Two years after the current A4 line became official, Audi has finally unveiled the range-topping RS variant at the IAA 2017 in Frankfurt. Like before, the Audi RS4 will only be sold in the 5-door Avant version. Expect it to arrive in showrooms from the start of 2018 at a base price of EUR 79,800.
The new RS4 Avant borrows the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the RS5 Coupe, which outputs 450 hp and 600 Nm of peak torque. Paired with a sportily configured eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, power is sent to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro system. The new RS4 Avant is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Opting for the ‘RS dynamic’ pack increases the top speed to 280 km/h.
The ride height is 7 mm lower than the A4 Avant. A few exclusive equipment include RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes, RS-specific dynamic steering, and a sports rear differential. Compared to the A4 Avant, the RS4 has 30 mm wheel arches for that sportier stance. The exterior borrows inspiration from the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO.
It is still a family car, however. There's ample boot space and split seats to eat large volumes of cargo. The RS treatment extends to the interior as well, featuring beefier seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, optional carbon fibre trim, and Audi Sport graphics for the Virtual Cockpit.
