AUDI RS 4 AVANT SPECIAL EDITION RS 4 TFSI Quattro Edition 25 years 5dr Triptronic

Ballistic estates have become something of an Audi touchstone and they don't come any better than the latest RS 4 Avant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The RS4 shows Audi at its brilliant best. Fast, frantic but perfectly practical, this improved version of the fourth generation model remains a Ferrari for families, a five-seater estate that here retains 2.9-litre V6 biturbo power with a 450PS output, but gains a smarter look and a plusher cabin.

Background

Every once in a while, a car is developed that is so good and such a class benchmark that other manufacturers are very wary about taking it on. The Range Rover for example - maybe even the Mazda MX-5. Audi makes such a car too - and it's this one, the RS4 Avant. If you want a very, very fast, four-wheel drive estate with supercar performance, there's really no credible rival to this one. The work of Audi Sport, the Ingolstadt brand's go-faster arm, the genes of this particular car can be traced right back to quattro's first product, the RS2 estate that was co-developed with Porsche in 1994. It paved the way for the first generation in the RS4 line, the 2.7-litre twin-turbo MK1 model of 2000, ferociously quick but ultimately rather unsatisfying in the way that very fast Audis used to be. But aren't any more. The second generation RS4 of 2006, this car, proved to be a landmark car for the brand, a machine good enough at last to properly challenge the all-conquering BMW M3. The third generation version of 2012 used the same 4.2-litre V8 and continued that trend, But can the same form line be maintained with the switch to V6 power? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

The 450PS 2.9-litre TFSI biturbo engine is just as before, powering this car to 62mph from rest in just 4.1, six-tenths of a second quicker than the old MK3 model's 4.2-litre V8 could manage. As before, this family estate can hit 174mph on the Nurburgring (if you specify the optional 'RS Dynamic' package) but is just as happy collecting your dry cleaning. You only truly get a sense of just how fast it is by following behind in something else. The engine's power flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed tiptronic auto paddleshift gearbox. In regular driving, the system delivers more power to the rear axle. Its purely mechanical centre differential directs 60 percent of the torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front. If undesired slip occurs at one axle, most of the power is automatically and rapidly redirected to the other axle - up to 70 percent to the front or up to 85 percent to the rear axle. The high locking values enable a clearly defined torque distribution and highly precise interaction with the control systems of the ESC and wheel-selective torque control. The driver can tailor their personal driving experience via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system. There are five profiles available: comfort, auto, dynamic and the customisable, RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes. The standard-fit RS sport suspension sets the Audi RS 4 Avant another seven millimetres lower than the standard S4 with sport suspension. An 'RS sport suspension plus' package with 'DRC' 'Dynamic Ride Control' is available as another option, as are ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering.

Design and Build

Audi RS 4 models have always blended just the right amount of discretion and malevolence. They've never been head turners but let your eye linger long enough over one and there are enough clues that this isn't your garden variety load lugger, something that continues with the improved version of this fourth generation model. The front section has been completely redesigned. The Singleframe is wider and flatter than its counterpart in the A4 model line, and in common with the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback the grille features the three-dimensional honeycomb structure in gloss black that characterises the RS model series. To give it a clean look, the Singleframe is frameless - the new 'eggcrate' grille with the RS 4 emblem is inserted directly into the bumper with the large lateral air inlets and vertical flaps. The shape of the standard Matrix LED headlights with their darkened bezels has also been redesigned. The wheel arches with their quattro blisters are each 30 millimetres wider than the A4 at the front and rear. Gloss black design elements positioned right next to the headlights also help to emphasise the width. Inside, the main change is a new 10.1-inch MMI touch centre-dash display which provides acoustic feedback and takes over the functions of the previous rotary pushbutton on the centre console. The driver can use the RS monitor to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. As before, there's an Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument display where special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, lap timings, acceleration measurements and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached.

