Audi RS4 Saloon
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a high performance executive saloon that delivers blistering pace with everyday usability? The Audi RS4 Saloon might be exactly what you’re looking for. This four-door rocket ship represents the pinnacle of Audi’s sporting ambitions, combining a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with quattro all-wheel drive and luxurious appointments. It’s the car for drivers who want serious performance without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

From the moment you see it, the RS4 Saloon makes a statement. The aggressive bodywork, widened arches, and distinctive exhaust outlets leave no doubt about its intentions. But step inside and you’ll find a beautifully crafted interior that rivals premium competitors like the BMW M3 or Mercedes-AMG C63. The cabin blends sporty details with executive car refinement, creating an environment that works equally well for spirited driving or business meetings.

Driving the RS4 Saloon is an intoxicating experience. The twin-turbo V6 delivers devastating performance, launching you from standstill to 60mph in under 4 seconds. Yet it’s also remarkably civilised when you want it to be, making daily commuting comfortable and refined. The quattro all-wheel drive system provides exceptional grip and confidence in all conditions. While it commands a premium price, you’re getting one of the most accomplished performance saloons money can buy, with the build quality and prestige that only Audi can deliver.

What's the Audi RS4 Saloon Like to Drive?

The Audi RS4 Saloon is designed to be a true performance machine with everyday usability. The 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces an impressive 444 horsepower, delivering acceleration that puts most supercars to shame. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The engine’s torque delivery is wonderfully progressive, providing strong pull from low revs all the way to the red line.

Where the RS4 Saloon truly excels is in its dynamic balance. The quattro all-wheel drive system distributes power intelligently between all four wheels, providing exceptional traction and stability. The adaptive suspension can be adjusted from comfortable for daily driving to track-focused for spirited motoring. The steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you complete confidence when pushing hard through corners. This makes it significantly more capable than rear-wheel drive rivals in challenging conditions, while still delivering the engaging driving experience that performance car enthusiasts demand.

How Comfortable Is the Audi RS4 Saloon?

Open the door and you’re immediately struck by the quality of the RS4 Saloon’s interior. This is one of the finest cabins in its class, combining sporting flair with executive car luxury. The dashboard features high-quality materials throughout, including genuine carbon fibre trim and Alcantara upholstery. The seats are a particular highlight, offering excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on long journeys. The driving position is spot-on, with extensive adjustment to suit drivers of all sizes.

The RS4 Saloon comes loaded with technology as standard. The Virtual Cockpit digital display provides all your driving information in crisp, clear graphics, while the central infotainment screen handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings with impressive responsiveness. Connectivity is excellent, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The cabin is remarkably quiet at cruising speeds, thanks to excellent sound insulation. Even at motorway speeds, you can hold a normal conversation without raising your voice, making it genuinely refined for such a potent performance car.

The Audi RS4 Saloon is a compelling choice for anyone seeking the ultimate blend of performance and usability. It successfully delivers supercar-level acceleration while maintaining the comfort, quality, and practicality of a premium executive saloon. The interior is beautifully crafted, the technology is cutting-edge, and the driving experience is genuinely thrilling without being intimidating. The trade-offs are predictable for this class: fuel economy isn’t great, running costs are substantial, and the price puts it out of reach for many buyers. It’s also not quite as engaging to drive as some more focused rivals like the BMW M3. However, if you want a car that can handle the school run on Monday and a track day on Sunday with equal aplomb, the RS4 Saloon is hard to beat. It proves that you don’t have to choose between performance and practicality when you’re shopping in the premium performance saloon segment.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Audi RS4 Saloon?

As you’d expect from a high-performance executive saloon, the RS4 Saloon has premium running costs to match its premium performance. The twin-turbo V6 engine returns real-world fuel economy in the high 20s to low 30s MPG when driven sensibly, though this can drop significantly when you’re enjoying the performance. Insurance costs will be substantial, sitting in the highest groups due to the car’s value and performance capabilities. Road tax is also expensive due to the CO2 emissions.

The main consideration is the substantial purchase price, with new models starting well into six figures. Even used examples command strong prices due to their desirability and limited production numbers. Servicing costs are higher than mainstream cars, though Audi’s network is comprehensive and the build quality means major issues are rare. When considering car finance, the RS4 Saloon holds its value well, which helps with residual values on PCP deals. Overall, this isn’t a car you choose to save money, but if you can afford the running costs, it provides an ownership experience that’s hard to match.

Is the Audi RS4 Saloon Practical for Everyday Use?

For a high-performance saloon, the RS4 is surprisingly practical for everyday use. The 480-litre boot is generous, easily accommodating a large weekly shop or several suitcases for a family holiday. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space when needed. Inside the cabin, there’s plenty of storage for phones, drinks, and other essentials. The door pockets are well-sized and the centre console offers secure storage for valuables.

Where the RS4 Saloon really shines is in passenger accommodation. Unlike some performance cars that sacrifice rear-seat space, the RS4 offers genuinely usable space for adults in the back. Legroom and headroom are generous, making it viable for longer journeys with passengers. This makes it an excellent choice for buyers who need a car that can serve as both a family transport and weekend toy. Compared to other used Audi cars, the RS4 Saloon strikes an exceptional balance between performance and practicality that few competitors can match.

The Audi RS4 Saloon stands out in the competitive high-performance saloon market by offering genuine supercar pace wrapped in executive car refinement. It combines Audi’s renowned build quality, advanced quattro all-wheel drive technology, and a devastatingly effective twin-turbo V6 into a package that works brilliantly in the real world. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring your favourite country roads, it delivers an engaging and confidence-inspiring driving experience.

You choose the RS4 Saloon because you want the best of both worlds: serious performance that doesn’t compromise on comfort or practicality. Its luxurious interior, advanced technology, and refined ride quality make every journey special, while the explosive performance ensures you’ll never get bored. Perfect for buyers who demand excellence in every area, the RS4 Saloon offers a premium ownership experience that justifies its position at the top of the performance saloon hierarchy, especially when considering cars under £10,000 as a comparison point.