40% going to the front. If required, 70% of the power can be sent to the front or up to 85% to the rear.

This is an extraordinarily capable estate car. The four-wheel-drive system delivers staggering traction, while the steel brake discs (375mm front, 330mm rear) cut the speed at an astonishing rate. Optional carbon-ceramic brake discs shave 8kg of unsprung mass but add an eye-watering £6,000 to the price.

Electro-mechanical power steering is fitted as standard, but the optional dynamic steering varies the steering ratio by up to 100%, with more weight when you’re driving fast, but increased assistance when you’re in town. Optional adaptive dampers allow you to control the rate of the suspension response.

Floor the throttle when exiting a tight bend and the tail slides slightly, but the balance remains very neutral. There’s an overriding sense that the RS 4 Avant has been set up to deliver its thunderous performance in the most crushingly efficient way. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, especially on models fitted with adaptive dampers (standard on the Vorsprung model).

This means it’s not as playful as a Mercedes-Benz C 63 Estate or an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. There’s a sense that the RS 4 Avant driver will be the first to arrive at the party, but the Mercedes and Alfa Romeo drivers will be wearing the biggest smiles.

Engines, 0-60 acceleration and top speed

The RS 4 Avant will sprint to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds, with the quattro 4WD system ensuring that rapid starts are possible in most conditions. Top speed is limited to 155mph, although the optional RS dynamic package (standard on the Vorsprung model) increases this to 174mph.

MPG, CO2 and running costs

The RS 4 Avant is remarkably fuel-efficient, but the running costs remain high

While some may mourn the passing of the old V8 engine, the 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 has the edge over its predecessor when it comes to fuel economy. In the latest WLTP driving cycle, it can return 30.7mpg on a combined cycle, which represents a 17% improvement over the old model.

Not that the RS 4 Avant will be cheap to run. Prices for the updated car start at £65,000, and that’s before you’ve looked at the options list. The Carbon Black model adds £7,000 to the price, while the flagship Vorsprung model is closer to £85,000.

The purchase price and CO2 emissions of 211g/km combine to deliver a steep tax bill. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is £1,305 in the first year, followed by five years of £475. After that, the rate drops to the standard £150 a year.

Insurance groups

Given the performance on offer, not to mention the expensive components, an insurance group rating of 44 is pretty reasonable. That said, premiums will be expensive, while the keyless entry system makes the RS 4 Avant vulnerable to thieves.

Depreciation 

The RS 4 Avant is expected to retain 58% of its value after three years. In comparison, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate retains just 43-46% of its value over the same period.

Interior, design and technology

The interior is beautifully finished and comes with the latest infotainment system

The RS 4 Avant was given a subtle makeover for 2020, with a redesign of the standard-fit Matrix LED headlights and a new frameless grille. It’s a far cleaner look than before, but there’s no mistaking the RS 4 Avant from the regular A4 Avant.

The wheel arches are 30mm wider than the A4 at the front and back, with gloss black elements positioned next to the headlights to further emphasise the width. At the back, the RS-specific roof spoiler, diffuser insert and chrome tailpipes of the RS exhaust system complete the cosmetic overhaul. Deleting the RS badges is an option if you fancy a more understated appearance.

A set of 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard, but Carbon Black and Vorsprung models get 20-inch, five-spoke wheels. As the name suggests, the Carbon Black model receives the kind cosmetic overhaul Batman would approve of.

Step over the illuminated door sills and you’ll find a pair of RS Super Sport heated front seats in Nappa leather with contrasting honeycomb stitching. They look superb, but more importantly, they lock you in place on a spirited drive.

Quality is extremely good, with a neat and clean design that’s feature-packed and incredibly upmarket. The aluminium shift paddles behind the steering wheel are far more tactile than they were before.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The RS 4 Avant now comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment display which replaces the old 8.3-inch unit. It sits on top of the dashboard, with the old car’s rotary dial ditched in favour of a touchscreen. Sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.

