Audi RS4 Avant benefits from slight redesign

Audi’s RS4 Avant is one of the world’s most desirable, and practical, performance cars.

Since 1999 Audi has set the standard for fast station wagons with its RS4, managing to combine true family car utility with an immensely rewarding driving experience.

The latest iteration of Audi’s RS4 has now received some slight updates, making it even more appealing than before.

Although the current B9 generation RS4 Avant was only launched in late 2017, Audi has now revealed its first upgrade.

The new look borrows some styling inspiration from Audi’s larger RS6 super wagon. A larger singleframe grille anchors the restyled RS4’s front and features the honeycomb structure that defines most of Audi’s RS-specification vehicles.

Flanking the wider grille are matrix LED headlights, framed by darkened bezels, to add some contrast in the transition from headlamps to the body panels.

Audi’s RS4 five-door cars have always been revered for their unique stance, combining the full proportions of a station wagon with THE width of a performance vehicle.

As part of its redesign, Audi has broadened the RS4’s wheel arches, making them 30mm wider. Rolling inside those reshaped wheel arches are 19- or optional 20-inch alloys wheels.

RS4 remains focused on driver appeal

Mechanically there have been no changes to the engine or drivetrain. That means you still get a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6, which boosts 331kW and 600Nm.

With the benefit of all-wheel drive and an active rear differential, Audi’s RS4 is good for 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 280kph. Its eight-speed automatic transmission also features intuitive software which learns your driving style and adapts its shift points accordingly.

Recognising that its station wagon configuration will predispose the RS4 to carrying more passengers and luggage than most other performance cars, Audi is offering it with huge brakes, to account for the added loading mass. The optional carbon-ceramic brake rotors measure 400mm and are some of the most potent stopping components available on any production vehicle.

Audi is celebrated for the design merits and quality of its interiors and RS4 Avant is no exception. With this 2020 model year upgrade, the only notable interior equipment change is a new 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system.

This infotainment interface is mounted with a slight angle towards the driver, for better field of view visibility. It is also part fo Audi’s attempt to reduce the number of physical buttons and dials used to control various functions, with the goal of uncluttering interior design.

A crucial point of appeal with the RS4 remains its practicality. It is a family car, with a striking design, that is capable of loading 1510-litres of luggage in the back. And when conditions allow, it has performance that edges close to what one would ordinarily only experience in a supercar.

The upgraded RS4 Avant should become available to South African buyers towards the end of 2020.