Review: Audi RS4 Avant/RS4 Cabriolet

As with its illustrious estate predecessors, the new RS4 Avant blends performance, style and practicality. The imposing bodykit and bulging wheelarches of the saloon work just as well on the Avant, so there's no mistaking the estate's sporting intentions.

The normally aspirated V8 pumps out 414bhp and 430Nm of torque, and the load-lugger's 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds is only a tenth slower than the saloon's. Revving to 8,250rpm, the powerplant provides a fantastic soundtrack, while the short-throw six-speed gearbox is Audi's best-ever.

Full review here

chewy - 6/10/2006 9:28:30 PM

+3 Boost

I think that we all know by now that this is a great car.

Hyundai - 6/10/2006 10:58:12 PM

+1 Boost

SEXY!

I love the yellow paint and silver pillars on the windshield.

I don't think it gets too much sexier than this car.

Drop-top RS4= mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

chewy - 6/11/2006 7:59:28 PM

+1 Boost

Now that the BMW lovers have nothing to say about the performance of the RS4, they start to critc the looks of the car. The look is meant to be aggresive without being offensive.

chewy - 6/12/2006 12:15:23 AM

+3 Boost

Here is a different review.

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4024011

L0RD0FTHER1NGS - 6/12/2006 5:38:14 AM

+1 Boost

To all you BMW fans, why can't you just call a spade a spade, the RS4 is MUCH better looking car and even better performance then the M3. Yes the new M3 is coming soon and i'm sure it will be a very good car even though it will be underpowered with a 415BHP engine. So let BMW take a back seat in this one and just let it be. I mean just look at the Avant, I think I would even take that before the drop. Yo Chewy I peeped the review, very good I must say.

PlanoA4 - 6/12/2006 12:41:23 PM

+1 Boost

I was lucky enough to attend the Audi Streets of Tomorrow event two weeks ago and drive quite a different few models. Last night we returned from a long weekend and the resort we stayed at, actually had the BMW Resort Tour there at the same time. On three days I had 5 BMW models for 1 to 4 hours each to drive wherever and however I pleased. So I gave them a test to see for myself. (Hey they were free!)

Actually it surprised me how alike and different the competing models were. Both Marquees had outstanding examples present but after the extensive test drives of the BMW models, I still can say I preferred the Audis even though the drives in them were for minutes each vs. the hours in the BMW’s.

While the BMW’s were very much a slice and dice kind of car, they tended to be more stark and less friendly than the similar Audis. The Audi's were far more controllable at the limits and less subject to the road conditions in general. I guess if I live on the race track a BMW would be a serious contender. However I do not, and the Audi’s were far more civilized on a day to day basis, even in the hill country where the roads are twisty.

I remembered the statements that the BMW’s have more of a “wow factor” and that that was a reason to buy them over the Audi’s. Well, we pulled up to valet for dinner in a 760LI (V12) in an upscale restaurant on Friday night. Up front there were a several spaces for the “wow factor cars” to proudly be displayed. The 760LI got parked in the back, even though it was a $120k vehicle. The cars up front were a Z06 Vette, Lotus Elise, Hummer, and a few Mercs for flavor. For some reason the BMW never garnered a glance. To me that pretty much sealed the fate of the “wow factor”.

phantom330 - 6/12/2006 4:04:56 PM

-1 Boost

I'm not sure I like the looks of the convert., but the sedan has always looked good in my opinion.

PlanoA4 - 6/12/2006 9:53:54 PM

+3 Boost

The only thing you can do is test drive the heck out of both and go with your gut on the BMW or the Audi. Quite a few years ago I was an underdog bimmer fan, but over the years I noticed Audi picking up steam and I switched.

The main reason?

Their total commitment to dominate whatever they do. They do not have the wide spread scope of BMW or Porsche. But they have the focus that when they are ready to do something, they jump in with both feet and give it hell. Look at the early rally years, Lemans, and DTM, (where they have raced damn near every chassis they can and won).

True, they do not have the support similar to the beloved bimmerheads. But the tide is turning, people really are standing up and taking notice. The race wins will come in time. But right now that focus has been turned towards expansion and development. The next five years promise to be exciting.

Either way you go, BMW or Audi or MB, you will have made a fine choice. After riding in the RS4, I find it hard pressed to find a machine that does everything so well for me. MB is on the track too, but right now they are still a bit too old school for me. Give me 10 years and I might change my mind.

Hyundai - 6/13/2006 10:13:43 AM

+1 Boost

What ever happened to the GS 450h? I can imagine you are also looking at the E-Class?

Hyundai - 6/14/2006 12:48:39 PM

+1 Boost

winner! I agree with your choice. Not only is the Range Rover Sport better looking on the outside, it is better looking on the inside too. Better value as well. Money well spent! Your wife will be very happy with you!