• Iconic Audi high-performance wagon is faster than ever before
• 331 kW/600 Nm 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo draws on RS heritage 
• All-new RS 4 Avant with very high levels of standard equipment,
  and priced from $152,900*

The original RS 2 Avant and the all-new RS 4 Avant share more than just their bodystyle concept and RS pedigree. The highlight of the new RS 4 is a brand-new Audi-developed 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine that offers exceptional power and efficiency, as well as an incomparably full-bodied RS sound, thanks to the standard RS sports exhaust system. The original RS 4 Avant was powered by a 2.7-litre V6 biturbo engine, but in terms of powertrain technology, that's where the similarities end.

The all-new engine produces 331 kW of power, and peak torque of 600 Nm – up 170 Nm from its predecessor – is available across a wide band from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, which by this measure, makes it the fastest-ever RS 4 Avant, by a stunning 0.6 seconds.

The 2.9 TFSI unit's twin turbochargers are positioned between the cylinder banks. The ingested air flows to the respective turbocharger and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system for spontaneous response. The B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection represents a new level of efficiency among the RS models. It allows for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency. In the ADR test cycle, the V6 biturbo consumes just 8.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, corresponding to 202 grams CO2 per kilometre. This is an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model.

The biturbo's power is channelled through the sporty, slick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with an optimised shift program that delivers a constant stream of power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, torque is distributed asymmetrically (40:60) to the front and rear axles, to guarantee dynamic handling with optimal traction. However, up to 85 percent of the engine's torque can be directed to the rear wheels during dynamic driving, for especially sporty handling. The sport differential actively transfers torque to the rear wheel with most traction, for powerful cornering acceleration.

The all-new RS 4 Avant is only the second RS model to utilise the new MLBevo chassis architecture, and is up to 80kg lighter than before. Together with a new suspension layout at the front and rear, the all-new RS 4 Avant promises an incredible blend of comfortable daily driving, practical versatility and an ability to carve through twisty roads in a way that very few sports cars can match.

The new RS 4 Avant is longer (+62mm), wider (+16mm) and lower (-12mm) than its predecessor, giving it an imposing stance on the road. The pronounced quattro blisters over the wheel guards further the impression of width, and take inspiration from the famous Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. A wider and flatter singleframe grille, as well as massive air inlets at the front all share the honeycomb structure that is typical of Audi RS models. Next to the headlights are additional lateral air intakes and outlets.

Sporty accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 4 Avant rolls on 20-inch wheels, available in three designs. The appearance packages – gloss black, carbon and matt aluminium – provide even more customisation options.

An updated five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. This benefits the sporty driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the new Audi RS 4 Avant sits much lower than even the S4 Avant. Audi also offers ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard Audi drive select system.

Bathed in black, the interior of the new Audi RS 4 Avant is luxuriously appointed, with a decidedly sporty edge. Details such as RS sport seats with honeycomb stitching in fine Nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel underscore the character of the high-performance Avant in the interior as well. There are RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and the selector lever. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces. A shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit.

Sonoma green metallic is an exclusive paint finish available for both the RS 5 Coupé and the RS 4 Avant. Nogaro Blue Pearl Effect is also available as part of the Audi exclusive customisation program, a colour which also harks back to the original RS 4 Avant, as well as the first-ever RS model, the 1994 RS 2 Avant.

The new RS 4 Avant is equipped with a substantial level of standard specification. Key highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, matt aluminium exterior styling package, panoramic glass sunroof, as well as privacy glass and red-painted brake calipers.

In addition, a generous list of high-performance features is standard on all Australian RS 4 Avant vehicles, including the quattro sport rear differential, RS sports exhaust system as mentioned earlier, as well as Dynamic Ride Control with adaptive dampers.

When it comes to safety, the all-new Audi RS 4 Avant is offered with the full suite of driver assistance systems as standard fitment, including:

• Active lane assist
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Exit warning system
• Cross traffic assist, rear
• Audi side assist blind spot warning system
• Audi pre-sense basic (belt tensioning, window closing and other preventative measures if an emergency is detected)
• Audi pre-sense front with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection (up to 85 km/h), turn assist, collision avoidance assist, and high-beam assist
• Audi pre-sense rear (warns following traffic if they are at risk of running into the rear of the car)
• Parking system plus with 360 degree cameras

Standard infotainment features abound, like the Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect, smartphone interface and DAB+ digital radio, as well as the high-end Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

The all-new Audi RS 4 Avant is on-sale now.

Pricing*

 RS 4 Avant 2.9 TFSI quattro tiptronic 331kW $152,900

*MLP – Manufacturer's List Price (excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

– ENDS –

The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 16 locations in twelve countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2017, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.878 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 3,815 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 55,900 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2017 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €60.1 billion and an operating profit of €5.1 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.