Video: Audi RS4 Avant - the last hurrah

The legend of Audi’s celebrated RS performance sub-brand began with an estate car in the shape of the legendary RS2 back in 1994. So, it feels kind of fitting that its last combustion engined model may also end up being an estate. Of course, the story continues with in electrified form with the RS E-Tron GT. But this RS4 Avant Competition very much represents the end of an era. Is it worthy? Take a drive with Rory to find out…

After years of bossing the performance estate car game with various generations of RS4 Avant and RS6 Audi has recently faced its biggest challenge yet, in the shape of the all-conquering BMW M3 Touring. As Rory discovers, this RS4 Avant Competition attempts to claw back some ground on BMW with some small but significant upgrades.
True, the turbocharged V6 petrol engine sticks with the same 450 horsepower. But modifications to the gearbox have shaved a couple of tenths off the 0-62mph sprint to get it under the four-second barrier while tweaks to the signature Quattro four-wheel drive system send more power to the rear wheels in an attempt to match the showboating skills of the M3. Race car style manually adjustable suspension will earn cred with serious enthusiasts as well, Audi also fitting the Sports Exhaust Plus as standard and locking out the previously floppy variable steering for a sharper response through the corners.

There are some other special things to signify the Competition version of the RS4, of which just 75 cars will be brought to the UK. But we’ll let Rory talk you through those as he explores whether Audi has done enough to honour both its own formidable history and see off the challenge of its BMW rival.
And if you enjoyed this video make sure to subscribe for more of the same, and don’t forget to hit like and join the conversation in the YouTube comments thread.