Why Lease The RS4 Avant?
by: Fergus GrayFergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.
Audi RS4 Avant Review 2023
The Audi RS4 Avant stands out as a high-performance sports wagon with a dedicated fan base that has grown over time. It is a rare gem in the realm of performance vehicles, being one of the few to combine the attributes of an estate car with the allure of high performance, creating a unique and intriguing blend.
Rivals to the Audi RS4 Avant, BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 estate and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Our Audi RS4 Avant review covers:
Audi RS4 Avant Key Features
- Understated yet sporty design, with its aggressive front and RS-specific elements
- Beautifully crafted interior with high-quality materials and a driver-focused design
- 495-litre boot, expanding to 1,495 litres with rear seats down
- 450hp twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and quattro four-wheel-drive system
- Three trim levels are available: Standard, Carbon Black and Vorsprung
Audi RS4 Avant Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Handling
- Practicality
- Powerful Performance
Cons:
- Price
- Fuel Efficiency
- Limited Rear Visibility
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The design of the Audi RS4 Avant is a blend of sportiness and understated elegance. It maintains Audi's signature aesthetic, characterized by clean lines and a well-proportioned body. However, this sports wagon has distinctive RS elements that set it apart. The RS4 Avant features a bold and aggressive front grille with the RS honeycomb design, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The larger air intakes and a sculpted hood convey a sense of power.
The wheel arches are notably flared, accommodating wider tires and emphasizing the vehicle's sporty stance. RS-specific touches like the RS badge, unique alloy wheel designs, and the oval-shaped dual exhaust outlets add to its sporty appeal. Audi's approach to design is marked by understated luxury, using premium materials, fine craftsmanship, and an ergonomic layout in the interior.
Despite its sporty demeanour, the RS4 Avant is a practical choice for those who require both performance and everyday usability. It features four doors, making it convenient for passengers to enter and exit the rear seats. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with quality materials and supportive seats. It comfortably seats five occupants. The RS4 Avant is also capable of towing, adding to its practicality for those with specific needs.
The RS4 Avant offers ample boot space for a sports wagon. With the rear seats in place, it provides approximately 495 litres of cargo capacity. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to a substantial 1,495 litres. This is more than sufficient for carrying larger items or luggage for extended journeys.
Interior and Trims
The interior of the Audi RS4 Avant is a combination of luxury, technology, and sporty design. It's crafted with high-quality materials and designed to provide both comfort and a driver-focused experience.
Audi is known for its meticulous attention to detail, and this is evident in the RS4 Avant's interior. Fine materials, including leather and Alcantara, are used throughout the cabin. The RS4 Avant comes with sporty, body-hugging seats for the driver and front passenger. These seats offer excellent support and are adjustable to suit individual preferences.
The driver's seat is positioned in a way that emphasizes the driver's connection to the road. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with the Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster providing a customizable and informative display. The RS4 Avant is equipped with Audi's MMI infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display. It offers navigation, smartphone integration, and a range of connectivity options.
Three trim levels are available: Standard, Carbon Black and Vorsprung.
As the top-tier model in the A4 Avant lineup, the RS 4 is equipped with several premium features. It features bright LED lighting, leather-upholstered seats with substantial bolstering that also provide front-seat heating. Additionally, it inherits all the high-end amenities from the A4 Avant range, including a seven-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, a 12.3-inch digital driver's display, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, and a three-zone climate control system.
The Carbon Black styling package enhances the RS4's aesthetics with 20-inch wheels finished in glossy black, various exterior design elements in carbon or gloss black, black roof rails, and carbon twill interior trim, in addition to the standard RS4 specifications.
For those seeking the utmost in luxury and performance, the Vorsprung trim level incorporates 20-inch wheels and gloss black exterior accents. It also offers an upgraded suspension featuring Dynamic Ride Control, a sports exhaust system, Bang & Olufsen audio, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and a speed limiter set at 174mph.
Power and Performance
The Audi RS 4 Avant combines a potent 450hp twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with the quattro four-wheel-drive system, resulting in remarkable performance that almost defies the laws of physics. Officially, it sprints from 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds (although some have achieved slightly faster times) and can reach a top speed of 155mph, which can be extended to 174mph if you opt to remove the speed limiter. However, beyond the impressive numbers, what truly astonishes is the RS 4 Avant's unwavering grip. Even on slippery, muddy terrain, it effortlessly harnesses its power.
Engaging Dynamic mode via the Drive Select system – alongside Comfort, Auto, and Individual settings – sharpens the RS 4 Avant's steering response, allowing you to tackle corners with minimal body roll. The four-wheel-drive system instils confidence as you accelerate out of turns, a stark contrast to the potentially hair-raising experience in the more tail-happy BMW M3. While enthusiastic drivers may miss the challenge of a car that readily drifts its rear end, many will appreciate the added security provided by the RS 4 Avant's four-wheel-drive system, especially on the often-slick roads in the UK.
What sets the Audi apart is its everyday usability. In Comfort mode, the suspension softens, the exhaust note becomes quieter, and the automatic gearbox shifts more smoothly, making it effortless to navigate city streets and impressively comfortable over rough patches. This comfort extends to higher speeds as well. On the motorway, the Audi's supple suspension and quiet cabin make the interior of an M3 seem harsh by comparison. Moreover, the RS 4 Avant is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including an automatic emergency braking system, enhancing safety by intervening if it detects an impending collision.
Overall, the Audi RS4 Avant is a well-rounded package that combines practicality with exhilarating performance. It's a versatile sports wagon that can handle daily commuting, long journeys, and spirited drives with ease. While it may not be the most affordable option in its segment, the combination of power, handling, and Audi's renowned build quality make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts and those looking for a high-performance family car.
Leasing vs Buying
The Audi RS4 Avant is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £69,820.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £775.88.
If you're considering leasing an Audi RS4 Avant, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing an Audi RS4 Avant can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.