Audi RS4 Avant (2024) Review

It’s fair to say that the B7-generation Audi RS4 made the Ingolstadt-based brand’s performance sedan an icon. Now exclusively offered in Avant (‘wagon) guise, does the (B9) RS4 still stir the soul, particularly when loaded with RS Competition Plus goodies?

We like: Beautiful design, rock-solid build quality, fabulous grip, rocketship performance

We don’t like: Dulled throttle response in Comfort drive mode

FAST FACTS

Model: Audi RS4 Avant quattro
Price: R1 547 100 (April 2024, before options)
Engine: 2.9L V6 twin-turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 331 kW/600 Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
0-100 kph: 3.9 sec (claimed, Competition Plus spec)
Fuel consumption: 9.2 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage capacity: 495 litres

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Audi RS4 Avant front three-quarter angle. — *The design of the B9-gen Audi RS4 Avant is 7 years old, yet the rapid ‘wagon still looks sharp.*

Where does the Audi RS4 Avant fit in?

For now, the Audi RS4 Avant is a unique proposition in the South African market, which historically has not favoured station wagons. But whether by design or by luck, the RS4 Avant and its bigger brother, the RS6 Avant, have carved out a small but loyal – perhaps even fanatical – fan base for high-performance German estate cars. Soon, BMW will add the M3 Touring to its local line-up, but given that the BMW will be available exclusively in Competition specification, and that the 4-door sedan version of the same spec is already priced at R2.1 million, we can only imagine that the M3 Touring will be pricier than that.

And what about Mercedes-AMG? Well, there is no C-Class Estate on offer in South Africa at the moment. In fact, the hottest variant of the current-gen C-Class that you can buy is not a C63, but a C43, powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine and that is priced more than R1.7 million (before options).

Audi RS4 Avant rear three-quarter angle. — *The Audi RS4 Avant’s best angle? Black Appearance trim contrast nicely with the white paintwork.*

Considering all of the above, the RS4 Avant, which has a base price of R1 547 100, appears to be a bit of a bargain. Even with just about every option box ticked, which ramps up its asking price to R1 879 500, the Audi arguably offers significantly better punch and value for money than its aforementioned rivals. But, then again, the B9-generation Audi RS4 was introduced 7 years ago, so it’s not exactly new.

In the final analysis, if you’re considering an RS4 Avant because of its performance capability and station wagon packaging, you don’t have another new-car choice at this price point. If you want a business-class performance car and don’t mind that it’s a ‘wagon, this remains an option to consider seriously.

Compare the Audi RS4 Avant with the BMW M3 Competition and Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic

Audi RS4 Avant frontal view. — *It is the only performance-oriented ‘wagon in the business-class segment (for now), but that adds to its appeal.*

How the Audi RS4 Avant fares in terms of…

Design and Features

The current (B9-gen) A4 is expected to make way for its successor later this year – and, confusingly, it will reportedly be called the A5. The next RS4 (but named an RS5 – yes, it’s daft) will probably debut in 2 years’ time (2026) and feature hybrid power. So, there is still some way to go for the current RS4 Avant.

And it remains a highly attractive piece of kit; its low-slung ‘wagon lines and pumped-up wheel arches drew many admiring glances. The striking 20-inch alloy wheels fill out the arches perfectly; they give the RS4 Avant a menacing stance, which is accentuated by the Black Appearance trim that adorned this test unit. Unlock the car and its dynamic Matrix LED head- and tail-lamps do a cool start-up lightshow.

*The Audi RS4 Avant’s cabin is awash with leather, microfibre and carbon-fibre inserts.*

Step inside and the first thing you will notice are the figure-hugging front seats. Trimmed in black leather and Dinamica microfibre (a suede-like material), they are electrically adjustable and, in this test unit, also offer a heating function (a R5 550 option). The trim is predominantly black with satin silver accenting, but the fitment of carbon-fibre “twirl” inserts (R18 900) prevents the cabin from looking too sombre.

Overhead there is a panoramic sunroof (R28 000) and, if you look closely, you’ll notice that the seatbelts have subtle red edges to them. The driving position is superb, with a wide range of adjustment on offer from the steering column and driver’s seat (memory function costs an additional R3 900).

*While the integration of the touchscreen panel looks a bit “added on”, the system’s graphics appear crisp.*

While there is no getting away from the fact that the B9-generation A4’s fascia design is showing its age, the graphics of the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen are of excellent quality.

With features such a wireless charging pad, automated parking and good quality camera display, the RS4 Avant doesn’t feel notably dated from behind the steering wheel. The fit-and-finish is reassuringly solid, and the quality of the materials top-notch.

Audi RS4 Avant front sports seats. — *Body-hugging leather and microfibre-trimmed sports seats complemented by racy accented seatbelts.*

Move into the back and there is more than sufficient rear legroom available (even when the driver is 1.8-metres tall). While headroom is sufficient, the rear bench might be a little bit tight for 3 adults in terms of shoulder width. Aft passengers have access to their own ventilation outlets and 2 USB charging ports.

Of course, seeing as the Audi RS4 is a station wagon, it doesn’t come up short in terms of practicality. The load bay has a claimed capacity of 495 litres and, folding the rear seats down is said to free up 1 495 litres of utility space – a figure that no sedan rival can come close to matching. As you can imagine, the RS4 Avant can accommodate significantly bulkier items than its 4-door competitors. Our test unit even featured an electrically stowed trailer hitch (R15 300), which made it a decidedly useful family car!

