The Audi RS4 Avant (B8) facelift, produced from May 2012 to 2015, represents the pinnacle of performance within the B8 generation of Audi’s renowned RS4 model line. This variant, equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine producing 450 horsepower and paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, solidified the RS4 Avant’s reputation as a highly capable and desirable performance estate car. It served as a direct competitor to models like the BMW M5 Touring and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate, offering a unique blend of practicality and exhilarating performance. The facelift brought subtle styling revisions and continued refinement of the already impressive B8 platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | RS4 |
| Generation | RS4 Avant (B8) (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 4.2 FSI V8 (450 Hp) quattro S tronic |
| Start of production | May, 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 US mpg, 19.3 UK mpg, 6.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg, 11.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 249 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 250.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 239.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 450 Hp @ 8250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 108.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 430 Nm @ 4000-6000 rpm (317.15 lb.-ft. @ 4000-6000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CFSA |
| Engine displacement | 4163 cm3 (254.04 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt, 8.53 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt, 8.53 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1795 kg (3957.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2345 kg (5169.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1430 l (50.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal, 13.42 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4719 mm (185.79 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Height | 1416 mm (55.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2813 mm (110.75 in.) |
| Front track | 1599 mm (62.95 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic transmission S tronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 9J x 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the RS4 Avant is the CFSA engine, a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8. This engine utilizes Audi’s FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) direct injection technology, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chambers for improved efficiency and power. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for high-revving performance. The 92.8mm stroke and 84.5mm bore contribute to a relatively short-stroke design, favoring responsiveness. The 12.5:1 compression ratio further enhances power output. Paired with this engine is the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. This transmission offers incredibly fast and smooth gear changes, contributing significantly to the car’s acceleration. The S tronic features a multi-plate wet clutch design for durability and efficient power transfer. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system distributes power between the front and rear axles, providing exceptional traction and stability in all weather conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The RS4 Avant’s 450 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque deliver exhilarating performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the car feels incredibly planted and stable at high speeds. The S tronic transmission provides near-instantaneous shifts, whether in automatic or manual mode. While the engine doesn’t offer the low-end grunt of a turbocharged engine, it builds power linearly and enthusiastically as the revs climb. The exhaust note is a distinctive V8 growl, adding to the driving experience. Compared to the standard A4 Avant, the RS4 offers a significantly firmer ride due to its sport-tuned suspension. However, it remains surprisingly comfortable for everyday use. Compared to other RS4 variants, like those with a manual transmission, the S tronic offers quicker acceleration but some purists prefer the engagement of a manual gearbox.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The RS4 Avant came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included sport seats upholstered in Nappa leather with RS badging, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum trim. Standard exterior features included a unique RS front bumper, side skirts, rear diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets. Optional extras included carbon fiber trim, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and adaptive cruise control. The interior dashboard configuration was largely similar to the standard A4 Avant, but with RS-specific gauges and displays. The RS4 Avant was positioned as the top-of-the-line performance variant, offering a more luxurious and refined experience than the S4.
Chassis & Braking
The RS4 Avant features a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard A4 Avant. The front suspension utilizes a multi-link design, while the rear suspension employs a trapezoidal link setup. Large, ventilated disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The braking system is enhanced by ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control. The RS4 Avant typically featured larger stabilizer bars than the standard A4, further reducing body roll during cornering. The rear brakes were typically ventilated discs, offering improved heat dissipation compared to the solid discs found on some lower-spec A4 models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The RS4 Avant (B8) facelift was widely praised by automotive critics for its performance, handling, and practicality. It was lauded as one of the best all-around performance cars available. Fuel economy, however, was a common criticism, with combined fuel consumption averaging around 22 US mpg. Compared to the standard A4 Avant, the RS4 offered a significant performance upgrade but came at a substantial price premium. Compared to the BMW M5 Touring and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate, the RS4 offered a unique blend of performance and refinement, often praised for its balanced handling and comfortable ride.
Legacy
The Audi RS4 Avant (B8) facelift remains a highly sought-after performance estate car in the used car market. The 4.2-liter V8 engine is known for its reliability, although regular maintenance is essential. The S tronic transmission is generally reliable, but some owners have reported issues with the mechatronic unit. Overall, the RS4 Avant (B8) is considered a well-built and durable car that offers a rewarding driving experience. Its combination of performance, practicality, and relative reliability has cemented its status as a modern classic among automotive enthusiasts.
