Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi RS4 Avant review – performance and 0-60 time

Acceleration is faster than rivals only due to Quattro, and it is out-gunned by most direct rivals

Evo rating
Price
from £61,625
  • Deftly tuned suspension, linear steering, desirability
  • Powertrain lacks punch and character, rivals sharper, harder and faster

While the RS4 might lack the outright grunt of its closest rivals, it’s also (for now) the only model in its class with all-wheel drive. Aside from the obvious benefit of improved wet-weather traction, it also means the RS4 is just as quick from a standstill, reaching 62mph in 4.1sec – near-identical figures to both the old Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unfortunately this parity doesn’t last, as the Audi then will quickly lose ground to almost all of its direct rivals in the mid-range. In-gear response isn’t prohibitively worse, but compared to the hypersonic responses that both the AMG and Alfa are able to muster, the Audi can feel a tad more cumbersome. When on boost, the V6’s willingness to rev right through to its red line is also less apparent than in its rivals.

The powertrain makes the RS4 feel like an extremely well executed executive car that’s been given some aggressive mapping rather than an inherently performance car package, unsurprising when you remember this engine is found in two Porsche SUVs and a mid-level Panamera.

The transmission makes good use of its torque-converter with flawless mannerisms when just pootling around, yet impressively quick changes when the correct mode is selected. Gears change cleanly and smoothly, but select manual mode from the transmission’s Sport setting (the selected gear will turn red on the virtual cockpit) and the RS4’s more assertive side arises with ignition cuts, fuel dumps into the exhaust and short, sharp downshifts.

Engine noise in the cabin is underwhelming, but drive with the windows down and the turbochargers make themselves known with plenty of wooshy noises and pops coming from both in front and behind of you. At least some induction noise would be greatly appreciated though.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024