In the 1990’s the first ever Audi RS Avant (estate car or station wagon) was launched, combining blistering performance with everyday usefulness. Since then, as the Audi A4 model has developed over the intervening twenty-five years, the RS 4 variants have continued to delight determined drivers with their power to convenience ratio. Now, with this special edition, the RS 4 Avant is better than ever. There’s also an RS 5 ‘Sportback’ version too.
On The Outside
The design of the car is familiar as can be seen in our images. It’s lower and sleeker than the regular A4 models. It looks like an estate car but the tyres and exhaust outlets rather give the game away. A wide range of exclusive design features make this limited edition model truly special.
For example, the trims on the side windows come in glossy black and for the first time, the edition features a black inlay in the rear lights. The Audi rings and lettering also come in gloss black, and the Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels specific to the RS family of performance cars. The regulation roof rails have been removed to give the vehicle a flatter, sportier silhouette.
On The Inside
The interior, with its yellow decorative stitching, is reminiscent of the black/yellow leather and Alcantara combination from the original version. For the first time, the floor mats have an RS 4 logo, and the traditionally red Audi Sport rhombus and black RS lettering are now also yellow in the edition model.
The steering wheel rim, the leather armrests on the doors, the centre console in dark black Alcantara, and the gear gaiter all feature stitching in the same colour. The RS bucket seats with honeycomb stitching and the carbon backrest come with an impressive deep black leather/Dinamica combination with contrasting yellow stitching. Directly below the headrest is RS 4 lettering, again in the same colour. Needless to say, the on-board technology is up to date with the usual array of safety equipment, apps and infotainment.
Exclusive lettering on the centre console indicates each individual car’s sequential number, from 1 to 250. Launch Control, which fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS 4 Avant , signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line with its traffic light icons, indicating the suggestion that this car is also track ready.
On The Road
Developments to the engine and suspension, as well as upgrades to the wheels, deliver impressive performance. The 2.9 litre V6 bi-turbo in this new RS 4 Avant edition has an output of 463bhp (470PS) and a maximum torque of 600Nm. That is an increase of 20PS compared to the regular RS 4 Avant. As a result, the 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.7 seconds, that’s a whole 0.4 seconds faster than the standard version, while the top speed increases to 186mph. Standard RS ceramic brakes provide uncompromised stopping power and the RS sports exhaust system plus with tailpipes in matt black generates an intense soundtrack.
The suspension has been sharpened for optimal dynamics and comes as standard with the RS ‘sports suspension pro’, a manually adjustable coil-over suspension that ensures a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort. This gives the anniversary model a 10mm lower ride height than the regular RS 4 Avant. Furthermore, owners can manually lower the ride height by an additional 10mm for an overall ride height that is 20mm lower.
The vehicle also comes with the quattro sport differential, which ensures greater agility and more rearward bias for increased driving fun, especially in ‘dynamic’ driving mode. The updated software in the transmission control unit makes for faster shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes.
It’s interesting too that the negative camber on the front axle has been increased to two degrees, and stiffer control arms have been installed. This results in improved grip and better handling for faster cornering speeds. A fixed subframe on the rear axle provides more precise suspension feedback and better overall performance. This is further enhanced by an improved Torsen differential.
Mainstream wheels and tyres simply won’t do in this case; good as they may be. Instead, to put all that power on the road, the RS 4 Avant comes as standard with Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres designed for the increased grip on the road and the racetrack, should the driver be so inclined. The tyres wrap machined 20 inch alloy wheels in matt palladium. The forged wheels are weight-optimised and have been visually enhanced by intensive milling.
As the performance flagship, the model boasts enhanced driving dynamics, exclusive interior, and exterior details, and is available in Audi’s iconic Imola Yellow finish. At the same time, Audi is also launching the new RS 5 ‘Sportback’ Performance Edition, which benefits from the same power-train upgrades.
Now, these special editions are just that, but remember that the regular Audi RS 4 Avant is superb in its own right and is the performance car to consider when family or business considerations have to be taken into account. Buyers of prestige Audi cars know that whichever model is chosen, be it a performance vehicle, an SUV or a regular family saloon, they will be sure to get the best in fit and finish.
MHH International exports cars from the UK to global destinations like Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland and the Caribbean. The comprehensive service is tried and tested and is of course VAT-free. Please get in touch to find out about the availability of most current Audi models and let us put you in the driver’s seat.
