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

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars
Lotus factory
Features

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars

The Emira will live on and there's an Esprit supercar on the way, but Lotus has another plan to keep Hethel active
18 Aug 2026
McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset
McLaren McL 6GT
News

McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset

Unbelievably, the design of this new McLaren is more surprising than the reintroduction of a manual transmission…
14 Aug 2026
Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016 - 2018) review – the last proper fast Ford?
Ford Focus RS
In-depth reviews

Ford Focus RS (Mk3, 2016 - 2018) review – the last proper fast Ford?

The Mk3 Focus RS looks like it’ll be Ford’s last RS, certainly with petrol-only power, for a while if not ever. Did the legendary badge go out on a hi…
18 Aug 2026