Only 50 will come to the UK.

Audi is launching a special model to coincide with 25 years of the RS 4 Avant and the name rolls right off the tongue. The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years will celebrate the performance flagship with enhanced driving dynamics, a new exclusive interior and exterior features to distinguish it from its predecessors.

The story of the RS4 Avant began in the late 1990s when Audi decided to improve on its already established performance estate fleet (Avant RS2 and S6 plus) with the 1999 B5-generation RS4 Avant. It was the first RS model from what is now known as Audi Sport GmbH and boasted a 2.7-litre biturbo six-cylinder Cosworth-developed engine with a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

Improvements were made and in 2001, the RS4 Sport - featuring lower suspension, bucket seats, a sports exhaust and suede steering wheel - was launched. It was the sportiest version of the RS 4 generation and the 25 year anniversary edition pays homage to it in both its design and performance.

Powered by a 2.9-litre V6 biturbo, the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years produced 463bhp (19bhp more than a regular RS 4 Avant) and 600Nm of torque. This gives it a 0-62mph times of 3.7 seconds (0.4 seconds quicker than the standard version) and a top speed of 186mph. The power provided by updates to the engine, suspension, and wheels are met by standard RS ceramic brakes while the RS sports exhaust system - with matt black tailpipes - will have you covering your ears.

Audi has increased the negative camber on the front front axle by two degrees and stiffer control arms have been installed, resulting in improved grip for faster cornering. As standard, all anniversary editions come with Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres - wrapping 20-inch matt black alloy wheels - designed for the road and the racetrack. If used on track, a Track Adrenaline system has sensors in the tyres which send real time information about pressure and temperature to the driver via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. A fixed subframe on the rear axle provides better overall performance, further enhanced by the improved Torsen differential.

The 25 years edition is available in Imola Yellow (£119,180), Nardo Grey (£115,880) and Mythos Black (£116,555). Black trims on the side window, a black inlay in the rear light and gloss black Audi rings and lettering are all exclusive to the new model. The car has a sportier silhouette with the roof rails now removed.

Inside, a B&O 3D Sound System, advanced key, 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging all come as standard. The yellow stitched interior gives the anniversary edition the feel of the 2001 RS4 Sport which is seen on the steering wheel rim, leather armrests on the doors, centre console and gear gaiter. RS sporty bucket seats feature RS 4 lettering on the headrest and have a carbon backrest.

Only 50 anniversary models will come to the UK out of 250 to be made overall and each car’s sequential number will be indicated with exclusive lettering on the centre console. Customers can also opt to include a white background for the tachometer and speedometer which is a tribute to the 1994 Audi Avant RS2, where the analogue dials initially came in white.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Audi