Audi RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe gain Carbon Edition models for UK
Audi has introduced Carbon Edition versions of the RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe, featuring extensive carbon-fibre detailing, lighter alloy wheels and prices from £71,625.
Audi has added Carbon Edition variants to its RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe, bringing carbon-fibre styling and lighter wheels to the high-performance models. The RS5 Carbon Edition arrives in UK showrooms from December 2017, with the RS4 Avant following in March 2018.
Carbon Edition specification highlights
The Carbon Edition specification adds Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) elements to both the RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe. On the RS5, the roof is finished in exposed carbon fibre, a feature not offered on the standard car. Both models gain a Carbon Matt Aluminium Styling Pack, which brings CFRP to the front and rear spoilers, sill extensions, diffuser insert, door mirror housings and interior inlays. The quattro logo on the grille is finished in matt titanium.
Audi fits 20-inch ‘5-arm peak’ alloy wheels in anthracite matt black as standard on the Carbon Editions, replacing the usual 19-inch wheels. The one-piece milled wheel design saves 2kg compared to the standard forged wheels. The RS5 Carbon Edition sheds a further 3kg thanks to its carbon-fibre roof, trimming overall weight and improving handling response.
Powertrain and performance
Both the RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe Carbon Editions use Audi’s 2.9-litre biturbo V6, producing 444bhp (331kW) and 443lb ft (600Nm) of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive are standard. No changes have been made to the engine or performance figures compared to the standard RS models.
| Engine | 2.9-litre biturbo V6 petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 444bhp (331kW) |
| Torque | 443lb ft (600Nm) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | quattro all-wheel drive |
| Wheels | 20-inch alloy (anthracite matt black) |
Pricing and availability
Audi has set the RS4 Avant Carbon Edition at £71,625 and the RS5 Coupe Carbon Edition at £75,400. The RS5 Carbon Edition is available to order in the UK from December 2017, while the RS4 Avant Carbon Edition follows in March 2018. Unlike some previous special editions, Audi has not imposed a production cap, so buyers can order without concern for allocation limits.
Position in the market
The Carbon Editions are positioned above the standard RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe, offering enhanced visual impact and minor weight savings rather than additional performance. These models target buyers seeking a motorsport-inspired appearance and exclusivity without the restriction of a limited run. Pricing places them among the most expensive variants in their respective ranges, reflecting the extra equipment and materials.
Rivals for the RS4 Avant Carbon Edition include the Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate and BMW M3 Touring, while the RS5 Coupe Carbon Edition competes with the likes of the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe. For more on the C-Class Estate, see 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate revealed in leaked magazine images.
