Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 23 June 2026
While station wagons might be a dying breed, there’s no question in our minds as to whether they’re cooler than their high-riding SUV counterparts. Audi, a brand synonymous with building the world’s best wagons, is showing no signs of slowing down on the long roof front.
Recently, Audi New Zealand gave us the chance to get up close and personal with the new RS5 Avant, the latest go-fast wagon from the Audi stable. And if it drives half as well as it looks, deep-pocketed Kiwis are going to be in for a treat when it arrives later this year.
One Formula, Two Flavours
The RS5 is set to land locally in two guises; sedan and Avant (wagon). Pricing is predictably hefty, with the sedan starting from $194,990, and the Avant slightly more expensive at $196,990.
Other than the obvious practicality advantage of the Avant, the differences between the two RS5s are non-existent. The extra hatch only adds 15kg, which seems nominal when the RS5 tips the scales at 2.3-tonnes.
Upon first inspection, you’d be forgiven for thinking the RS5 was actually an RS6, especially in Avant form. Compared to the burly current-gen RS6, the RS5 Avant is 10cm shorter, has a 26mm shorter wheelbase, and is basically the same width. It’s a bit of an eye-opening experience when comparing kerb weights, as the smaller RS5 Avant is almost 300kg heavier. But before you write it off as a porker, there’s a good reason for that extra weight, and we’ll get to that soon.
The uber aggressive styling of the RS5 also leans into this RS6 theme. I was told the RS5 is 9cm wider than the old RS4 Avant. The majority of this width is taken up by the enormous guards that keep the 21-inch wheels in check. Behind these wheels, there are six-piston calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at the rear. Carbon ceramic brake rotors can be had from an extra $22,000.
An Electrified Pioneer
It has been confirmed that every Audi RS model from here on out will feature some sort of electrification system, and this RS5 is the first model to do so. At 2.3-tonnes, you might be wondering where all that extra weight is coming from, and the answer lies in its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The base of this electrified powertrain is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 375kW and 600Nm. This is paired with an electric motor on the rear axle, which chips in with 130kW. As always, it also gets a quattro all-wheel drive system, which works in tandem with the eight-speed automatic transmission. All up, this new RS5 gets a RS6-eclipsing 470kW/825Nm, which will send it to 100km/h from a standing start in 3.7-seconds.
The electric motor on the rear axle works in conjunction with Audi’s torque-vectoring differential to allow for sideways fun. The RS5 can reportedly send 85 per cent of its torque to the rear wheels, and when paired with Audi’s new “torque mode”, it will induce oversteer by accelerating the outside wheel on the turn. While the majority of customers won’t be using this very often, it’s sure to improve driving dynamics and minimise the dreaded understeer Audi RS models are known for.
As for the electrified side of things, it makes use of a 22kWh battery that allows it to cover 80km on electric power alone. Charging speed, as well as fuel economy and energy efficiency is yet to be confirmed for this model.
Practical, As Always
Following the theme of Audi wagons of old, practicality is a priority for this new RS5 in Avant and sedan form (but mostly the wagon). Seating space in the rear row is generous, and the extended wheelbase is likely to thank for this. Behind the second row, there’s 361-litres of space with the seats in place, and this jumps to 1,302-litres when the seats are folded.
It can also tow, with an unbraked maximum of 750kg, or 1.9-tonnes braked.
Audi New Zealand has confirmed deliveries for this new RS5 will commence in August. Before that, the left-hand drive model we got to look around will be touring the country. This tour commences this weekend, after the RS5 has finished its stint on display in Auckland’s CBD.
Station at Spacefor in Britomart, the RS5 Avant will be on display from 7am to 4pm tomorrow, with complimentary coffee available from Ortolana.
Following this, it will make its way through Audi dealers across the country, before finishing up at Archibalds Audi in Christchurch on September 10.
