Audi RS4

Audi RS4 at a glance

The RS4 is the fast end of the A4 range in our Audi catalogue. There was no RS4 based on the B6 A4 of 2001-2005, which is why the numbering jumps from B5 to B7.

Generations and model history

B5 (1999-2001)

The first RS4 was an Avant only. Its 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 was developed and built in the UK by Cosworth Technology and produced 280 kW (381 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm. It came with a six-speed manual and a Torsen-based quattro system with a 50:50 default split. Audi quoted 0-100 km/h in 4.9 s and an electronically limited 250 km/h. The car weighed 1,620 kg, cost around DM 103,584 in Germany (1999-2001, about EUR 53,000 at the fixed conversion rate) and 6,030 were built.

B7 (2006-2008)

The second RS4 was built by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm and launched as a four-door saloon, followed by the Avant and, in Europe from late 2006, a two-door Cabriolet. It used a high-revving 4.2-litre (4,163 cc) V8 FSI with direct injection, rated at 309 kW (420 PS) at 7,800 rpm. A six-speed Getrag manual was the only gearbox, and the quattro system was set to a rear-biased 40:60 split. Audi quoted 4.8 s to 100 km/h for the saloon and 4.9 s for the Avant, and 16.6 s to 200 km/h for the saloon. About 10,000 B7s were built, around 2,000 of them for the USA.

B8 (2012-2015)

Audi revealed the third RS4 Avant at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show on the MLB platform. It kept a 4.2 FSI V8, now with 331 kW (450 PS) and 430 Nm, and shared its powertrain with the RS5 Coupé. The manual gave way to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. Seven thousand were built. In February 2014 Audi marked the 20th anniversary of the RS2 with the Nogaro Selection, of which about 200 were made.

B9 (2018-2025)

The last RS4 Avant was shown at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and built from 2018 to 2025. Audi replaced the V8 with the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 TFSI (EA839) also used by Porsche in the Panamera: power stayed at 331 kW (450 PS), but torque rose to 600 Nm. An eight-speed tiptronic automatic replaced the dual-clutch gearbox. The RS4 Competition added Audi's RS sport suspension pro with adjustable coilovers and 20-inch wheels.

The farewell model, the RS4 Avant Edition 25 Years, was announced in May 2024. A remap raised power to 346 kW (470 PS) with the same 600 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 3.7 s, 0.4 s quicker than the standard car, with a top speed of 300 km/h. It was lowered by 10 mm and had stiffer front control arms, more negative camber, an updated sport differential, carbon-ceramic brakes as standard, less sound insulation and matt carbon trim. All 250 cars were reserved for Europe.

Engines, transmissions and performance

The B5 and B7 were electronically limited to 250 km/h, while the Edition 25 Years reaches 300 km/h. Need these outputs in horsepower? Use our power converter.

Weight and practicality

The Avant body makes every RS4 a usable family car, with the load area and folding rear seat of the regular A4 Avant. Audi's boot figures for the RS versions are not in our sources, so we do not quote them; the B7 Cabriolet is the heaviest RS4 listed, at 1,845 kg.

Running costs

High-performance engines bring high running costs. The B7's V8 makes its peak power at 7,800 rpm, the B5's twin-turbo V6 was a specialist Cosworth design, and carbon-ceramic brakes, standard on the Edition 25 Years, are costly to replace. The B9's V6 is shared with other Audi and Porsche models. Check the fuel cost calculator for your annual mileage before you buy.

Safety

Euro NCAP does not test RS models separately. The B9 RS4 is based on the A4 that Euro NCAP rated five stars in 2015, but the RS version has different wheels, brakes and suspension, so the result applies only in general terms.

Reliability and known issues

We do not list specific faults, because we have not found a source we can cite for each generation. The age of the B5 and B7 means that condition and service history matter more than mileage.

Rivals

The RS4 has always been measured against the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C 63, both available as saloons and, in some generations, as estates. Top Gear compared the B7 RS4 directly with the M3 and the C63 AMG. Our comparison tool puts any two of them side by side.

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