B9 Audi S4 Avant revealed - 354 hp, 500 Nm estate

With the sedan variant out since the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ingolstadt has finally revealed its new Audi S4 Avant – the estate “S” model of the B9 generation A4. Save for its rear end design, cargo capacities and slightly affected performance figures, the hot S4 Avant mirrors almost every aspect of the S4 sedan.

Under its hood sits a new 3.0 litre V6 turbocharged engine that delivers 354 hp and 500 Nm of torque – massive gains over the previous model’s supercharged V6, which delivered 333 hp and 440 Nm. The S4 Avant is only slightly slower than its sedan counterpart, capable of performing the century sprint in 4.9 seconds, as opposed to the sedan’s 4.7 seconds.

An eight-speed tiptronic torque converter auto transmission is now standard fare, replacing the previous S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Not surprisingly, the unit delivers engine power to all four wheels via a permanent quattro all-wheel drive system. However, despite the additional materials used to form the estate’s additional cargo capacities, the S4 Avant weights just 45 kg more than the sedan, totalling 1,675 kg.

Distinctive S-specific exterior appointments naturally include a more aggressive front bumper with larger air inlets and side sills. LED headlamps are specified as standard (Matrix LEDs are optional) while the rear also gets LED tail lamps, an aluminium diffuser trim and quad exhaust tail pipes. The Avant also has an electric-operated tailgate.

Speaking of which, while the sedan model offers 480 litres of usable cargo space, this Avant originally delivers 505 litres. With the second row seats folded, a maximum of 1,510 litres of space becomes available.

Several wheel choices are available, with the standard items being 18-inch alloys wrapped in 245/40 tyres, and options including up to 19-inch rollers in various designs. The front brakes have internally-vented and perforated discs that are 350 mm in diameter. They are gripped by black (or optionally red) painted six-piston fixed calipers with “S” lettering.

There are no changes between the S4 sedan and Avant’s interior, which leaves this estate model looking pretty much the same as the regular S4. Its highlights include a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument panel, an MMI touch and MMI navigation plus system, an 8.3-inch display screen and Alcantara/leather combination upholstery.

Just like the S4 sedan, a five-link suspension is featured at the front and rear – the standard S sport suspension is 23 mm lower than the regular A4, and active damper control is available as an option. Also on the options list is variable speed-dependent dynamic steering, linked to the standard electromechanical power steering system. The Audi drive select system manages the powertrain, steering and the continuous damping control (CDC).

The new Audi S4 Avant, together with its sedan sibling, is expected to go on sale in Europe at the end of March. There, the Avant model will be priced at 61,150 euros (RM285k), while the sedan will command 59,300 euros (RM280k).

GALLERY: Audi S4 Avant