High performance in everyday use and on the racetrack: the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the RS 4 Avant, Audi is launching a special model, the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years. As the performance flagship, the model boasts enhanced driving dynamics, exclusive interior, and exterior details, and is available in Audi’s iconic Imola Yellow finish. At the same time, Audi is also launching the new RS 5 Sportback Performance Edition, which benefits from the same powertrain upgrades.

In the 1990s, Audi established the idea of the performance estate with the Audi Avant RS2 and Audi S6 plus. However, the first RS model from quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH) was the 1999 B5-generation RS4* Avant. Compared to the Audi S4, it broke onto the scene with a widened body and a 2.7-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, which at the time had an impressive 380PS output. The sportiest version of the first RS 4 generation hit the market in 2001 with the RS4 Sport. Its features included even lower suspension, bucket seats, a sports exhaust, and a suede steering wheel. The RS 4 Avant edition 25 years echoes the memorable design of this vehicle and is itself the sportiest version of the current B9 series.

Engine: Power increase to 470PS output

Developments to the engine and suspension, as well as upgrades to the wheels deliver impressive performance. The 2.9-litre V6 biturbo in the new RS 4 Avant edition 25 years has an output of 470PS and a maximum torque of 600Nm. That is an increase of 20PS compared to the regular RS 4 Avant. As a result, 0-62mph takes just 3.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the standard version, while the top speed increases to 186mph. Standard RS ceramic brakes provide uncompromised stopping power and the RS sports exhaust system plus with tailpipes in matt black generates an intense soundtrack.

Suspension: Sharpened for optimal dynamics

The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years comes standard with the RS sports suspension pro, a manually adjustable coilover suspension that ensures a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort. This gives the anniversary model a 10mm lower ride height than the regular RS 4 Avant. Furthermore, customers can manually lower the ride height by an additional 10mm for an overall ride height that is 20mm lower.

The vehicle also comes with the quattro sport differential, which ensures greater agility and more rearward bias for increased driving fun, especially in “dynamic” driving mode. The updated software in the transmission control unit makes for faster shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes.

Exclusively for the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years, the negative camber on the front axle was increased to two degrees, and stiffer control arms were installed. This results in improved grip and better handling for faster cornering speeds. A fixed subframe on the rear axle provides more precise suspension feedback and better overall performance. This is further enhanced by the improved Torsen differential.

Wheels and tyres: Top performance for all kinds of use

To put all that power on the road, the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years comes standard with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres designed for the road and the racetrack. The tyres wrap machined 20-inch alloy wheels in matt palladium. The forged wheels are weight-optimised and have been visually enhanced by intensive milling.

Customers also receive an additional tyre set, the Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tyres** and Pirelli Track Adrenaline system. The tyres are specifically designed for the racetrack and come on exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels in matt black.

Due to their specific rubber compound and asymmetrical tread, the Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS performance tyres offer exceptional grip in dry conditions, thus increasing stability and lateral grip. The exclusive Track Adrenaline system features sophisticated sensors in the tyres, providing the driver with real-time information about tyre pressure and temperature, a high-performance control unit, and a dedicated phone app, which supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Through Pirelli Track Adrenaline, the customer will experience real-time information and recommended actions for optimal tyre management on the racetrack.

Design: A tribute to the RS4 Sport (B5)

To commemorate the colour of the RS4 Sport, today’s edition model is also available in Imola Yellow. Nardo Grey and Mythos Black are also available as exterior colours.

• Nardo Grey, solid – £115,880 (OTR)
• Mythos Black, metallic – £116,555 (OTR)
• Imola Yellow, Audi Exclusive – £119,180 (OTR)

A wide range of exclusive design features make the edition model truly special. For example, the trims on the side windows come in glossy black. For the first time, the edition features a black inlay in the rear lights. The Audi rings and lettering also come in gloss black, and the Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels specific to the RS family. The roof rails have been removed to give the vehicle a flatter, sportier silhouette.

Standard equipment includes a B&O 3D Sound System, advanced key, a 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging.

As a unique highlight, “RS 4 edition 25 years” lettering is engraved in the windows between the C- and D-pillars. The matt carbon appearance package was designed exclusively for this edition. It features the front spoiler lip, front air intake inserts, side skirts, rear diffuser insert and exterior mirror housings in matt carbon.

The interior, with its yellow decorative stitching, is reminiscent of the black/yellow leather Alcantara combination from the 2001 RS4 Sport. For the first time, the floor mats have an RS 4 logo, and the traditionally red Audi Sport rhombus and black RS lettering are now also yellow in the edition model. The steering wheel rim, the leather armrests on the doors, the centre console in dark black Alcantara, and the gear gaiter all feature stitching in the same colour. The RS bucket seats with honeycomb stitching and the carbon backrest come with an impressive deep black leather/Dinamica combination with contrasting yellow stitching. Directly below the headrest is RS 4 lettering in the same colour.

Exclusive lettering on the centre console indicates each individual car’s sequential number, from 1 to 250. Only 50 of the anniversary models will come to the UK. Customers who purchase an RS 4 Avant edition 25 years can select a white background for the tachometer and speedometer via the MMI – a tribute to the 1994 Audi Avant RS2, where the analogue dials initially came in white. Launch Control, which fully exploits the acceleration potential of the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years, signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line with its traffic light icons.

Most powerful Audi RS 5: Performance Edition with 470PS

The RS 5 is also receiving a power upgrade: The V6 biturbo in the new Audi RS 5 Sportback Performance Edition has an output of 470PS and a maximum torque of 600Nm. That is an increase of 20PS compared with the regular RS 5 Sportback. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds, which is an improvement of 0.2 seconds. Its top speed is 186 mph. The Audi RS 5 Sportback Performance Edition also comes standard with the RS sports suspension pro with progressive steering and an improved Torsen differential. Only 10 examples of this limited-edition model will come to the UK market.