Audi RS4 Avant B7 – The Time is Now

There are many things in life that are guaranteed to make us smile here at Car & Classic. Matt Berry, booking a flight, literally any cat… We’re a jovial bunch you see and the list is rather long, but one particular combination that truly exposes our teeth and gums in a grin reminiscent of Mr Carroll’s fictional feline is that of estate cars with whopping great engines in them. From Volvos and Stageas to Beemers and Skodas there’s just something about a wild wagon that really floats our boat and Audi is one of the best to ever sail those particular seas. Practically inventing the genre of performance long bois back in ’94 with the sublime RS2 Avant, the German firm would continue to produce ludicrous load luggers, including the RS4 Avant B7 – a car that you should most definitely consider picking up now before prices start getting silly. And mark our words, they most certainly will.

An Introduction to the Audi RS4 Avant B7

Audi really did change the game with the RS2 Avant, and its RS4 offspring is a direct evolution of the concept, but the B7 also marks a turning point for the company as it eschewed the turbocharged setup of previous performance Audis and opted for outright displacement instead. It was a bold decision but it was one that would pay dividends for both Audi and fans of brutish, well made super estates.

Launched in 2006 the B7 was Audi’s second RS4 model following on from the B5 – a car that featured the aforementioned forced induction configuration in the form of a 2.7-litre twin turbo V6. The B7, however, was fitted with a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 that produced a rather meaty 414bhp. But where the B7 lump really shines is in the torque department. Power is guaranteed whatever gear you’re in and with a 0-60 time of four-and-a-half seconds it’s still ridiculously fast, even by today’s standards. So good was it that Audi decided to use the same engine in its new mid-engined, two-seater supercar – the R8. Proof indeed of the engine’s capabilities, as well as Audi’s faith in it.

The RS4 Avant B7 isn’t just a one trick pony though. This isn’t Chumbawamba or Vanilla Ice. The B7 had sleeves full and it would wow captivated audiences the world over for its responsiveness and drive-ability, not just its insane performance. The car is compliant, it’s balanced and the traction from Audi’s famous quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is second to none. It’s incredibly dynamic – the confidence it inspires to push on is intoxicating and it’s all topped off with a six-speed Getrag manual transmission. Heaven.

It may be somewhat humble in its displays of outright yobbery but there are subtle nods to the car’s latent performance credentials in the styling, without it being overtly shouty. While most regular folk would just see a tidy looking estate, the keen-eyed would notice the wider arches and the larger air intakes that hint at what lurks beneath. It was, and still is, a good looking car. There were saloon and convertible versions too but the Avant has always been the money, for us at least. It’s the perfect combination of performance and practicality – an opinion shared by Audi itself as it’s still making them today.

What Should I Look For?

In the case of the RS4 Avant B7 it actually pays to give it a thrashing because doing so prevents the build up of carbon in the engine, an issue evinced by blue smoke from the exhaust as well as a drop in power. The ports can be cleaned manually but that requires removal of the inlet manifold, a timely and therefore costly procedure.

The big V8 also runs hot and as such the B7 comes with an auxiliary radiator as well as an oil cooler to help keep temperatures in check. The trouble is, these additional rads, as well as all the associated pipework, are buried down in the front of the engine bay. Leaves, debris and standing water can accumulate and wreak havoc so make sure the various systems aren’t corroded or leaking.

Keep your eye on the oil level too. These cars use quite a bit of dinosaur juice, especially if driven hard, which is realistically par for the course, let’s be honest.

The car’s Dynamic Ride Control suspension setup, as trick as it is, is prone to failure. Shock absorbers can leak due to degraded seals which results in a loss of pressure, throwing the entire system out of whack. It’s a specialist job to fix so look out for any knocks or sagging from the suspension. Many owners choose to swap out the entire system for a more conventional configuration but the DRC is a large part of what gives the B7 its renowned handling characteristics.

What Are Prices Like?

These were fifty grand cars when new but decent examples can be had for much less than half that nowadays. That’s not to say it isn’t still a fifty grand car though, with parts and servicing remaining at a premium, so factor these running costs into your overall budget. And don’t get us started on the woeful fuel consumption.

As far as general prices go though, the examples for sale right here on Car & Classic tell a fascinating story, with the cheapest listed – a 2007, two owner model with just over 100K on the clock – being up for less than £18K.

Generally speaking, you can pick up a decent example for £20,000 to £25,000 with lower mileage cars commanding anywhere from £30,000 to the £40,000 mark, depending on condition.

For those who want the best of the best (and who have deep pockets), super low mileage examples – those with less than 30K on the clock – are nudging the original asking price of £50,000, but as long as it has been well maintained and looked after, a car with a few more miles under its belt shouldn’t be ignored.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article though, prices of these are set to rise, especially for original, low-mileage cars in top condition.

Why Should I Buy One?

Arguably one of Audi’s best ever models, as well as one of the best everyday performance cars money can buy, the RS4 Avant B7 ticks a hell of a lot of boxes. A benchmark for fast estate cars it remains a truly engaging yet compliant drive with more than enough power for most. Plus you can stick a sofa in the back.

Brutish, naturally aspirated V8s and manual gearboxes are a thing of the past now so relive the golden days of displacement and the joy of the drive and grab yours now, before you can no longer afford to. Subdued enough for every day driving but with a ferocity to see off most things at the traffic lights the Audi RS4 Avant B7 is one of the true greats.