The Model Formerly Known as the RS 4
It may say RS 5 on the trunk lid, but the reality is that the latest model is more of an RS 4 successor. The real RS 5 is no more, as there are no plans for a coupe or a convertible. Blame it all on the odd-even naming convention that hasn’t done Audi any favors, and the company has admitted that it was a misstep.
As it’s essentially an RS 4, it gets more formal body styles. The sedan is back, though the DNA of the old RS 5 Sportback remains. Of course, there’s also the Avant, which has been a staple of the RS 4 family from day one.
This is also Audi’s first-ever plug-in hybrid RS model. It packs well over 600 horsepower, but is saddled by a massive weight gain that makes it even heavier than some full-size SUVs. What a world we live in today.
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The Bad News
Still, we’re cautiously optimistic about the new-generation RS 5, and we’ll reserve judgment until we’ve driven it. But the question on everyone’s mind right now, at least for American customers, is whether the Avant will be sold stateside. Unfortunately, we have bad news for you.
If you’re familiar with the Auditography YouTube channel, then you’ll know that its host is a massive fan of the four rings. He’s also not afraid to speak up or voice out criticisms about the brand despite being one of the automaker’s most trusted photographers. On behalf of everyone, he asked Audi if the Avant is coming to America, and the answer was a straightforward no.
Admittedly, this writer isn’t based in the U.S, but we still feel bad for you guys. The U.S. has been asking for a hotter, more compact RS Avant model for decades — 25 years, to be exact — so what gives? The answer Auditography got was “Audi of America don’t see the demand.” Right.
But Hot Wagons are In, Right?
It’s a bit of a baffling answer if we’re being honest, as hot wagons are becoming a strong niche in America. For instance, over half of the M5s that BMW shifts in the U.S are Touring models, and Audi has been making bank on the RS 6 since it finally landed in the country. Let’s also not forget the more subtle Mercedes-AMG E53 Wagon, as well as the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. Even Genesis wants to throw its hat into the ring with the G90 Wingback.
But one thing you’ll notice about the models mentioned above is that they’re all on the larger side of the wagon spectrum. At the moment, no one is offering smaller performance wagons in the U.S. The M3 Touring isn’t sold in America, and the same goes for the C63 wagon.
While Audi of America can claim there’s no demand, there’s strong clamoring for it. Audi practically invented the compact high-performance wagon genre with the RS 2, and the new RS5 Avant has the potential to succeed in the Land of the Free.
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An Ongoing Petition
Still, never say never, right? While writing this story, we stumbled upon a Change.org petition to bring the RS5 Avant to America. At the moment, it has close to 1,000 supporters and is awaiting a reply from Audi USA. Truth be told, we’re not entirely optimistic about it, even if it garners thousands of signatures.
Still, that’s not to say petitions don’t work. The Mustang was saved because of that, and America got the E36 M3 through the same process, albeit with a different version. Still, a result is a result, and if enough people are vocal about it and actually pledge to buy it, it might be enough for Audi USA to give the RS 5 Avant more thought.
Audi Club North America, you know what to do.
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