Audi RS 4 Avant pricing revealed

Audi will commence sales of its fourth-generation RS 4 Avant quattro next Friday (May 31) with a list price of $152,900 plus on-road costs.

Positioned almost $4000 below the mechanically identical RS 5 Coupe ($156,600 plus ORCs), Audi Australia says the RS 4 wagon brings a $22,000 increase in overall value compared to the outgoing model.

More importantly, it undercuts its only real chief rival – the $159,711 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate – by almost $7000.

The more powerful 331kW/600Nm twin-turbo V6-powered, all-wheel drive Audi RS 4 promises faster acceleration (0-100km/h in 4.1sec) and 17 per cent lower fuel consumption than the heavier model it replaces.

Specified to a higher level than in its home market, the Australian-spec RS 4 Avant quattro includes 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, Audi Sport sports exhaust, Audi Sport active differential and Audi Sport Suspension Plus with Dynamic Ride Control.

Also standard is a gesture-controlled tailgate, matte aluminium styling package, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and red-painted brake callipers.

Standard infotainment technology is also enhanced with the fitment of DAB+ digital radio, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect and smartphone interfaces, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.

Safety technology echoes the full suite of MLB Evo platform systems premiered on the Q7 SUV.

Four optional styling kits – ranging from $1000 to $11,900 – are offered alongside key upgrades such as the $3900 Technik Package (head-up display, wireless charging, Matrix LED headlights) and the $11,900 Carbon Ceramic Brake Package (400mm carbon rotors and six-piston callipers up front).

Metallic paint attracts an $1846 premium while lightweight milled 20-inch alloy wheels add $1600. A space-saver spare wheel comes standard.

“We actually have the largest Audi Sport range ever offered, this year,” said Audi Australia director of marketing and communications, Anna Burgdorf.

“It’s a solid range of S and RS models, and they certainly do act as a halo for the Audi range, and drive sales of our vehicles. They remain a real hallmark of the brand and our customers are always passionate about Audi Sport models.

“The RS 4 Avant certainly has that supercar performance and everyday practicality – it’s a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ formula.

“We’ve sold more than 600 RS 4 variants in Australia over the past three generations… and with more than 100 pre-orders already, this looks like becoming our best-selling RS 4 model yet,” she said.

The mid-size RS 4 wagon is one of four new Audi models expected on sale here before the end of this year.

It will be joined by the new A8 sedan in July, the new A7 Sportback in October and the all-new RS 5 Sportback towards the end of the year.

Visit motoring.com.au next week for our first Australian review of the 2018 Audi RS 4 Avant.

How much does the 2018 Audi RS 4 cost?
>> Audi RS 4 Avant quattro – $152,900 (plus on-road costs)