When creating the fourth generation of the RS4 Avant, Audi’s designers took inspiration from many motorsport details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO.
Massive air inlets with typical RS honeycomb structure and the wide, flat Singleframe grille define the front end. The optional Matrix LED headlights display tinted bezels. Compared to the regular A4 Avant, the wheel arches are 30mm wider and given added emphasis by the quattro blisters. At the rear end, the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and the RS roof-edge spoiler make for a distinctive look.
The exterior colour Nogaro Blue with pearl effect, available optionally from Audi exclusive, recalls the first generation of the high-performance Avant from 1999. The new RS4 Avant travels on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels as standard, with 20-inch wheels available as an option.
The biturbo TFSI V6 powerplant develops 450bhp in the latest RS4 Avant. Its peak torque of 600Nm, which is 170Nm more than the previous model, is available across a broad engine speed range from 1900 to 5000rpm. It is key to how the RS4 is able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds. The electronically governed top speed is 250km/h, but with the optional RS dynamic package, the top speed increases to 280 km/h.
The power of the 2.9 TFSI V6 is supplied to the permanent all-wheel-drive via a sportily configured 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with optimied gearchanging. Audi also offers an optional rear sport differential.
Average fuel consumption is 11.36km per litre, which means an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model. The new RS4 Avant weighs 1790kg, or 80kg lighter than previously.
The standard-fit RS sport suspension sets the RS4 Avant another 7mm lower than the standard A4 model with sport suspension. Equipment options include RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering. Drivers can define their own individual personal driving experience using the dynamic handling system, Audi drive select.
The black interior underscores the sporty character of the RS4 Avant. The RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern, the flat-bottomed RS leather multi-function sport steering wheel, the shift gate and the illuminated door sill trims are all adorned with the RS emblem. In the Audi virtual cockpit and head-up display, RS-specific displays indicate the g-forces, tyre pressures and torque. 
Read our local reviews of the Audi RS3 Sedan, A5 Sportback and R8 V10 Spyder.
