Frankfurt 2017: Audi RS4 Avant unveiled

Audi has used the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 to reveal the latest form of new generation A4: the RS4 Avant, which sits above the S4 and regular A4 variants as the highest performance A4 available. Like the previous RS4, this generation is to be only produced as an Avant wagon, and will compete directly against the Mercedes-AMG C63S Estate.

Due for release in Australia in April 2018, the RS4 Avant is powered by the same 331kW/600Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as the new RS5 Coupe, and is capable of hitting 100km/h from rest in just 4.1 seconds, thanks to the company’s famed quattro all-wheel drive system. It’s also capable of hitting 250km/h, or 280km/h if an optional package is selected.

“The Audi RS4 Avant is our RS icon with an incomparable history,” commented Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

“In common with all our RS models, it blends immense power output with superlative everyday utility. In China, the Audi RS4 will provide fresh impetus for growth as the only high-performance Avant in its segment.”

Like the new RS5 Coupe, the centrepiece of the new RS4 Avant is a new 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which produces 331kW of power – 450 horsepower in the old money – and a full 600Nm of torque. It’s matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and is capable of a 4.1 second 0-100km/h sprint. Audi lists fuel consumption as 8.8L/100km or 17 percent superior to the last RS4, and CO2 emissions as 199g per km.

Performance of the RS4 Avant is enhanced by Audi’s standard fit RS sport suspension, which the company claims is seven mm lower than the A4. Optionally available for owners is RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (likely to be part of an optional Driver Sport package by the time the car lands in Australia), as well as ceramic brakes and RS dynamic steering for drivers to enhance their RS4 Avant’s driving experience further.

Like most other Volkswagen Group products, selectable driving modes help drivers choose settings that are best tuned to them whilst driving and truly make their RS4 Avant their own. Helping sporting matters is an 80kg-lighter kerb weight, at 1,790kg.

The exterior of the RS4 Avant is much more purposeful than previous generations of the car – with pumped guards and large front intakes, no longer is it a subtle performance variant of the A4. The front guards and air intakes are reminiscent of Audi’s A4 DTM car, whilst the guards contribute to a 30mm-wider than the standard A4 and a much more sporting and purposeful stance than even the S4.

At the rear of the RS4 Avant, the pumped guards continue combined with a large rear diffuser. Sitting proudly are two oval tailpipes from the RS exhaust system. The RS design cues don’t stop there, with a roof edge spoiler and tinted LED tailights. The standard alloy wheel range includes designs in 19-inch format, or optionally in 20-inch format. Audi’s iconic Nogaro Blue pearl effect paint from the RS2 Avant from 1994 is available optionally from Audi’s exclusive paint range.

While the RS4 Avant’s cabin doesn’t change dramatically compared to lesser A4 models, a number of RS4-specific details ensure that it remains special. The RS sports seats with an optional honeycomb pattern, the flat-bottomed RS three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the shift gate and illuminated door sill trims all feature the RS logo. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and head-up display both feature RS-specific graphics such as g-forces, tyre pressures and a torque monitor.

Audi Australia has confirmed that the RS4 Avant will land in Australia in April of 2018, with Australian pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to then.