Audi RS4 Avant rear bench. — *Rear occupants of the RS4 Avant are afforded sufficient legroom and electronic amenties.*

Performance and Efficiency

The RS4 Avant is powered by a charismatic 2.9-litre twin-turbopetrol V6 (co-developed with Porsche), which is mated with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and Audi’s iconic quattro all-wheel drive.

Maximum power is a meaty 331 kW, available from 5 700 to 6 700 rpm and the full whack of torque – no less than 600 Nm – is available across a wide rev range (from 2 000 to 5 000 rpm).

Audi RS4 Avant digital instrument cluster. — *When we utilised its launch control function, the RS4 Avant set a sub-3.9-second 0-100 kph time.*

Audi claims a 0-100 kph time of 4.1 sec for the RS4 Avant and so, when our test equipment showed a figure of below 3.9 sec, we were somewhat surprised. It is not often that a test car betters its maker’s claimed acceleration time. But closer investigation revealed the fitment of the RS Competition Plus pack (R125 000), which includes a few tweaks that Audi Sport developed to reduce the ‘wagon’s sprint time.

While the engine is unaltered, the beefier acceleration is a product of bespoke transmission software. For the record, the SA-bound BMW M3 Touring Competition has a claimed 0-100 kph time of 3.6 sec, so the improvement in the RS4 Avant’s sprinting ability significantly narrows the gap to its upcoming rival.

Even though the Audi’s throttle response feels a bit dull in Comfort mode, it’s addictive to use the shift paddles in Sport mode.

Another consequence of the fitment of the RS Competition Plus pack is an increase in top speed (usually limited to 250 kph), so now you have a ‘wagon that can, theoretically, travel at speeds of up to 290 kph!

Those are all highly significant power and performance figures and, in the real world, specifically because they are produced in combination with such high grip levels; the RS4 Avant is, to be blunt, blisteringly fast from point A to B. If there is a small niggle, it concerns the Audi’s throttle response.

There is no Eco mode in the Drive Select menu, so in an apparent bid to improve efficiency, Audi appears to have engineered a delayed response to the first few millimetres of the accelerator pedal’s travel. As a result, however, the powertrain’s reactions can be frustratingly slow in the auto/comfort drive modes.

*The fitment of ZF’s ubiquitous 8-speed automatic endows the RS4 Avant with a fine refinement/performance balance.*

If you need near-instantaneous reactions to your long-pedal inputs, there is a quick solution: the throttle response sharpens up significantly when you knock the transmission lever down into Sport (particularly while using the shift paddles); exploring the breadth of the RS4’s power band becomes very addictive.

Oh, the RS Competition Plus pack also includes RS Sports Exhaust System Plus – you can set how vocal it should be in the Drive Select system. It emits a nice, throaty sound and plenty of pops and crackles.

*Driving enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to fine-tune the RS4 Avant’s characteristics to their preferences.*

As for fuel economy, well, for what it’s worth, Audi claims an average consumption figure of 9.2 L/100 km, but we averaged 13 L/100 km – you’d have to be lucky (or talented) to achieve figures below 12 L/100 km.

Ride and Handling

Perhaps the biggest news with this particular RS Competition Plus-equipped RS4 Avant, is its trick suspension setup. Although the B9-generation RS4 has never been deficient in either traction or grip, it’s never felt particularly “lively”; instead, it puts its power down as clinically and efficiently as possible…

If you tick the RS Competition Plus option box, you also get RS Sports Suspension Pro. It incorporates a manually adjustable coilover suspension that drivers can fine-tune to their requirements or preferences.

*Beyond the standard drive modes available in Audi Drive Select, you can set up a pair of RS modes too.*

From the factory, this suspension is set to a 10-mm lower ride height than that of a “standard” RS4 Avant, but it can be lowered by a further 10 mm. A higher spring rate, 3-way adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilisers “heighten the general driving experience and help shorten lap times”, says Audi.

We’re not sure how many customers would be inclined to lay their hands on their luxury cars’ suspension components to make such adjustments, but it must be said that the RS4 Avant that was delivered to our office felt notably livelier than what we remember of previous B9-generation test units.

*Considering the low profile rubber fitted to the 20-inch alloys, the RS4 Avant delivers a relatively pliant ride quality.*

Bearing in mind that the RS4 Avant rides on 20-inch wheels wrapped in very low-profile Continental rubber, its ride quality is certainly firm, but it copes with poor surfaces admirably nonetheless. Helped by torque-vectoring from its sports differential, the Audi tucks in its nose better than you might anticipate (from a hefty all-wheel drive car) and while there is some lean, an abundance of grip is always apparent.

While we anticipate very few RS4 Avants are likely to lap a race track, or have their suspension setups changed (manually), what you have here is a devastatingly fast car on about any road (that is meant for passenger cars). And it’s no longer as clinical, well, except for the lifeless, but nicely weighted steering.

*Althought the test unit was specced liberally, the RS4 Avant offers a lot for the price. It’s well worth speccing up too.*

Audi RS4 Avant price and After-sales support

The Audi RS4 Avant retails for R1 547 100 (April 2024, before options). Our test unit was specified with optional extras to the value of R350 500, which bumped up the full asking price, as tested, to R1 879 500. It comes with 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

Verdict

It’s not often that a German premium brand’s performance model can be described as offering “good value”, but compared with its current and upcoming rivals, that’s exactly what the RS4 Avant does.

Even with just about every option box ticked, it is a very alluring package for under R1.9 million; what’s more, the RS Competition Plus pack does appear to be worth the extra outlay! Not many things in the automotive world age like a fine red wine, but the B9-generation RS4 Avant appears to be one of them.

See the specs of, and contact a dealer about, the Audi RS4 Avant