Wednesday 13th March 2019

Facelifted Audi RS4 spied testing

As a new C63 arrives, so the RS4 gets an update - here's the first look

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Decent (and very good looking) car though the latest Audi RS4 is, there's no escaping the fact it leaves a little to be desired as a fast estate package. Lacking a sparkling powertrain that so often characterises the fast Audi breed (and thrown into harsh light by the Mercedes-AMG C63), you're left with a high quality but less than inspirational way of shifting a chest of drawers at great speed.

Let's hope then that this facelifted model can generate a bit more fizz. Don't be surprised if a little more power is included, the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 surely built with some intentional headroom in mind. While hardly critical to improving the RS4 experience - the car feeling more than brisk enough already - a bump out the output end would nudge the marketing campaign along. Especially when you consider that outgoing model 'only' produces the same 450hp that the old V8 did.

Elsewhere it's tricky to know what might happen, given the car largely delivers on what you might expect from a contemporary RS4. That's always the paradox, isn't it? The RS cars are spot on for those familiar with Audi traits, but aren't necessarily good for dragging people from the wagon version of the C63. Perhaps if the quality, traction, efficiency and speed could be combined with just a tad more involvement and engagement, the might be potential for something very good indeed. Steering that's less aloof would be a good start.

The way the RS4 looks could arguably do with a spruce, too. But given this is a facelift, expect the usual raft of minor updates to lights, bumpers and grilles - already these rear clusters have a hint of e-tron GT to them. Otherwise it's very much a case of spotting the difference with this car - which means that giant arches are probably not on the menu.

Our spy snapper has this RS4 down as a 2020 model, so expect to see if before this year is out - the Frankfurt show in September would surely be a nice fit. Should that be too long to wait, though, examples of the current B9 are lurking in the classifieds, including this very rare Ara Blue car at £64,000. More details to follow as they become available.

[Gio G]

The current (B9) RS4 has not been around in the UK for that long since mid 2018? coupled with the fact that you could not order one from the factory (WLTP related) since late last year, seems strange they are facelifting already..

G

[stevie1982]

Already! Cars are getting updates quicker than mobile phones nowadays.

[belleair302]

I see way more RS3's and 6's that RS4s. It there a general dislike fo the RS4 as it isn't a small fast hatch, nor a decent sized estate? Has the Q3 stolen it smart share or the cousin the Macan? As a C63 owner I would not swap for an Audi.

[scottygib553]

Gio G said:

The current (B9) RS4 has not been around in the UK for that long since mid 2018? coupled with the fact that you could not order one from the factory (WLTP related) since late last year, seems strange they are facelifting already..

G

Right but the car in which it is based has been around since 2016.

[oldaudi]

The inside of the A4 B9.5 already looks out dated. As someone said its a 2016 model inside but with a new bit at the front with fog lights and at the rear replacing the cylinder exhausts that were on the B9.

I know the interior and tech isnt the selling point for many people but when compared to the new A6 with its touchscreens the A4 looks rubbish with its bolted on screen.

[loudlashadjuster]

Gio G said:

The current (B9) RS4 has not been around in the UK for that long since mid 2018? coupled with the fact that you could not order one from the factory (WLTP related) since late last year, seems strange they are facelifting already..

Long lead times in designing cars. This facelift will have been in progress since about the time the original model went on sale, it's not just something they decided to do a month or two ago.

[mackie1]

The move to touch screen for everything is a shame. The ergonomics and quality of all the bits you touch in the B9 are great and I can do most stuff by feel and occasional glances at the central screen.

[anonymous-user]

I hope it looks understated like the spy shots. The best Audi RS models are those that need a second look and stay under the radar. Overly flared arches, different coloured spoilers and mirrors just spoil it. The BMWs and Mercs can look outrageous, The RS brand was established on high performance without being in your face.

[ensignia]

Thornaby said:

The RS brand was established on high performance without being in your face.

Says who?

[DeolTheBeast]

Thornaby said:

I hope it looks understated like the spy shots. The best Audi RS models are those that need a second look and stay under the radar. Overly flared arches, different coloured spoilers and mirrors just spoil it. The BMWs and Mercs can look outrageous, The RS brand was established on high performance without being in your face.

You might get away with saying the RS2 is not "in your face" - unlikely though if you poke about one up close

The B5 RS4 to this day looks lairy on the road, it is in your face and flared to the gills

Given those two cars were the official road going projects to kick the brand off...I disagree with your point - if anything, BMW & Mercedes were more reserved in the looks department with their earlier M/AMG efforts

[Leins]

DeolTheBeast said:

The B5 RS4 to this day looks lairy on the road, it is in your face and flared to the gills

Not so sure, back in the day maybe but now every Sline model seems to be very aggressively styled to the point of making a B5 RS4 look relatively subtle in comparison

[A1VDY]

Yep...another s car....every will have one...

[Gio G]

According to the how many left website - 572 (B9) RS4's registered in the UK since 2017, so a rare sight on the roads and WLTP has not helped further sales..

G

[anonymous-user]

ensignia said:

Thornaby said:

The RS brand was established on high performance without being in your face.

Says who?

Says me. The RS2, B5 RS4 and both the C5 & C6 RS6 were very understated.

[anonymous-user]

A1VDY said:

Yep...another s car....every will have one...

What’s in your garage chief ?

[dibblecorse]

Brooking10 said:

A1VDY said:

Yep...another s car....every will have one...

What’s in your garage chief ?

Probably a load more internet cliches and googled one liners of immense added value .....

In regards the cars, I do think that with the RS3 being so accomplished the whole A4 class estate market getting decimated and the general move to Macan/ Q5 sized SUVs explains why these are such rare sights, I see what more 5 Series / A6 sized estates than these ....

Shame really as I love the lairy looks of a wide arched RS estate .......

[Onehp]

Would indeed help if it was noticeably quicker than the RS3
https://youtu.be/DjQKpoTre2w

And personally would want to have proper (Porsche level ?) steering feel, to reflect upon those wide arches and track...

[Nors]

Brooking10 said:

A1VDY said:

Yep...another s car....every will have one...

What’s in your garage chief ?

Reliant Robin straight six with wheelie bars.

[Discombobulate]

Thornaby said:

I hope it looks understated like the spy shots. The best Audi RS models are those that need a second look and stay under the radar. Overly flared arches, different coloured spoilers and mirrors just spoil it. The BMWs and Mercs can look outrageous, The RS brand was established on high performance without being in your face.

I love the current under-stated looks. Mine is silver and de-badged. Blends in perfectly, unlike my C7 RS6 that looked very aggressive. A surprisingly good drive too (as was the RS6). Dog likes it as well.

[LuS1fer]

Harder and harder to tell any VAG product has had a facelift.