Audi RS 4 Avant 2020 Car Review

Most notable changes are the new design changes to the exterior design, the fitment of the latest generation MMI touchscreen infotainment unit, and the addition of an eight-Speed tiptronic transmission.

The RS 4 Avant has previously been one of Audi’s biggest sellers, and this latest offering should definitely strengthen that reputation. It’s the perfect sized car for both the everyday commute and to load it up for the weekend and heading out on a long-distance road trips.

The front section of the new RS 4 Avant has been completely redesigned. The single frame grille is wider and flatter, as compared to the base model A4, and it also sports the three-dimensional honeycomb structure in gloss black that’s typical for the RS model series. To give it a cleaner look, the new egg crate grille with the RS 4 emblem is inserted directly into the bumper, with large lateral air inlets and vertical flaps.

The shape of the LED headlights of the RS 4 Avant has also been redesigned, with the model now offering Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic light design, dynamic turn signal and a headlamp washer. The gloss black, matt aluminium and carbon styling packages add individual accents to the inlay in the sill, the exterior mirror housings and the front and rear bumpers. Upon request, the gloss black and carbon styling packages also include the Audi rings and the RS logo in black on the front and rear. The RS badges can be omitted completely for a more understated look.

Still fast!

The new Audi RS 4 Avant now outputs 331 kW allowing it to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. The TFSI engine weighs just 182 kilograms - 31 kilograms less than the V8 engine in the previous model from 2012. This benefits the gross weight and the axle load distribution - two prerequisites for the impressive performance.

Driving excellence

Wheel-selective torque control is active on all types of surfaces plus it includes the additional safety benefit of Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC), thereby increasing the drive torque on the wheels on the outside of the curve with the higher wheel load. The difference in drive forces turns the car into the bend, allowing the car to follow the steering angle precisely. The result: precise, agile and neutral handling.

Dynamic steering also works closely with the ESC program to achieve sporty handling and driving safety. If necessary, it counter-steers slightly. These corrections, most of which are unnoticeable to the driver, reduce understeer and oversteer due to load alterations in the vast majority of situations.

What’s inside?

The Audi RS 4 Avant features a black interior and LED light guides trace the contours of the doors and the centre console. The driver and front passenger are welcomed by the illuminated door sill trims that bear the desirable RS 4 logo.

The new MMI touch display provides acoustic feedback and takes over the functions of the previous rotary pushbutton on the centre console. The driver can use the RS monitor to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. In the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, lap timings, acceleration measurements and g-forces.

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 495 litres which increases to 1,495 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The luggage compartment lid and the luggage compartment cover are electrically operated as standard. Sensor control for opening and closing the luggage compartment lid is available as an option, and a trailer towing hitch that can be unlocked electrically at the push of a button is also available upon request.

Once again, this new generation RS 4 Avant continues to prove to be a highly desirable performance car and wouldn’t look out of place in a variety of situations - in front of an executive’s office, on the school run, at a mountain bike track or up the mountain laden with skis or snowboards.

 Safety systems

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic diff lock, traction control and electronic stabilisation control
• Driver/passenger airbags, front/rear side airbags and head airbag. Side airbags rear.
• Audi Side Assist
• Audi Active Lane Assist
• Audi Pre Sense City + Rear
• Cross Traffic Assist Rear
• Audi Adaptive Cruise
• 360-degree camera system

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