My love for fast wagons is no secret. They combine various attributes you really want; interior space rivaling some big SUVs, performance rivaling some serious sports cars, and looks rivaling some long sleek missiles on wheels. This one is no different and, being a fast Audi wagon, it's also AWD for year-round fun. This is a bit bittersweet, of course, because of such vehicles as the B7 S4 and RS4 Avants which had magnificent 6-speed manuals and 4.2 litre naturally aspirated V8's. But let's focus on the bright side. There's a 530 hp version of the current RS4 Avant/wagon.
It's based on the Audi RS4 Avant (wagon) which we unfortunately don't get here in North America. As an Audi-backed DTM racing team, ABT Sportsline is no stranger to fast Audi's, and is actually intimately familiar with the RS4 Avant in particular, having already offered the RS4-R last year. ABT says that the demand for the RS4-R far exceeded the limited 50-car run they offered (no surprise there) so they are offering the RS4+ for those who came away empty handed.
Thanks to ABT's own separate computer control unit, every RS4+ will come with "at least" 510 hp. For those that hunger for more power, an optional ABT Power S package brings an upgraded water radiator kit and circulating pump as well as upgraded exhaust, which will be good for 530 hp. I would definitely get that package because, well, it's more power and the added cooling would come in very handy on a track day with that much power.
ABT estimates that a standard RS4 is good for a 0-60 mph run in 4.1 seconds, and their "standard RS4+" with 510 hp is good for 3.9 seconds. But when Car and Driver magazine tested a standard US-spec RS5 with 444 hp, it did 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds, so expect this to be even faster.
To make sure there is better handling to go with more power, the RS4+ also comes with modified height-adjustable springs and dampers with help from suspension supplier KW. Or for a little extra, you can get an automatic height-adjustable air-suspension like you get on a Mercedes AMG E63 S. The rear anti-roll bar is also upgraded for sharper turn-in and more neutral handling.
Rounding off the performance upgrades is a host of exterior modifications, some are aerodynamic and functional. All of them are rendered in carbon fibre, including a front lip spoiler/splitter, front blades/cunards, grille surround/frame, rear spoiler, and side skirt. Expect also a spattering of RS4+ logos inside and outside.
All of this will cost €28,900; the equivalent of $32,860 USD. That's on top of the price of an RS4 Avant, of course. Or, if you want the extra bit of power and air-suspension, you'll have to pay €4,490 ($5,105 USD) for the engine upgrades and €1,590 ($1,808 USD) for the suspension. The closest thing to it to the RS4 here is the RS5 Sportback, which carries an MSRP $75,195 USD, meaning it would cost over $110k when all is said and done, a little more than the starting price of an AMG E63 S Wagon with a proper twin turbo V8, which also comes with AWD.
The RS4 is sure to be lighter, likely by 500-600 lb. and will likely feel that way. How much is that worth to you? You do get peace of mind as ABT is confident enough to offer a warranty in certain European regions, up to 2 years and 100,000 kms from first registration. If you want one, make sure to head over to ABT Sportsline immediately since they are only making 50 this time around as well and they likely won't last.
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