Nobody does sports wagons quite like Audi and the RS4 Avant is one of the best. Launched late in 2020, the latest RS4Avant is a beauty in both looks and performance.
What does the RS4 Avant look like?
In a word, stunning!
The version I drove was a Tango Red metallic colour that was contrasted with darkened windows, RD black single frame grill, black 20 inch alloys wheels with 275/35/20 performance tyres, RS exhaust with black oval tail pipes, gloss red RS brake calipers and black lower air dams, black external rear view mirrors and sleek black roof rails.
In profile it sits low and menacing, exuding purpose simply standing still.
The model we drove also featured Audi rings in black which actually sets the tone nicely.
From the rear the single RS4 badge says it all.
So what is the RS4 Avant like inside?
Step inside and that theme continues with a special interior highlighted by comfortable and supportive honeycombe stitched RS sports seating in Nappa leather with multiple adjustments including wings and bolster as well heating and a massage function. There are three memory settings.
Huge tick for the seats.
Other indications of the sporting nature are the privacy glass, stainless steel pedals and illuminated RS door trims and exterior light from the mirrors when the doors open.
The flat bottom thick rimmed indented leather RS steering wheel sits perfectly in the hands, framing the Audi virtual cockpit. Not only can you customise the digital readout, but with the push of a button on the steering wheel it transforms the instruments to RS mode providing information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.
There is a HUD as well, but I did struggle to drop it enough for my sitting position.
Another huge tick for the instruments.
The centre console and stack are pure Audi. The dash is highlighted by inlays in carbon twill. The soft touch console houses a phone charging tray, but otherwise is small.
To the left of the transmission lever is a neat slot just big enough for the key fob. In front is a small slot for more little stuff then the twin cup holders. Audi has the unusual placement for the audio volume control left of the transmission lever, its takes a bit to get used to but I kinda like it there.
Moving up the centre stack are the drive mode controls along with a few others, then the simple and easy to use A/C controls and seat heating. Old school and effective.
Topping off the centre section is a 10.1 inch MMI haptic touch screen. It looks a little like a tablet stuck on the dash, but its functionality and clarity is excellent.
Rear seats are best suited for two but three can fit well enough. There is ample head room and shoulder room (for two) and with normal drivers enough knee room. However with my seat all the way back it’s a little cramped. Like all cars this size. There are USB ports and A/C controls as well.
Boot area has electric access with gesture control and provides a reasonable space for luggage.
What features does the RS4 Avant have?
This could be a very long section. But let’s stick to some of the highlights.
Firstly the infotainment and connectivity
- 10.1 inch MMI Haptic touch display
- Audi smartphone interface (not wireless unfortunately)
- Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System (19 speakers, 755 watts),
- Digital radio DAB+ and
- Audi phone box light for the convenience of wireless charging.
- Audi connect plus infotainment, connectivity, security and safety functions are standard, thanks to the embedded SIM card.
RS4 Avant also feature the brilliant (pun intended) Matrix LED headlights, auto on and auto high beam, LED fog lights, LED rear lights with dynamic turning function.
Another lighting feature is the Coming Home and Leaving Home feature, whereby a dynamic light sequence plays in the headlights and rear lights when the car is locked and unlocked.
RS4 Avant Engine and Drivetrain
The new RS 4 Avant is powered by the 2.9-litre TFSI V6 engine with twin turbochargers, developing 331 kW of power and 600Nm of torque from 1,900 – 5,000 rpm. This drives all four wheels through the QUATTRO system and a quick shifting eight speed tiptronic transmission.
This is good for a 0-100kmh time of 4.1 seconds and a governed top speed of 250kmh. Not that we can explore those speeds in Australia.
We managed around 8.0L/100K on the freeway mostly on cruise control and around town about 12.5l/100k. Overall for the time we had the RS4 with a healthy mix of freeway and suburban driving we got 10.2L/100K. Not bad considering the capabilities. However with a heavy right foot that changes dramatically.
Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically: 40:60, front to rear respectively. This provides the perfect platform for dynamic handling with optimal traction, however up to 85 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels for especially sporty handling.
