If you have in the region of around £60,000 in your bank account that is simply burning a hole in your pocket, it gives you access to a lot of four wheeled metal. The question is, how fast do you want to go for the money? Luckily, the Audi RS4 Avant combines performance with practicality in a way that few other cars do meaning you don’t have to face many nasty compromises.
The first thing that’s patently obvious from looking at the image I took at an event is the presence of the thing. This car is imposing. It doesn’t have what you could call a ‘friendly’ face in any way, shape or form. The sweep of the lights and the lower body stance makes it look like it is grimacing or frowning, ready to take on just about anything.
Under the bonnet is where the real heart of the car lies – and what a heart it is. 448 BHP from a V8 engine is not to be sniffed at and this offers a 0-62 sprint of only 4.7 seconds. This bahn-stormer will continue on to 155 miles per hour limited. A factory delimit will see the top speed rise to 174 miles per hour.
The handling and dynamic ability of the RS4 is only matched by the grip levels, which in short are stunning. Few cars grab and hold on to the road like this one. Four wheel ‘Quattro’ instills absolute trust in the ability of the motor to change direction on command. There may be a very slight lack of steering feel but certainly not enough to upset the driving experience.
It is the interior where the driver will find himself/herself at home in the car. The binnacles are all nicely drawn to the driver’s eyeline and the steering wheel is nice and chunky. This is a longer car but it certainly doesn’t feel it. Everything wraps around to really make the pilot feel at home. The seats in particular are absolutely thrilling. The level of bolstering makes you feel like you’re going quickly even when stopped by the roadside.
The main reason I fell in love with the Audi RS4 (and I’m so glad I’ve had the privilege to drive one) is the complete package. This is a great grand touring car is the most real sense of the word. It will take you across continents at speed, style, luxury and with enough space for all your luggage. In this world of slightly staid ‘everything’s an SUV’ design, we at Car Articles are extremely glad that fast estates are still a thing. I for one cannot wait for the 2016 variant of this car.
Nice review! Wow have to say the RS4 definitely looks awesome. I think what Audi do so well is that they combine class and style with pure grit and performance which is seldom in a lot of other vehicles. It sure would be nice to the 2016 variant. Do you know what the MPG is on the RS4?