Audi RS4 Avant review

As we’ve mentioned, the RS4 Avant has only one direct rival, if you focus on the estate factor: the Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate. However, in entry-level trim the RS4 undercuts its rival by a healthy margin, but ends up more expensive if you compare them in their respective top-spec trims.

CO2 emissions for the RS4 are par for the course in this class at many – it's in the highest benefit-in-kind tax bracket for company car tax, just like for the C63. The official combined fuel consumption beats the C63's, but as you’re unlikely to see that unless you're super careful, whether you're a private buyer or business user, the RS4 will still cost you a pretty penny.

Equipment levels are generous, so you shouldn’t need to plunder the options list too much. All RS4s get bespoke RS body styling, 19in wheels, a sport rear differential, Nappa leather seats (heated and massaging up front), power-folding door mirrors, three-zone climate control and privacy glass. That's on top of the infotainment system, electric seats, parking aids and LED headlights we've already covered. We wouldn’t go for the Carbon Black trim because your extra money mostly goes on styling upgrades, and, while the Vorsprung trim ticks just about every option box Audi offers, it’s hugely expensive.

Euro NCAP rated the Audi A4, on which the RS4 is based, five stars out of five overall for safety. However, there were still quite a few issues noted that weakens the adult occupant protection it offers – the likelihood of chest injuries, mainly – and the Alfa Romeo Giulia managed much higher category scores. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is standard, and blind spot monitoring is added to Vorsprung trim.

The A4 Avant also compares well against the competition in terms of security. Thatcham Research awarded it the maximum five stars for resisting being stolen and four stars for withstanding a break-in.