Summary
The Audi RS 4 is a performance-focused estate car based on the regular A4 range. This is the fourth generation of the Audi RS 4, which arrived in the UK in early 2020.
Available only as an eight-speed automatic, the RS 4 distinguishes itself from the standard A4 Avant with its sportier styling and its powerful 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine, which is capable of producing 450hp and accelerating from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.
Unlike some earlier generations of the RS 4, the current model is only available in an estate bodyshell. The Audi RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback are mechanically identical if you’re not keen on the estate styling.
Described by Carwow as “a practical car with ballistic-missile performance”, the Audi RS 4 has been earmarked by many motoring journalists as an upmarket all-rounder, offering practical space for all the family in a cabin with great build-quality, all while providing supercar levels of pace and acceleration.
Carbuyer adds that the RS 4 is easy to drive, explaining that the car “behaves in a benign way that gives even ‘normal’ drivers confidence”, while Car Keys comments that the estate car is quite comfortable on uneven road surfaces thanks to its adaptive damper technology, and wind noise is minimal at high speeds too.
Despite its reputation as a great performance-tuned all-rounder, the RS 4 has been criticised for not particularly standing out in any one area – Carwow prefers the exciting engine sounds and bolder exterior styling of the Mercedes-AMG C 63, while other reviewers argue that the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has far superior handling and body control and the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is more comfortable on the road.
As of January 2025, the Audi RS 4 holds a New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 54%.
RS 4 highlights
- Well-built and refined interior
- Rapid straight-line speed
- Class-leading infotainment
- Comfortable ride
- Spacious cabin with plenty of boot space
RS 4 lowlights
- Expensive to run
- Rivals have more responsive handling
- Styling doesn’t match mighty performance
- Optional extras get pricey
- Alternatives offer more driver appeal
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door estate car
Engines: petrol
Price: From £66,465 on-road
Launched: Spring 2020
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: 2025?
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 4 Avant is one of the best performance car all-rounders you can buy, offering a blend of incredible pace, strong grip and excellent practicality. A series of subtle updates for 2020 means it’s better than ever.”
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Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 4 is as much fun to drive as the RS5 (in fact, subjectively, it actually feels better balanced), while enjoying a more unassuming image.”
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Car Keys
Score: 9 / 10
“The Audi RS 4 Avant remains one of the best performance estate cars on sale. There are very few cars that can offer such impressive power and everyday usability in one package. Its interior may be slightly outdated, but this is still a car that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS4 is an incredibly quick estate that is a practical, comfortable and luxurious all-rounder.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 4 Avant is a practical estate car that sticks to the road like a military-grade Dyson and goes like it’s been kitted out with a hyperdrive.”
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Evo
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS4 isn’t as dynamic or exciting as its rivals, but as an everyday performance car it’s a superb package that looks the part.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Think fast estates and it’s impossible not to think of Audi, and its RS4. The company almost single-handedly, created the rocketship fast family hauler, and it remains inextricably linked to them.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS4 Avant is a super-fast estate car, it mixes practicality with huge pace, for the family buyer who wants near supercar levels of performance, whatever car they’re driving.”
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Motors
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s not too flashy and obnoxious but is notably aggressive and sporty looking – just as a fast estate should be. While, personally, we prefer the styling of the B8 a tad more, the latest RS4 is still a very attractive car in our eyes – no complaints here.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“You ought to buy an Alfa, but when you buy an Audi RS 4 instead you won’t be disappointed.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The RS4 Avant is a compelling option for anybody who wants vast quantities of performance in a car that retains all the practicalities that come with being an estate. True, a Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate has greater adjustability to its handling, but if you prefer your fast estate with more grip than slip the RS4 is the one to have.”
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Top Gear
Score: 8 / 10
“This reworked Audi RS 4 shows how committed RS GmbH is to creating cars of real character. A bit uptight, mind.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2016
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%
The Audi RS 4 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the regular Audi A4 range which was awarded a five-star rating in 2015. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Audi RS 4 has not been tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 736
Average repair cost: £748.35
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Audi A4 range (including the RS 4) has a poor reliability score, according to workshop data from our commercial partner MotorEasy.
The most common problems reported for A4 owners relate to the engine – these are also expensive, with an average repair bill of more than £1,000. Suspension and braking problems are also quite common, although usually much cheaper to repair.
Most concerningly, there are plenty of reports of gearbox problems with an average repair bill of more than £1,600. If you own an Audi A4 or are looking at purchasing a used one, it’s certainly worth considering a used car warranty that covers all these problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 29 mpg | E | 28 – 29 mpg | E – E |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 224 g/km | D | 221 – 229 g/km | D – D |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 46 | D | 44 – 50 | D – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £551 | D |
| Year 2 | £1,291 | D |
| Year 3 | £2,081 | D |
| Year 4 | £2,366 | D |
| Year 5 | £3,256 | D |
| Overall | £9,545 | D |
The running costs for the Audi RS 4 can get quite expensive, according to full-life costings provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel consumption is poor and insurance costs can get quite expensive. Finally, scheduled servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years are predicted to be more expensive than the average car.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Audi RS 4, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Audi RS 5 | BMW B3 Alpina Touring | BMW M3 | BMW M4 | Cupra Leon Estate | Ford Mustang | Jaguar XE Project 8 | Lexus RC F | Mercedes-AMG C 63 | Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Buy an Audi RS 4
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Audi RS 4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Lease an Audi RS 4
If you’re looking to lease a new Audi RS 4, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to an Audi RS 4
If you’re interested in a subscription for a Audi RS 4, The Car Expert’s partners can help
(PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
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Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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