The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument panel gets a so-called ‘RS Monitor’. This provides real-time updates on the car’s performance, with G-force readings, tyre temperatures and lap times.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The RS 4 Avant is as practical as the regular A4 Avant

The RS 4 Avant remains as practical as the regular Audi A4 Avant, so it’s ideal for anyone in need of a spacious performance car. The rear bench splits three ways, which is handy if you need to carry a long load but still require the use of at least one of the back seats.

Size 

The RS 4 Avant is 4,781mm long and 2,022mm wide including the door mirrors. This means it’s slightly longer than the regular A4 Avant, while the lowered suspension drops the height to 1,404mm. 

Leg room, head room & passenger space 

Space in the front is excellent, with the driver and passenger treated to a pair of racing-styling bucket seats. Four adults can travel in the RS 4 Avant in comfort, with ample headroom throughout the cabin. The sports seats mean there’s less legroom in the back than in a regular A4 Avant, while the middle seat is obstructed by the transmission tunnel.

Boot 

The 495-litre boot puts the Audi RS 4 Avant slightly ahead of the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate for luggage capacity, but it’s worth noting that a new BMW M3 Touring is waiting in the wings. Folding the Avant’s rear seats increases the boot space to 1,495 litres.

The tailgate and luggage compartment cover are electrically operated as standard, while a sensor for opening and closing the boot is available as an option.   

Reliability and safety

The RS 4 Avant comes with an impressive list of safety equipment, although not all kit is offered as standard

The Audi A4 didn’t feature in our 2020 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but it was rated below average in 2019. More than a fifth (22%) of owners reported a problem in the first year of ownership, with electrics the biggest issue. That said, Audi has a good reputation for reliability and the RS 4 engine has seen service in the RS 5.

Although the RS 4 Avant won’t be tested separately, the Audi A4 received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2015. The individual scores were 89% and 87% for adult and child occupant protection, 75% for pedestrian safety (now vulnerable user protection), and 75% for safety assist technologies.

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, a pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection, pre-sense city braking, cruise control with speed limiter, multi-collision brake assist, Audi side assist, plus front and rear parking sensors. The £1,250 Driver Assistance Pack comprises adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, collision avoidance assistant, lane-keeping assistance and automatic braking at speeds of up to 155mph. 

Warranty

The RS 4 Avant is covered by a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Four- and five-year warranties are available.

Servicing 

There are two types of servicing schedules available for the RS 4 Avant. If you travel less than 10,000 miles a year, the car should be serviced every year or 9,300 miles. If you drive up to 19,000 miles a year, the car can be serviced every two years. This is ideal for drivers who spend most of their time on motorways and main roads.

More on RS4

Show me:
Top 10 best fast estate cars 2023
Best fast estates - header image
Best cars & vans
27 Jan 2023

Top 10 best fast estate cars 2023

Blistering pace and excellent space, here are the best fast estate cars in the world
New Audi RS 4 Avant Competition 2022 review
Audi RS 4 Avant Competition - front
Road tests
5 Oct 2022

New Audi RS 4 Avant Competition 2022 review

The new Audi RS 4 Avant Competition is sharper, louder and faster than the standard RS 4
New Audi RS 4 Avant Competition gets £84,600 price tag
Audi RS 4 Avant Competition
News
17 Aug 2022

New Audi RS 4 Avant Competition gets £84,600 price tag

Limited to just 75 units, the Audi RS 4 Competition gets a flurry of performance and visual tweaks
Audi RS 4 Avant: long-term test review
Audi RS 4 Avant long termer second report - header
Long-term tests
12 Feb 2021

Audi RS 4 Avant: long-term test review

Final report: we’ll miss our RS 4, despite the Audi’s annoying foibles
ABT Power S tuning package launched for new Audi RS 4
News
23 Mar 2020

ABT Power S tuning package launched for new Audi RS 4

The 532bhp tuning package fitted to the limited edition Audi RS 4-R is now available for general sale, with a range of updated styling features
New Audi RS 4 Avant 2020 review
Audi RS 4 Avant - driving front
Road tests
2 Mar 2020