Market and Model

It's vaguely pointless to try to assess the value proposition of the RS 4 because it effectively competes in a class of one. Yes, you can buy rapid estate cars from other manufacturers but the RS 4 has a very specific appeal, four wheel drive and commands a loyal customer base. Needless to say, Audi will have a queue for every car it imports, even at an asking price of around £66,500 - or more if you progress up through the range; above standard spec are 'Carbon Black', 'Competition' and 'Vorsprung' variants. The standard RS 4 Avant is factory-equipped with 19-inch forged aluminium wheels with 265/35 tyres. Various 20-inch designs are available upon request, including a new fully milled five-arm wheel painted completely in matt bronze and running with 275/30 tyres. Powerful RS steel brakes with perforated composite discs ensure confident deceleration behaviour. They have a diameter of 375 millimetres at the front and 330 millimetres at the rear. The six-piston brake callipers with RS logos are painted in black, or optionally in red. As you've probably figured out, it's possible to go quite large with options on this car. At least you shouldn't have to pay out for additional safety features. More than 30 driver assist systems underline the all-round characteristics of the high-performance Avant. Many of the options are bundled in the “tour” and “city” packages. They include the adaptive cruise assist with stop & go function for automatic distance control, the intersection assist, the lane change warning and the kerb warning.

Cost of Ownership

The high-output V6 impresses not only with its strong performance but also with its high level of efficiency. In the WLTP driving cycle, it returns up to 28.8mpg, which corresponds to 221 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This constitutes a consumption reduction of 17 percent versus the previous model. A decisive factor in this is the TFSI combustion process, which is known as the B-cycle. It has been specifically designed for the partial-load range, which is the predominant operating mode during normal use. In the case of higher loads and rotational speeds, the two-stage Audi valvelift system (AVS) closes the intake valves later, thereby increasing the opening duration to a crank angle of 200 degrees. Simultaneously, valve lift increases from 6.0 to 10 millimetres. The cylinder charge thereby increases accordingly, as does response. At point of purchase, be wary of loading the car full of options. Big petrol engines aren't great for resale in this country anyway, so don't make things worse by ticking loads of boxes on the spec sheet. While it might seem worthwhile at the time, it's unlikely the next buyer will pay extra for a lot of the equipment. The warranty is for three years or 60,000 miles. However, this can be extended for a fee.

Summary

The Audi RS 4 Avant has managed to carve out a specific and profitable niche in the performance car market and with good reason. If you have the funds not to have to worry unduly about trifling matters like fuel bills, then it's the consummate all-rounder. It's crushingly fast, effortlessly discreet, beautifully finished and genuinely practical. It'll do anything that a regular A4 Avant will and a whole lot more besides. It's as quick as a Porsche 911 yet it's good for both the school run and a kerb-hopping lap of the Nurburgring. Drive it and you'll experience a slightly guilty thrill as if something this much fun really couldn't be legal. One day cars like this might well be legislated out of existence. In the meantime, enjoy this one while you can.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Electric rear windows

Rear wiper

Blue tinted glass

Rain and light sensors

Windscreen with heat insulating and acoustic glazing

Privacy glass (tinted rear window and tinted rear door and side windows)

Brakes

Traction control

Electromechanical parking brake

Enhanced braking system

Hill hold assist

Multi-Collision braking

Electronic stabilisation control including ABS, ASR and EDL

RS ceramic brakes (high-performance brake system with carbon fibre reinforced ceramic brake discs at the front axle)

brake calipers painted in gloss anthracite grey

Carpets/Rugs

Luggage compartment carpet

Front and rear floor mats in black (front floor mats with RS 4 logo, edging and stitching in calendula yellow)

Chassis/Suspension

RS sport suspension pro - coilover suspension

Updated centre (Torsen) differential with carbon friction discs and with rear torque bias

Communication

Voice control system

Audi smartphone interface

Bluetooth interface

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Audi phone box light with wireless charging

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors

Audi side assist

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Progressive steering

360 degree camera

Lane departure warning

Driver Convenience

Power opening/closing tailgate

Automatic start-stop system with coasting functionality and efficiency programme

Advanced key with electric hands free boot opening system

RS Audi drive select

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

7" Colour driver information system

MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch includes 10.1" high resolution colour MMI display, 3D map

