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Culture & Lifestyle • Automotive

Audi RS4

The Audi RS4 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A4 produced by Audi Sport for Audi AG.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Audi RS4 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A4 produced by Audi Sport for Audi AG. It has appeared in sedan and Avant wagon form across multiple generations, with powertrains and body styles changing over time. The model is positioned above the Audi S4 as the sportier, higher-performance A4 derivative.

History

The RS4 debuted in 1999 and has appeared in several generations since then, with some production gaps. It was developed as the most performance-oriented version of the A4 range and is generally regarded as the successor to the Audi RS2.

Body styles and generations

The original RS4 was offered as a sedan, while later generations shifted toward Avant wagon body styles. Audi reintroduced the RS4 in 2012 using the A4 Avant rather than the sedan body.

Powertrains

RS4 engines have varied by generation, including a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 in the first model, a 4.2-litre V8 in later models, and a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the B9-generation car.

Drivetrain and positioning

The RS4 has consistently used Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system and sits above the S4 in the A4 family hierarchy. It is intended as a more track-oriented and higher-performance derivative of the standard A4.

Key facts

  • The RS4 is the performance-focused version of the Audi A4.
  • The model was first introduced in 1999 as a successor to the Audi RS2.
  • Early RS4 generations were sold as sedans, while later versions were offered as Avant wagons.
  • The RS4 has used different engines over time, including twin-turbo V6 and naturally aspirated V8 configurations.
  • All RS4 generations are associated with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.
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Canadian context

The Audi RS4 is relevant to Canadian readers as a premium European performance car that has been sold in Canada in various generations through Audi’s market presence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Audi RS4?
It is Audi’s high-performance version of the A4, built by Audi Sport and sold in several generations with different engines and body styles.
When was the Audi RS4 first introduced?
The RS4 was first introduced in 1999.
Is the Audi RS4 a sedan or wagon?
It has been both: early generations were sedans, while later generations were offered mainly as Avant station wagons.
What drivetrain does the Audi RS4 use?
The RS4 uses Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.
How does the RS4 relate to the S4?
The RS4 sits above the S4 as the more powerful and more performance-focused A4 variant.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_RS_4
    Supports: Overview of the RS4 as the high-performance A4 variant, its positioning above the S4, and the 2012 reintroduction based on the Avant.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_RS4
    Supports: First RS4 generation, 1999 debut, 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6, and quattro all-wheel drive.
  3. Auto Express — https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/rs4/103006/avant/engines
    Supports: Current RS4 powertrain description as a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 and comparison with earlier V8 models.
  4. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a18200959/2007-audi-rs-4-quattro-road-test-review/
    Supports: 2007 RS4 sedan specification, 4.2-litre V8, manual transmission, and all-wheel drive.
  5. CAR Magazine — https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/audi/rs4-avant/
    Supports: B9-generation RS4 Avant details, 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, and generation timing.