The soon-to-be-replaced B8 Audi RS4 quattro was launched at the 2012 Geneva motor show and produced solely in five-door Avant form. Built on Volkswagen's MLB platform and powered by another high-revving 4.2-litre V8, it featured for the first time a seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch paddleshift gearbox.
Power peaks at 450hp, with 317lb ft of torque at 4,000-6,000rpm, and power is once again transmitted to the road via the latest iteration of Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive system, including a steady-state torque split of 40-60 front to rear, and a torque-vectoring rear Sport Diff. Despite the B8's weigh rising to a substantial 1,795kg performance is still impressive - with 62mph breached in just 4.7 seconds and an optional 174mph top speed.
In 2014 Audi released a Nogaro limited edition to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RS2. Painted in - you've guessed it - Nogaro Blue and sporting an exclusive blue-trimmed interior, the Nogaro commanded a premium of nearly £8,000 over the standard RS4.
On the open road the B8 is seriously quick, with commanding levels of grip, but compared to its predecessor the steering lacks feel. It's pretty light and accurate, but the desired feedback just isn't there. And that's not the B8's only foible: the ride is fidgety and overly stiff too - apart from in Comfort mode. And perhaps worst of all, this RS4 cannot be had with a manual gearbox.
However, the B8's cabin does feel seriously classy - a genuine executive express - and the grip in almost all conditions is amazing. Combined with the stunning performance these are the two main reasons that Audi has managed to sell over 2,000 examples to UK buyers. And that means there are plenty of pre-owned examples for you to choose from, with prices for prime candidates starting at £30,000.
The majority of RS4 enthusiasts feel the B7 offers the finest driving experience, but not all. Some feel the weight distribution in the B8 actually gives it an edge - despite any lack of steering sensitivity: "If the intention is to participate in track days, the B8 is probably the best choice, as the B5 and B7 are hampered by rather nose-heavy weight distribution due to the engine being mounted so far forward compared to competitors such as the Mercedes C63 or BMW M3." A legacy of the FWD bias of the RS4's platform. "For the B8, however, Audi moved the engine back and thus got much closer to the ideal of balanced front-to-rear weight distribution. And this makes for much more balanced handling, making it easier to exploit the power," Robert Redman feels.
Dougal Bennett is with the majority of owners however feeling that: "Although the B8 RS4 is the newest with the S-Tronic transmission and electric steering - it is almost a backward step for the driver." Not convinced a B8 would be right for you? Read this before making a final decision.
Buy if: you fancy a safe, state-of-the-art high-performance estate
Don't buy if: residual value is important to you, or driving finesse
We found: 2012 White RS4 Avant, full service history, 38K miles, £32,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £30,000
Good: £30,000 to £40,000
A1: £40,000+
Special Editions: Limited-edition Nogaro can fetch more than £45,000
