Racing technology clad in civilian garb is a principle that applies both to the RS 4 Avant and to its saloon counterpart. The maxim that beautiful estate cars are called Avant still applies today. Sportiness and versatility are combined in an impressive blend in the new Audi RS 4 Avant. This is the direct successor to the first RS 4 generation, which was available exclusively as an Avant.

Although in production for only slightly more than one and a half years, sales of the first-generation RS 4 Avant topped 6,000 units. This statistic suitably reflects the immense popularity of the unique concept. With its functionality and outstanding driving characteristics, the new Audi RS 4 Avant surpasses the first generation in every respect. Even more sporty, spellbinding and practical: this Avant is a very special car.

Audi’s RS Models – a short history

The new Audi RS 4 is the latest offspring of the RS family from quattro GmbH. The debut of the first RS 4 in 1999 – at the time the first high-performance model independently produced by the Audi subsidiary – attracted lots of admiring looks. At the same time it redefined the concept of a high-performance vehicle.

In a truly impressive manner, the first RS 4 proved the great potential offered for the future by Audi’s sporty models.

And Audi’s first RS model also impressed its fans right away. The RS2 Avant amazed the motoring world with its performance. This five-cylinder turbo model entered the market in 1994 and was built for a little over a year. Its engine delivered 262 kW. Some 2,881 customers opted for this sports car, which was based on the Audi 80 Avant. The RS2 has long since become a sought-after classic.

The first-generation RS 4 demonstrated what still marks out every RS vehicle to this day: an uncompromising combination of emotion and functionality. The very first Audi RS 4 Avant attracted customers by its outstanding combination of family practicability and everyday motoring qualities blended with driving performance offered up to that time only by the most thoroughbred sports cars.

And the RS 6 that succeeded it rapidly attracted enthusiastics too. At the end of its production run the limited-edition RS 6 plus was also put on sale. The RS 6 was the first RS model to be sold by Audi in both saloon and Avant guise.

This successful combination will be continued in the new RS 4. Altogether over 8,000 examples of the RS 6, including the RS 6 plus, were sold worldwide.

By developing the new Audi RS 4, quattro GmbH has proved once again that there is no need for compromise in developing a sports car fully suited to everyday motoring. Indeed, the RS models highlight the engineering and technological expertise of Audi more than virtually any other car.

The new Audi RS 4 also comes with a wide range of innovative technical features, emphasising the strengths of the brand through the use of FSI technology and the new-generation quattro permanent four-wheel drive. And at the same time Audi is taking a new approach with this outstanding model, for example by introducing the high-revving concept already tested successfully in motor racing.

The RS models from quattro GmbH are emotionally exciting sports cars which have to date attracted a large and enthusiastic fan base. That success will continue with the new RS 4.

Audi has always offered the RS driver perfectly engineered and highly emotional driving machines providing a high level of everyday motoring practicality and the concept has attracted an enthusiastic customer base. That will not change with the new RS 4.

Responsible also for the “S line”, “Audi exclusive”, and “lifestyle articles” option packages and product lines within the Audi Group, quattro GmbH is making a significant contribution in further enhancing Audi’s position as an outstanding and emotionally exciting sports brand.