Audi’s illustrious RS2 Avant, a car co-developed with Porsche, initiated the marque’s “RennSport” or “RS” model lineage on its launch in early 1994. Now inexorably linked with potent supercar-baiting performance variants of Audi’s road cars, the RS moniker is a bona fide challenger to BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s lauded M and AMG divisions.

In 1999, following a four-year hiatus from making high-performance estate cars, Audi launched the B5-generation RS4, based on the more modern chassis of the contemporary Audi A4. In production for just three years, there would be a five-year gap before the arrival of the B7-generation Audi RS4, which became available to European customers in mid-2006.

Continuing the tried-and-tested recipe of its Porsche-developed elder, the B7-era RS4 adds a potent 4.2-litre, 40-valve, V-8 Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine that revs to 8,250 rpm. A staggering 420 horsepower is distributed to all four wheels via the quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system, while a rear-biased centre differential boasting a 40:60 front-rear torque split makes for a dynamic yet assured driving experience.

This B7-platform RS4 is presented in a handsome Mugello Blue over a lesser-seen cream hue adorning the leather seats, pillars and headlining, with contrasting black carpets and dashboard. First registered in France, the car was purchased through a bespoke car dealership in Italy prior to its registration and inspection in Switzerland in 2021. Before this assessment, the car was fitted with new front brake discs as well as a new fuel pump, and a chassis and engine clean was also performed by Porsche Centre Lugano.

The odometer indicates 117,944 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, and this attractively specified example of the potent sports estate boasts a selection of desirable factory-fitted options including parking assistance, Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and Audi’s Navigation Plus sat-nav system. Its 19-inch seven-arm twin-spoke alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero winter tyres.

Equally at home challenging its 250 km/h speed limiter on the autobahn as it is carrying out daily driver duties, this RS4 will impress with its characterful V-8 engine, surefooted driving experience and, handsome specification.