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Audi RS4 B9 review – MPG and running costs

MPG is rated in the high-20s range, which is totally doable, and relatively reasonable considering the punch

Evo rating
  • Deftly tuned suspension, linear steering, desirability
  • Powertrain lacks punch and character, rivals sharper, harder and faster

An advantage of the RS4’s relatively small body, engine and low (relative) power figure is that its quoted 30-ish MPG should be entirely achievable on a daily mix of driving, even with a few heavy throttle applications thrown in. 

The RS4’s footprint is rather chunky with 275-section tyres all-round, it’s got some aggressive geometry, and a pretty even spread of power delivery that will make tyre bills more substantial than with a normal A4. The all-wheel-drive systems also necessitate you’re disciplined with your tyre replacements, with imbalances famed for causing issues. It'd be interesting to observe how much easier B9 RS4s are on their tyres by comparison to the BMW M3 Touring and especially, the latest Mercedes-AMG C63, which are both much heavier than the aged Audi.

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From all accounts, the RS4's Porsche-developed V6 engine is a resilient and somewhat understressed unit, meaning that general reliability is pretty good. The engine saw service and is still in use, across a lot of Porsche’s passenger car range, in many cases paired to a hybrid drive module.

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