If you like to keep your cars for a long time then buying a car that could become a sought after classic makes financial sense. I have owned one of my cars for 40 years and counting .
One car that might fit the bill is a celebration of the RS 4 Avant, 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.
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.
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.
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)
Standard equipment includes a B&O 3D Sound System, advanced key, a 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging.
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.
Will this be my next long term car? Sadly no. It was quite appealing until I got to the price and the realisation that I won’t be here in another 40 years.
Classic Yorkshire 