The new generation of Audi RS4 has been unveiled, in Avant form, ahead of 2012 Geneva Motor Show debut.

This latest version of Audi’s practical and high performance family car comes with more of what made it famous in the first place. It’s got a powerful V8 engine, four-wheel-drive, tons of space inside and a generously-equipped cabin. This is a car for every occasion.

It’s just the looks of the new RS4, particularly its front bumper with those new air intakes, that’s not all that brilliant. It’s not discrete, but it’s not exactly sporty either.

We’re also not digging the silver air splitter at front. It shares some of its cues with other Audi models, including hexagonal single-frame grille is set in a frame with a matte aluminum-look finish and honeycomb insert finished in high-gloss anthracite.

The fender flares are specially designed to hark back t the Audi Quattro of the 1980s.

Technically, it’s hard to fault the new RS4. The car is powered by the same V8 found in the new RS5 Coupe, with 331 kW (450 hp) and 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft). Performance is business as usual, with 0 to 100km/h taken care of in 4.7 seconds and top speed limited to 250km/h. Fuel consumption is estimated to be around 11 liters of fuel per 100 km (21.38 U.S. mpg).

It even has Launch Control, in a family state!

The chassis of the Audi RS 4 Avant is a very complex design. Many components of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum. The new speed-dependent power steering is a highly efficient electromechanical system with a direct steering ratio for highly precise road feel. The car also features 20-inch wheels on all four corners.

Add to that the Quattro system and a host of electronic controlling systems, and you end up with almost limitless grip, regardless of the condition.

Interior features include carbon inlays as standard, with brushed matte aluminum, Aluminum Race, black piano finish or a light stainless steel mesh available as options. The standard heated front sport seats with integrated headrests are power adjustable and covered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara. Fine Nappa leather in either Black or Moon Silver accentuated with Stone Gray piping is optionally available.

It has the same feel of absolute quality and class as every other modern Audi.

The car is an Avant – station wagon – after all, so it offers offers up to 1,430 liters (50.50 cu ft) of cargo space, and comes with a rail system with load securing set and a power hatch to ensure maximum practicality.

The 2013 Audi RS 4 Avant goes on sale in fall 2012 at a base price of 76,600 Euro in Germany. A sedan version will follow.