2021 Audi RS4 Avant: Better than the RS6 - Full Review

Facelift RS4 better than the RS6? Big thanks to Crepchief Notify for sponsoring this episode, use the code “CCN10” to get £10 off, use the link below!

The last time the RS4 was on the channel, it was before RBR levelled up to the unique channel that you guys enjoy today, so I’ve never given it the presentation that it deserves here on my canvas for you! That changes today, as I’ll take you through the full history of the “true” #AudiSport wagon, leading to this facelift!

The RS4’s birth is linked to the birth fo Audi Sport itself, going back to the very first RS named car. And that was the Audi 80 RS2. It was a bold statement by Audi at the time, a sports wagon built with the help of Porsche - you’ll see the 911 wheels and brakes and much more - it was even built in Zuffenhausen and features Porsche parts throughout, along with heavy modifications to the suspension and more. The highlight was the engine, Porsche tuned Audi’s most powerful 2.2 litre 5 cylinder engine to produce 315BHP. 0-60 was a quick 5.4 seconds, and the 0-30 MPH was clocked faster than the McLaren F1!!

A whole 5 years later came the first RS4 B5, before any RS6 was created, this was the fast Audi wagon. It had a 2.7 twin turbo V6 from Cosworth, with 380 BHP and a 0-60 of 4.9 seconds. It was so popular, Audi doubled their original production estimates for this car.

In 2005, came the natural V8 version in the B7. This time available in Sedan and cabriolet versions too. The V8 made 420BHP, healthy even by today’s standards, though with a similar 0-60. It also had a clever asymmetrical torque control Quattro system, giving 40% power on front and 60% on the rear. It was also the only one in class to offer carbon ceramics at the time, and the last ever to be manual only!

2012 Saw a return to Wagon only in the B8, still a natural v8 but this time paired to a dual clutch gearbox, it has the same horsepower as our car today at 450 BHP, though the S-Tronic of course made the 0-60 faster. It was the last time we will see a V8, and to my eyes, the most muscular #Audi #RS4 ever it just looks like that dude in the gym forever stuck in bulking season!

Fast forward to our pre-facelift, B9 first version. Once again linking to Porsche like the RS2, by sharing the then new V6 twin turbo engine, and linking to the B5 with the V6 element too. It’s a hot V too, so a very responsive natural feeling engine. Whole car is 35kg lighter thus than it’s predecessor. Quattro system as with the B8 goes up to 85% to the rear, essentially giving some nice rear wheel feeling, and the Gearbox is a torque converter this time.

Our new car, essentially the same formula. Few changes, much like rivals AMG and M did with their facelifts. Main news, Its lighter with sound deadening removed along with other tweaks, giving over 100kg difference now vs the old V8. The gearbox is apparently, snappier, with new software. And we have a host of tech changed inside too. But is it enough vs the M3 and C63S, and where does it stand vs the RS6? Today we explore:

- The History of the RS4
- Audi 80 RS2 Avant
- The first RS4 - B5 RS4 Avant Cosworth
- RS4 B7 Avant V8
- RS4 B8 Avant V8
- RS4 B9 1st generation pre-facelift V6
- RS4 B9 Facelift
- RS4 performance figures
- Technical changes outside and in
- Exterior Design
- Future of the RS4 - Etron RS4
- RS4 VS RS6, RS4 VS M3, RS4 VS C63
- Full driving review
- Daily living
- Conclusion

Up next on on RBR is the new AMG E63S, the New MK8 Golf R and MUCH MUCH More!! Subscribe to support us and see them first. :)

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Driving disclaimer:

Please note all driving shots have been filmed on closed roads.

[RemoveBeforeRace]

Will life become harder or easier for the RS4 in the future? 🤔 For now, it has enough power, better steering and a comparable overall package vs the big brother RS6. Think my E Tron RS4 is on the mark, or will it be a combustion engine again?

[myahya]

I personally think the pre-face lift looks nicer

[CHRlS.G]

I like the looks of the pre facelift more. It just looks more modern to me. Sounds weird, but it really does

[RNX]

Have had my B9 pre face lift for nearly 3 years. Still love it, fantastic all rounder! Don’t really like the front of the new fave lift except the headlights.

[Chaplikebab_]

Good and honest review. I have one - so your analysis was spot on. It is a fantastic daily

[notsaying]

The pre facelift looks much better from the front

[PurpleTT]

Popped into my Audi dealer last Monday, first day open after lockdown. We talked numbers and trade in for my aging F80 M3. I'm mighty tempted, useful vid thanks.

[samsonomondi]

love the rs4 avant, great to compare against the m3 and c63 amg, just wonder why one would compare it with the rs6. I feel the rs6 is for the big-sized wagons performance-enthusiasts and the rs4 for the mid-sized wagon performance-enthusiasts

[Thisismyhandle]

B8 still the best looks & sound for me 👍🏼I’d buy one tomorrow if I could

[OrionVX]

For me when you say fast wagon, Audi wins by heritage. BMW M3 is probably going to be faster but much uglier. Also I think the Audi RS cars are the most comfortable ones as luxury daily cars. They are less aggressive than competitors but when in comes to comfort mode it’s just right.

[davidwan]

Would be interesting to see this go up against, say, a Velar SV Autobiography. The popularity of SUVs, at least in North America, has really killed the estate (wagon) segment. But people need to be reminded of the significant difference in driving dynamics between the two types of vehicles.

[fatdoi]

a real down to earth review... non of those journos always say if a car can't oversteer is no fun.... RS4 is always designed as a daily used car as almost all owners don't bring them to tracks

[johntechwriter]

A good enough review that I subscribed. Having been an Audi owner, I am aware of their quality of build and design, and their practicality, even in the sport models. This car especially, which the reviewer correctly describes as a mid-level sports model, is capable of high performance yet does not call too much attention to itself.

It’s a shame the transmission is overly aggressive, requiring the driver to tippy-toe it even in normal mode. And then there is Audi’s traditional front weight bias, which no Quattro system can neutralize — the laws of physics dictate that this car is going to push in corners, compromising its full-out sport driving potential.

Still, this remains one of the most desirable compact sport wagons out there, and I have no doubt that Audi will find a way to keep the tradition alive.

[SSSDDDOOOGGG]

the pre facelift front bumper looks way cooler :)

[carcars]

Audi goes all out on their cars design always

[rikwarren]

The Best Produced automotive review program on YouTube!

[matthewinsydneyful]

Why this guy doesn't have a million subs?? The quality, presentation and info is top rate. He is full of interesting details and I enjoyed his option to the end. Awesome. I'm poor, I'll never be able to afford, but I still feel relevant due to being mentally ill 🤣

[pagen]

I love this car. I have the Vorsprung edition in Daytona Grey. Opening the taps in Dynamic on the slip road at Castle Donington onto the A50 Derby Southern Bypass brings a very juvenile grin to my face. She’s a hooligan one moment and docile the next.
For me, she’s the ultimate fast Audi wagon daily driver.

[paulstallmeister]

That grill on the m3 touring looks even worse than on the sedan😂🤣. Great review again👌💪!

[CarCrazyRDM]

So many badass wagons shown in this video, including the RS4... such a shame we get none of them here in the States!