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First Drive: Audi's RS4 Avant combines practicality with blistering performance

The new Audi RS4 Avant promises to be the perfect performance estate car. Can it deliver? Jack Evans finds out

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What is it?

So here it is – the latest incarnation of Audi’s renowned RS4 Avant. Lighter and more powerful than ever, it promises to be pretty much all the car you could ever want or need. Now featuring a lighter twin-turbocharged V6 engine rather than the previous generation’s V8, it’s more efficient too – though with 443bhp to play with it’s still got plenty of punch.

Dynamic Chassis Control completely transforms the RS4
(Audi)

Not only is its economy better than before, but it’s more practical than that older car – making it ideal for family drivers who don’t want to forsake performance in the quest for better space.

What’s new?

As mentioned, some big changes have taken place under the skin. That new V6 offers up better performance than before, while a range of exterior changes have been made too. It’s longer, wider and lower than the older RS4 Avant, yet weighs less. Boot space is also improved, and is larger than any other rival on the market today.

Subtle badges are dotted across the exterior
(Audi)

Inside, it benefits from Audi’s latest cabin architecture, including its Virtual Cockpit driver-focused infotainment system – one of the best available now. It all feels fresh and modern, and comes with more character than the RS5, with which the RS4 shares many components.

What’s under the bonnet?

The new RS4 Avant is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6. Here, it produces 443bhp and 600Nm of torque. It’s that final figure that contributes to the car’s impressive 0-60mph time of just 3.9 seconds. Power is sent via an eight-speed single-clutch transmission to all four wheels, ensuring excellent traction levels in all conditions. Those turbochargers are also mounted inside the ‘V’ of the engine, which contributes towards better economy as well as sharper power delivery.

The 2.9-litre V6 produces 443bhp
(Audi)

Despite the impressive power outputs, Audi claims that the RS4 Avant will return 32.1mpg on the combined cycle when fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, while emissions stand at 200g/km CO2 – neither of which is particularly bad when you consider the car’s performance.

What’s it like to drive?

As you’d imagine with 443bhp on tap, the RS4 Avant is pretty electrifying to drive. Power delivery is extremely linear and predictable, with very little turbo lag noticeable. The eight-speed gearbox’s shifts are smooth in automatic mode and impressively sharp when in manual. Of course, thanks to the inclusion of quattro all-wheel drive, there’s lots of traction too.

The RS4's excellent traction is welcome on UK b-roads
(Audi)

One negative area is the ride – and here’s where the options boxes come into play. In regular form, the RS4 Avant’s ride is just a little too hard for UK roads, with imperfections in the road causing the car to jostle about an unnecessary amount. However, we tested a car with optional dynamic chassis control, and this transforms the RS4 Avant, making it pliable enough for British B-roads – a box well worth ticking, in our eyes.

How does it look?

The Audi RS4 Avant has, through its many incarnations, been a masterclass in how to make a car look purposeful yet understated. This latest car is an extension of this, with only a few exterior touches making it look out of the ordinary. Though considerably more beefed up than the regular A4 Avant, the RS4 doesn’t look over the top. A large splitter sits at the front while a gloss black diffuser sits between two large oval exhaust pipes at the rear – and that’s about it in terms of sporty styling.

The RS4 Avant certainly looks its best in darker colours and now comes with the option of milled alloy wheels – something you’ll only find on high-end supercars. Pick these if you really want to stand out from the crowd.

What’s it like inside?

As you’d expect from an Audi-made product, the interior of the RS4 Avant is very well made indeed. There are all manner of high-quality materials used throughout the cabin, combining to create an exceptionally well-put-together space. The seats are comfortable and supportive, while there’s plenty of adjustment too – you can get nice and low in the car, while the steering wheel can be tailored for rake and reach.

The RS4's cabin is very well built
(Audi)

Rear-seat legroom is pretty good too, even behind the driver. Headroom isn’t restricted, either, despite the sloping roofline, and there’s no reason why anyone should complain when sitting in the back of the RS4 during a long journey. Boot space is good as well, with the ability to lower the back space making for more flexible storage.

What’s the spec like?

Given the RS4’s £62,175 starting price, you’d expect there to be a good amount of standard equipment and, thankfully, it delivers on this front. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is included as standard, as is a 180-watt 10-speaker sound system. Sports front seats trimmed in nappa leather are included, even on standard-spec cars, too.

The RS4 badge is accompanied by a lot of heritage
(Audi)

Audi is releasing a Carbon Edition specification from launch, which adds matrix LED headlights, RS sports exhaust and a range of carbon-fibre styling additions to the car – though bumps up the starting price to £72,175. As we mentioned, adding Dynamic Chassis Control is something we’d highly advise. It’s expensive at £2,000, but is an option that completely transforms the character of the car.

Verdict

Any RS Audi estate car needs to be practical, blisteringly quick across all surfaces and understated too. The RS4 Avant ticks these boxes, providing an invigorating drive alongside genuine everyday usability. It’s also very well made inside, with plenty of standard equipment and high-quality materials justifying its price tag.

With just a few additional options – the adaptive dampers really are a must-have – the RS4 Avant quickly becomes the ideal day-to-day sports estate, and is certainly one you won’t regret getting your hands on.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Audi RS4 Avant
Price as tested: £77,720
Engine: 2.9-litre turbocharged V6
Power (bhp): 443
Torque (Nm): 600
Max speed (mph): 155
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
MPG (combined): 32.1
Emissions (g/km): 200

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