Audi RS4 Avant 4.2 V8 FSI 450 CV Quattro S-tronic, road test (Design, interior and boot)

A few days ago we introduced our protagonist in the road test section: the Audi RS4 Avant, a sporty model within the RS range of Audi. Specifically, the RS4 Avant is powered by a 4.2 eight-cylinder engine producing 450 CV.

Everything about the powerful engine, one of the few naturally aspirated V8s left, or about its handling and consumption, we covered in the first part of the test. Now, in the second part , we turn to the exterior design, the elements that set it apart from the rest of the A4 range, and the interior and boot.

Exterior design, elegant sportiness

Any motoring enthusiast can recognise the Audi RS4 Avant from its front alone, but that doesn’t stop it from having an elegant design, with its sportiness showing in a few exterior details without being overly eye-catching.

At the front, the sporty bumper stands out, with a contrasting lower section, the large grille with the RS4 logo and the oversized air intakes. The bi-xenon headlights are standard, although if you want them to be adaptive you have to pay extra.

On the side, the first thing that will catch your eye is the large 20-inch wheels with 365 mm front and 324 mm rear brake discs and the RS logo on the calipers. These wheels are an option, as the car comes standard with 19-inch wheels.

At the rear, the sportiness is present in the spoiler and above all in the lower part of the bumper, larger than that of the standard A4, with two huge exhaust outlets at each end. There is also grey trim finishing some details of the bumper, matching the mirrors and the lower part of the front bumper. The rear lights use LED technology, as do the front ones for the daytime running lights.

Although the sportiness is noticeable, in my opinion it keeps the air of elegance typical of a premium estate and does not overload the exterior with sporty elements.

Interior design, little changes compared with any Audi A4

Inside, the differences between the RS4 Avant and a Audi A4 Avant are minimal, in fact they come down to the seats, the steering wheel, the gear lever knob and the pedals. The rest of the dashboard design and the finishes are identical to those of any A4, which, it must be said, are of good quality, with pleasant-to-the-touch materials and good fit.

The seats are sport-type, with excellent lateral support and the RS4 logo. In our unit, however, they were leather (3,690 euros), but not perforated, and this is noticeable on a hot day even though they are light-coloured (it would not hurt, given what you pay, for them to at least be perforated).

The driving position is very comfortable, slightly low, because the RS4 Avant sits a little lower than the standard version, yet with excellent visibility and everything within easy reach.

In the back, space is not abundant, although, despite being a sporty car, it is still an estate, and in this type of car space is scrutinised closely. It also has another drawback, the access to the rear seats, which could be improved. That said, an adult of 1.75 metres will be comfortable, at least in the side seats; in the centre seat less so, as it is firmer and has a raised central tunnel.

The rear seats have air vents and a 12V socket to charge our devices, especially now that batteries run down so quickly and we always miss a charger when we need one.

Boot and storage

The boot has a capacity of 490 litres, and it is quite usable thanks to its rectangular shape and it has a false floor. That said, it does not have a spare wheel; instead it has a puncture repair kit (and a battery under the boot floor).

Among other practical features, it has several tie-down points in the boot, a net, and the typical ski hatch in the centre seat.

In the storage department, the centre tunnel has two cup holders and a medium-sized compartment, as well as a space at the front where the ashtray and lighter are located. The door pockets are adequate and lined on the inside.

Photos | R. Rodriguez, Diego G. Moreira, Test team