This is the latest and last fifth-generation special edition RS4, which means the sixth generation A4 is just around the corner. Limited to just 25 examples for the UK market this RS 4 Bronze Edition is clad in Vesuvius Grey paint and black detailing. The RS 4 Bronze Edition rides on 20-inch bronze milled wheels, the new RS 4 Avant Bronze Edition is available to order now priced at £82,395 OTR, and features a generous amount of standard equipment. Think of the RS4 Bronze Edition as a ‘bog standard’ RS 4 with a new paint and specification package.

As with the ‘bog-standard’ RS 4, the RS 4 is powered by a twin-turbo V6 TFSI. Offering 450PS and a 600Nm torque peak in each, rendering a zero to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds, and onwards to a limited top speed of 155mph. Audi claims a WLTP driving cycle, of up to 30.7mpg,  which corresponds to 211 grams of CO₂ per kilometre (NEDC-derived).

In the RS 4 Avant Bronze Edition, like its standard and Carbon Black counterparts, offers up quattro 4-wheel drive, backed up by five-link front and rear RS-specific suspension. The driver can tailor the driving experience to suit via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system, which now features five profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic and the new customisable RS1 and RS2 modes. The new RS modes are easily accessible via steering wheel-mounted buttons.

The interior is referenced by bronze accents featuring contrast stitching for the black Nappa leather super sport seats. Nappa leather elements also feature in the sides of the centre console and the armrests, which are also trimmed with bronze stitching, as are the leather-rimmed steering wheel and gear lever gaiter. Carbon detailing is also carried through from the exterior into the matt carbon twill inlays which perfectly complement the contrast-stitched leather.

The Bronze Edition is loaded with Audi’s Comfort and Sound Pack as standard. Also included is Audi’s Advanced Key system, which enables the keyholder to unlock and open the car by simply lifting each door handle without needing the key in-hand, and also brings electric hands-free opening for the powered tailgate.

Doing so enables access to 1,495 litres of luggage space by simply touching a foot on a sensor mounted in the rear bumper underside. It also adds a 360-degree camera that uses wide-angle lenses to pick up the entire perimeter of the car and offers a ‘bird’s eye view’ feature, plus extended LED interior lighting that can bathe the interior in a variety of colours configurable via the MMI. Last but by no means least, it brings an upgrade to Bang & Olufsen audio delivering a 755-watt output via 19 speakers.

The core standard equipment list for the RS 4 Avant Bronze Edition takes the standard car as its basis, and as befits a model in the Audi Sport stable that list is of course extensive. It includes everything from Matrix LED headlights and MMI Navigation Plus to massaging front seats, the Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS-specific screens and Audi Phonebox wireless handset charging.