2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus review (video)

Audi has refined one of the most complete performance wagons on sale with the latest RS 4 Avant Competition Plus, adding sharper hardware and a more emotional edge without losing the everyday civility that defines the nameplate.

It’s an approach that’s easy to admire – and in many ways, this latest Competition pack represents the sweet spot between aggression and restraint, offering track-ready capability wrapped in one of the most tastefully executed wagon designs around.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Specifications

Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Output: 331kW@5700-6700rpm / 600Nm@1900-5000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×9.0, 275/30
ANCAP: Not tested
Kerb weight: 1820kg
Power-to-weight: 5.49:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.5L/100km
Our consumption: 10.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 58L/98 RON

Power efficiency: 34.84kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 1.81 seconds*
0-100km/h: 3.83 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.59 seconds*
1/4 mile: 11.94 seconds at 190.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.113g*
100-0km/h braking: 35.86m in 2.95s*
Max deceleration: -1.269g*
Decibel at idle: 51*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 88*
Starting price: $165,015 + $15,290 for Competition

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: How much does it cost?

Prices start from $165,015 for the RS 4 Avant, plus $15,290 for the Competition Plus package. Seem a bit steep? Well, it does include pretty hardcore RS ‘pro’ coilover suspension, RS exhaust tips, a top speed increased to 290km/h, and 0-100km/h reduced to 3.9 seconds (from 4.1), among other things.

All in all, this example is priced from $191,405, with some other options such as the matt carbon fibre exterior kit ($6300), RS design package ($3400), and carbon inlays ($1400) added on. That excludes on-road costs. Up against the BMW M3 Touring, which is priced from $188,100 without options or on-road costs, it’s looking good.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Interior & packaging

This is an immediate reminder why Audi interiors are still among the best in the business. Every surface feels considered, from the tightly-stitched leathers to the cool metallic trims and solid, reassuring switchgear. Build quality borders on flawless, with a precision that even its closest competitors struggle to match.

The design hits a near-perfect balance between technology and tradition as well. There’s no over-reliance on touch-screens. Physical buttons remain for climate and key controls, making regular operation intuitive. Although there is a fully digital instrument cluster, it delivers crisp, high-resolution graphics, while the overall presentation feels sophisticated rather than showy. However, it could do with more colour.

Passenger space is generous for a wagon in this class. There’s enough legroom and headroom for adults front and rear, however, the centre tunnel is chunky in the back so that will limit long-distance comfort for those sitting in the middle. Especially adults. Climate control and charging options in the back provide added convenience and comfort.

And then the main appeal, the cargo area. This offers 505 litres and expands to 1510L with the rear seats folded flat. Audi has included some hooks and tie points in the back, as well as pull-tabs for the rear seats, a stretchy cargo net, and some under-floor storage around the space-saver spare.

Other touches, like the premium Alcantara and Dinamica materials, perfectly damped switchgear, and the crystal-clear 19-speaker sound system reinforce the RS 4’s dual personality; brutal when you want it to be, but properly refined and luxurious when you don’t.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Powertrain & handling

Under the bonnet sits a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 331kW and 600Nm, sending drive to all four wheels through Audi’s signature quattro system. It’s a sensational engine, offering crisp response and lots of energetic enthusiasm. There’s a deep well of torque from low revs as well, so it rarely feels strained. In saying that, 331kW seems like an old output figure for the RS 4 nameplate.

As you’d expect, acceleration off the mark is instant and it keeps pulling, with the eight-speed auto delivering quick, precise shifts. On paper, 0–100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds. Using a Vbox and a private road, we timed it in 3.83 seconds, with 0-200km/h coming up in just 13.57 seconds, and the quarter mile in 11.94 seconds at 190.3km/h. That makes it one of the quickest wagons we’ve ever tested.

But what’s more impressive is how accessible that performance feels in real-world conditions. The RS 4 puts its power down with utter confidence, even on damp or uneven roads. With that clever and variable all-wheel-drive system and limited-slip rear differential working in harmony, the RS 4 is able to generate incredible traction, making it virtually impossible to unsettle the car when driving hard. Seriously, anyone could perform a quick hotlap in this, even in the wet.

Opting for the coilover suspension – part of the Competition Plus package, as mentioned – gains you access to a masterclass in balance. Ride quality is firm but composed, and there’s genuine compliance over rough tarmac. You can adjust the setup manually if you want to fine-tune the stance or handling, but even in its factory calibration it feels perfectly balanced for fast road use.

Audi steering is always a bit formal and sterile, albeit quick and precise. And the RS 4 is… actually a bit different. There is a distinct character to RS setups over the regular Audi counterparts. This provides a finer sense of connection, although not as pure and raw as something like the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Body control of course remains exceptional through sweeping bends.

That said, some enthusiasts might crave a little more raw character from the soundtrack in particular. The exhaust, while rich and sporty, could be louder in Dynamic mode, and there’s no ‘drift’ mode or rear-biased antics like the M3 Touring offers. It just means this is a more civilised package while still offering blistering performance, yet potentially lacking extra personality or pizazz.

Fuel consumption is surprisingly good. We achieved very close to Audi’s official claim of 9.5L/100km in mixed conditions, with an overall week-long score of 10.1L/100km. Without constantly gulping fuel, the daily usability credentials are further enhanced. This would make an awesome daily driver and grocery-getter.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• One of the best-looking wagons on sale: Muscular, modern and very elegant. From every angle.
• Interior: Superb build quality and peak interior layout in our opinion; a blend of buttons and tech.
• Relentless quattro grip: This remains stable and confident in all conditions, really setting the standard for this class.
• Crisp twin-turbo V6: Smooth, responsive and with rapid acceleration. The sound is nice, although could be louder in the serious modes.
• Coilover suspension: Yep, the Competition Plus packs includes coilovers so you have fine control and adjustability.
• Excellent real-world fuel economy for its performance: An official average of 9.5L/100km is excellent and better yet, it is possible to get close to that in the real world.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Key considerations before you buy

• Exhaust note: For its level of performance and with the Competition Plus pack, we think the exhaust could/should be louder.
• Overall character is a bit formal: It lacks a ‘drift mode’ or playful drive mode like what is found in some rivals.
• Engine power: It feels like the RS 4 has been producing 331kW for ages – surely they could have added 10kW or more for the latest model or at least for the Competition Plus pack.

2025 Audi RS 4 Avant Competition Plus: Video