Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 review – the best hot Golf in years, and the fastest hot hatch we’ve tested
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50
Reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 review – the best hot Golf in years, and the fastest hot hatch we’ve tested

With the Edition 50, Volkswagen has produced the most hardcore road-going Golf since the Clubsport S. It’s the best Mk8 yet, and the fastest hot hatch…
24 Jul 2026
Audi Quattro restomod uses RS4 underpinnings, with an optional 10,000rpm V8
Audacious IV Audi Quattro restomod front
News

Audi Quattro restomod uses RS4 underpinnings, with an optional 10,000rpm V8

A modern interpretation of the original Quattro swaps five-cylinder power for high-revving or supercharged V8 power
23 Jul 2026
New Lotus Emira 420 Sport review – taking aim at the Porsche Cayman GT4
Lotus Emira 420 Sport front
Reviews

New Lotus Emira 420 Sport review – taking aim at the Porsche Cayman GT4

Lotus’s sports car gets added focus and is all the better for it. As it needs to be with such a lofty target...
22 Jul 2026