New Audi RS 4 Avant 2020 review

The new Audi RS 4 Avant is a great fast all-rounder that’s easy to live with, but for buyers looking for engaging driver involvement, they might want …
New limited-run Audi RS 4 Bronze Edition arrives
News
18 Feb 2020

New limited-run Audi RS 4 Bronze Edition arrives

Audi has unveiled the RS 4 Bronze Edition - limited to just 25 examples
New 2020 Audi RS 4 Avant unveiled with aggressive styling
Audi RS 4 Avant - front
News
2 Oct 2019

New 2020 Audi RS 4 Avant unveiled with aggressive styling

Audi has launched an updated version of the RS 4 Avant, with fresh exterior styling, a subtly revised interior and a 444bhp V6 engine
Audi RS 4 Avant review
Audi RS 4 Avant - front cornering
In-depth reviews
16 Apr 2019

Audi RS 4 Avant review

The fourth generation RS 4 replaces V8 with turbocharged V6, but its all-weather pace and ability are better than ever
New Audi RS 4 2018 review
Audi RS 4 Avant - front
Road tests
15 Feb 2018

New Audi RS 4 2018 review

The latest Audi RS 4 has been downsized from a V8 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, but it's faster than ever before
New 444bhp Audi RS4 Avant on sale from £61,625
Audi RS4 Avant - Frankfurt front
News
2 Nov 2017

New 444bhp Audi RS4 Avant on sale from £61,625

The all-new Audi RS4 Avant revealed at Frankfurt is capable of 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, and is on sale in Britain now
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate vs Audi RS4 Avant
Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate vs Audi RS4
Car group tests
15 Jul 2015

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate vs Audi RS4 Avant

We hit the red line in two fast estates, as the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 battles Audi’s RS4
Audi RS4 Avant (2012-2017) review
In-depth reviews
15 Jul 2015

Audi RS4 Avant (2012-2017) review

The storming Audi RS4 Avant comes with a 444bhp 4.2-litre V8, four-wheel drive and masses of space
Audi RS4 vs C63 AMG
Car group tests
17 Dec 2012

Audi RS4 vs C63 AMG

We test the new 444bhp Audi RS4 Avant against its key rival from Mercedes: the C63 AMG Estate
New Audi RS4 Avant
Audi RS4 front cornering
Road tests
21 Sep 2012

New Audi RS4 Avant

Our verdict on the muscular new Audi RS4 Avant, which gets a 444bhp 4.2-litre V8 and lots of space
Audi RS4 Avant
Audi RS4 Avant front tracking
Road tests
12 Jun 2012

Audi RS4 Avant

We get behind the wheel of the storming new Audi RS4 Avant, which gets 444bhp and four-wheel drive
Audi RS4 Avant prices
Audi RS4 Avant front
News
12 Jun 2012

Audi RS4 Avant prices

Prices and specs have been revealed for the all-new Audi RS4 Avant
Audi RS4 Avant revealed
Audi RS4 Avant
News
6 Mar 2012

Audi RS4 Avant revealed

We get our first look at the new RS4 Avant at the Geneva Motor Show
Audi RS5 vs Audi Sport Quattro
Audi RS5 vs. Audi Sport Quattro
Road tests
20 Aug 2010

Audi RS5 vs Audi Sport Quattro

Quattros new and old meet head-to-head to mark 30 years of the famous badge.
Audi RS4 Avant review (2006-2008)
Audi RS4
In-depth reviews
13 Jul 2007

Audi RS4 Avant review (2006-2008)

The Audi RS4 makes every journey enjoyable and its performance is mind-blowing
Audi RS4 Cabriolet
Road tests
2 Aug 2006

Audi RS4 Cabriolet

With temperatures soaring, where better to test Audi’s red-hot new RS4 Cabriolet than the UK?
Audi RS4 Avant/Cabriolet
Road tests
7 Jun 2006

Audi RS4 Avant/Cabriolet

The Avant blends pace, practicality and style in a way that only an Audi can
Audi RS4
Road tests
4 May 2005

Audi RS4

It is difficult to imagine the world without quattro. Audi's all-wheel-drive system has made a huge impact on the high-performance car market, and is …