Email, calendar and text messages displayed via MMI

Audi virtual cockpit plus with additional RS layout and white dials

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electrically folding auto dimming/adjustable/heated door mirrors with memory function, LED side indicators and kerb view function for passenger side

Exterior mirror housings in carbon matte

Embellishment Trims

Inlays in matt carbon twill

Engine

58 Litre fuel tank

Top speed restriction increase to 186mph

Entertainment

DAB digital radio module

Bang + Olufsen 3D sound system

2 USB charging ports

Two additional USB ports for rear passenger in rear centre console

Side part of centre console in alcantara with stitching in calendula yellow

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Roof spoiler

High gloss black triangular aperture at rear door

Panoramic glass sunroof

Honeycomb design grille with quattro logo

Flared front and rear wheel arches

Front bumper with enlarged air inlets

Lateral air inlets next to front headlights

Side sill extensions in body colour with high gloss black inserts

RS4 dual branch chrome tailpipes with left and right oval pipes

Rear side wing doors

RS sport exhaust system plus with matte black tailpipes

RS 4 badges on grille and rear

Exterior Lights

LED indicators in door mirrors

Headlight range control

High beam assistant

Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers

LED daytime running lights

Audi matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic front and rear indicators

3rd brake light

Audi Beam uses LEDs to project the RS logo onto ground as you exit your RS4

Audi Beam uses LEDs to project the RS 4 logo onto ground as you exit your vehicle

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Deluxe 3 zone electronic climate control

Interior Features

Retractable load area cover

Heated steering wheel

Stainless steel pedals

Black cloth headlining

Electric load area cover

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel with full size airbag

Illuminated door sill trims with RS4 logo

3 spoke flat bottomed Sport contour leather multifunction plus steering wheel with calendula yellow stitching

Dinamica leather upholstery with stitching in calendula yellow and honeycomb design + RS front bucket seats with RS 4 logo. Backrest cover in carbon

Front centre armrest in black leather with stitching in calendula yellow

Door inserts in black Dinamica microfibre door armrests in black leather with stitching in calendula yellow

Gear-lever knob in perforated leather gaiter in Dinamica microfibre with contrasting stitching in calendula yellow

Packs

Non Smokers pack

LED Interior light pack - RS4

Extended LED Interior multi-coloured lighting pack - RS4

Black styling plus pack - RS4

Edition 25 years design pack - RS4

Carbon matte optics pack - RS4

Safety

Rear side airbags

Front side airbags

Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags

Tyre pressure warning

Warning triangle and first aid kit

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Front head airbags

Variable restraint system

Pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection

Seatbelt monitoring

Pre sense city

Audi pre sense basic and rear

Attention and drowsiness assist

Electric child safety locks

Seats

Heated front seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40/20/40 split folding rear seats with rear centre armrest

ISOFIX child seat mounting and top tether

Manually adjustable front seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Anti theft alarm

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Keyless Go

Remote control key with RS emblem

Towing

Towbar preparation

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 224

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 224

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 224

HC+NOx: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: V6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

CC: 2894

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 86

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84.5

Engine Code: 8WDRWA

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 28.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 28.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 28.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 9.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 9.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 9.9

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Series: Edition 25 years

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Special Edition: No

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: 92155

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Coin Description: TFSI Quattro

Generation Mark: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 470

Badge Engine CC: 2.9

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.7

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 443

Top Speed: 186

Engine Power - BHP: 470

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 346

Engine Power - RPM: 5900

Engine Torque - NM: 600

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 61.2

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 275/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 Y SPOKE

Tyre Size Front: 275/30 R20

Alloys?: No

Weight and Capacities

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 495

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1495

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Audi exclusive paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Mythos black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Nardo grey

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive - Custom

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty cover includes a two year unlimited mileage warranty and up to 75,000 miles in the third and fourth years

Audi warranty cover includes two year unlimited mileage warranty and up to 90,000 miles in the third, fourth and fifth years

Trim - Leather

Dinamica leather - Black with stitching in calendula yellow and honeycomb design + RS front bucket seats with RS 4 logo. Backrest cover in carbon

Wheels - Alloy

20" 5 Y spoke design audi sport alloy wheels in matt black with Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres