So you really want that RS 5 but it's going to mean more than just a bit of moaning from the spouse and kids - who obviously want something a lot more practical than that.
Luckily Audi has just revived its RS 4 Avant and the latest version is essentially an RS 5 with back doors and up to 1430 litres of luggage space. You can even order it with a rail system with load securing set and an electrically-operated tailgate.
So provided you haven't loaded it up with kids, hairdryers and kitchen sinks, the RS 4 Avant will screech from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, says Audi.
That makes it just 0.1 seconds slower than the RS 5, from which the Avant poaches its high-revving, hand-built, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8. The engine shoves out 331kW at 8250rpm and 430Nm from 4000. As per German custom, the top speed is limited to 250km/h, but this can be increased to 280km/h if you so desire.
The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic gearbox, with steering wheel paddles and launch control and, naturally, power is sent to all four wheels via a quattro all-wheel drive system. Depending on the situation, its crown centre differential can send as much as 85 percent of the power to the back wheels or up to 70 percent to the front.
It also has a torque vectoring system that gently brakes the inside wheel if its load lightens too much and buyers seeking the ultimate in cornering prowess can order a sport differential that also actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.
The lightweight chassis consists of a five-link set-up at the front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link at the rear and the car sits 20mm lower to the ground than the ordinary A4 Avants.
Also helping to keep the RS 4 firmly planted is a set of ten-spoke 19-inch alloys and if that's not big enough, five-spoke 20-inch titanium-look alloy wheels are on the options list.
Although traction control is fitted, this nanny has a sport mode that allows it to be fully deactivated.
Another neat feature for drivers who like to be in control is Audi's drive select system that allows three settings (comfort, auto and dynamic) for the throttle, gearbox and steering. This gadget even plays with the exhaust note, double-declutching when downshifting in dynamic mode.
Spurring your enthusiasm further is an RS menu with a lap timer and oil thermometer.
As for aesthetics, the RS 4's cabin is unashamedly flooded with black, a little respite coming in the form of carbon inlays and the roof liner - which is optionally available in Moon Silver.
The heated front sports seats are power adjustable and covered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara. That's not the only trim choice though as Fine Nappa leather in either black or Moon Silver (accentuated with Stone Gray piping) is optionally available.
Good news for South Africans is that the RS 4 is coming here but it's going to be a long wait as the first units are only expected to dock early next year.