The quattro sport differential can provide further adjustment, directing almost all of the rear axles torque to either wheel during particularly dynamic driving.
Keeping everything compliant while maintain the dynamic nature is the RS sport suspension which debuts two new RS 1 and RS 2 modes within Audi Drive Select that can be quickly accessed via the steering wheel and configured for specific high-performance settings.
What is the RS4 Avant like to drive?
It’s AWESOME. That may be all you need to know.
The RS4 is a beast. Not in the way that it difficult to drive, far from it, but it has outstanding performance packaged into a stunning wagon design that commands street presence.
Right from the first moment you fire it up, the exhaust burble sets the feeling. The steering feels instantly responsive and weighted just right. Ease into the traffic and the RS4 simply potters along without fuss. Many cars that have this level of performance are a little temperamental at slow speeds or don’t like driving around town.
Find an open piece of road and give the accelerator some pressure and it responds effortlessly. The suspension can be a little bumpy over uneven surfaces at slower speeds though.
On normal mode the RS4 will exhibit enough performance for most drivers and situations.
Hit the RS mode button and it explodes into a growling beast that simply hunkers down and begs to be pushed hard.
Sitting flat through corners it has limpet like grip and balance few cars can emulate. The QUATTRO system gives you ultimate confidence.
There is direct response to driver inputs through the pedals and steering wheel that totally engages the driver into an almost ZEN like experience. Its composure is almost faultless.
Once the burst is over, the RS4 will simply return to pottering around town with an air of disdain as to what all the fuss was about. It’s that good.
So is the RS4 Avant safe?
Yes is the simple answer. It’s packed with almost every safety feature Audi has available.
The highlights include:
- Audi pre-sense front and rear,
- active lane assist,
- Park assist,
- Collision avoidance assist,
- head-up display,
- 360-degree cameras,
- adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go and traffic jam assist,
- Exterior mirrors with auto dimming functions.
Audi Owner benefits
The new RS 4 Avant is offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $1,950 for three years or $3,050 for five years.
Audi RS4Avant Final thoughts
Here is a wagon that is practical, looks stunning and will allow you to drive for hours on end with utmost comfort.
It also happens to be a phenomenal performance wagon, something Audi does better than almost anyone else.
RS4 Avant is almost Jekyll and Hyde pottering quietly around town with only a hint of what lies beneath. Then find an open windy stretch of road and let the RS mode take you for an exhilarating drive.
What was that word again, oh yes its AWESOME!
What is Good?
- Street presence with stunning style
- Performance obviously
- Driver engagement
What is not so Good?
- Adaptive cruise control not selectable
- Smartphone mirroring not wireless
- Heated but not ventilated front seats
Also look at
Model; Audi RS4 Avant Quattro
- Model Price from $150,400 as tested MLP*
- Engine 2.9L V6 Twin Turbo TFSI
- Drivetrain 8 Sp Tiptronic QUATTRO
- Power 331kW @ 5,700 – 6,700rpm
- Torque 600Nm @ 1,900-5,000rpm
- Safety TBC
- CO2 218g/km
- Economy 9.5L/100k
- Servicing 3 or 5 Year purchased package
- 0-100KMH 4.1 Seconds Top speed 250kmh
- Warranty 3yr / Unlimited km, 3yr Roadside Assist
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
Overall Rating 92/100
- Behind the Wheel 10
- Comfort 9
- Equipment 9
- Practicality 9
- Performance 9
- Ride & Handling 9
- Fit for Purpose 10
- Street Appeal 9
- Fun Factor 9
- Value for Money 9
Audi RS4 Avant Quattro
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Rating
Summary
Here is a wagon that is practical, looks stunning and will allow you to drive for hours on end with utmost comfort.
It also happens to be a phenomenal performance wagon, something Audi does better than almost anyone else.
RS4 Avant is almost Jekyll and Hyde pottering quietly around town with only a hint of what lies beneath. Then find an open windy stretch of road and let the RS mode take you for an exhilarating drive.
What was that word again, oh yes its AWESOME!
