Skip advert
Advertisement

New Audi RS 4 2018 review

The latest Audi RS 4 has been downsized from a V8 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, but it's faster than ever before

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Audi RS4
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The latest Audi RS 4 is exactly the hugely capable cross-country machine you’d hope it to be. While the loss of two cylinders leaves a little dent in the car’s character there’s no doubting its performance, and this is still a practical wagon with a strong hand where it matters – accessible pace and usability. It’s comfortable on the move and nicely finished inside, too, but the tempting options can send the price soaring.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Look at the power figures of the new, fourth-generation Audi RS 4, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that no progress had been made. Its output is identical to the old naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 model, which first went on sale in 2012. 

While deciding to stick rather than twist with 444bhp may seem at odds with these power-obsessed times, it isn’t without reason. Audi’s hot estate recipe has changed, with a substantial 170Nm torque boost– up to 600Nm – coming by way of a new, lighter twin-turbocharged engine.

Best fast family cars on sale

It’s a straightforward downsizing exercise – lose two cylinders, gain two turbos, and boast a jump in fuel economy, as this new RS 4 manages 32.1mpg officially. The 2.9-litre V6 ‘hot vee’ twin-turbo now found under the bonnet is shared with the new but rather unexciting RS 5, but we found it more at home in the more practical and useable RS 4 when we drove it in Europe late last year. Now, the latest member of Audi’s RS line-up is here in the UK. 

4.1 seconds is the claimed new 0-62mph time thanks to that additional bit of grunt, though it’s plain to see that it’s a conservative estimation – make use of the launch control function and a dash dipping into the three second column certainly feels realistic. The usual limited 155mph top speed is applied, but it can be upped to a higher 174mph electronic threshold (280kph in the Audi’s native Germany) for an extra £1,450. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Jazz

2023 Honda

Jazz

5,500 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,425
View Jazz
Rio

2023 Kia

Rio

6,900 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,193
View Rio
RAV4 Hybrid

2024 Toyota

RAV4 Hybrid

40,707 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £24,899
View RAV4 Hybrid
GLC Coupe

2019 Mercedes

GLC Coupe

46,230 milesAutomaticDiesel2.1L

Cash £21,799
View GLC Coupe

Indeed, searing cross-country pace is this new RS 4’s distinct character trait. There’s a slight hint of lag when you pin the throttle, but from 2,000rpm onwards the punch and responsiveness of that new six-cylinder unit is almost relentless, and it’ll keep shovelling power to the all-wheel-drive system pretty much all the way to the 7,000rpm redline. Even in its most docile Comfort drive mode the RS 4 picks up the pace without breaking a sweat, and does so with a ride quality that’s barely any less supple than a regular A4.   

Flicking the selector into Dynamic ramps things up with sharper throttle response, while the gearbox holds gears for longer. Of course, paddles on the steering wheel are present and accounted for, if you really want the maximum level of involvement. 

Best performance cars available

The huge pace on offer really isn’t all too surprising though – this was always going to be a very fast Audi. The big question on every RS fan’s lips is how exciting this new model is, and namely, if the plot to ditch naturally aspirated V8 power has removed some the car’s thrilling edge. 

You can coax a rich six-cylinder noise out of that turbocharged engine, though the optional sports exhaust doesn’t wholly transform the level of aural excitement on offer – the volume goes up only a notch, adding an extra pop and crackle here and there. 

The steering plays things safe, being decently weighted and razor sharp, but as with most electric systems lacking in crucial road feel. Combined with the huge amount of traction on offer and the ease with which the nose now tucks in, thanks to that 35kg lighter engine, the RS 4 definitely feels like a car built to move as fast as possible as easily as possible rather than showboat with lively handling and a rear end that’ll step out on demand. Up to 70 per cent of the engine’s power can be sent to the rear wheels, but the car’s overriding characteristic when pushed is still balance and four wheel grip. 

Of course, alongside the RS 4’s performance side it still has to serve as a practical family car. In the cabin things are as impeccably finished as you’d expect in any modern Audi, with the odd RS logo’d addition such as the flat bottomed Alcantara trimmed steering wheel reminding you of the power under the skin. A 505-litre boot makes it a smidgen more practical than the Mercedes-AMG C 63 Estate too. 

With Audi’s fast estate heading down the six-cylinder route, and Merc’s looking set to keep its V8 power for a few years more yet, there is now a proper split between the two cars. The fresher Audi with its accessible performance, huge grip, slicker tech and additional bit of space certainly doesn’t disappoint and is a hugely appealing performance estate, but if you’re after a bit of V8 excitement in this class and at this price level, there is now only one place to go. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,395
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,930
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025