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Audi Might’ve Just Dropped the Ultimate Wicked Wagon of 2026

Alongside the new RS5 sedan is one wicked-looking wagon. Yes, we’re getting it.

Rear view of a red Audi RS5 Sportback with black diffuser, dual exhaust, and tinted rear windows.Audi
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By Chris Chin

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It appears long roofs are making a comeback in the States. Audi just pulled the digital wraps off of what looks to be its most wicked-looking RS model yet, the all-new RS 5.

While it is launching in sedan form, it’s also coming as a wagon. And yes, if you were wondering, it’s coming to our shores, which makes it the first Audi of its kind to do so.

Praise the fast long-roof lords!

Big turbo plug-in hybrid power

Two Audi RS models, one dark green sedan and one red wagon, parked on a light gray tiled surface near concrete walls.
The B9 Audi RS 5 sedan and Avant arrive to replace the old B8.
Audi

Before you get on my case, yes, I know. We’ve received fast long-roof Audi’s before, like the RS 6. But this is the first time we’ve received a smaller model that’s a part of the same lineage as the A4 family.

If you’re already wondering why Audi didn’t call it the RS 4, even as it replaces the old B9-based RS 4 Avant, allow me to explain.

The Ingolstadt-based automaker recently launched the new A5 sedan and wagon as the next-gen replacement for the original A4. The reasons for the badge change are unknown. Other than Audi wanting to rebrand and reposition some of the models in its lineup.

Dark green electric car rear side with charging cable plugged in and red taillight.
This is the first Audi RS 4 successor to receive plug-in hybrid gas-electric power.
Audi

But what is known about the name change is that Audi admits it was a major rebranding mistake. Since the decision has been finalized, Audi is stuck with its rebranding move. As such, it’s called the RS 5 rather than the RS 4.

Audi RS engine with black cover featuring red accents and orange high-voltage cable.
A 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6 powers the gas component of the hybrid system.
Audi

Nonetheless, like its predecessor, the new RS 5 comes jam-packed with all the go-fast goodies one expects. It also sports some devilish looks — take a gander at the widened wheel wheels, fat haunches and massive oval exhaust ports.

2027 Audi RS 5 Sedan and Avant

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Starting with the basics: total maximum system output is around a whopping 678 horsepower. And because it’s a plug-in hybrid with a high-output electric motor, there’s almost enough torque to slow the Earth’s rotation at 609 pound-feet.

Black and red leather Audi RS car interior with digital dashboard and sporty steering wheel.
The RS 5 embraces Audi’s known tagline, “vorsprung durch technik,” which means “advance through technology” in German.
Audi

That happens thanks to a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which is good for about 503 of those total 678 horses. With the electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic, 0-62 mph happens in just 3.6 seconds.

The first small Audi RS Avant to come to the US

Red Audi RS 7 Avant with black grille and wheels driving on a winding mountain road at sunset.
The RS 5 Avant will be the first small RS wagon to come to the States.
Audi

Not only is the arrival of a new RS 4-replacing RS 5 exciting. When the Avant hits dealers, it’ll be the first high-po Audi of its kind sold in America.

All of the previous RS 4 Avant versions were forbidden fruit to Americans. But Audi did sell us the RS 4 sedan, specifically with the B7 between 2006 and 2008. That was the first variant sold in America.

Three Audi RS4 cars in yellow convertible, blue wagon, and red sedan parked on asphalt.
The last time America got a small RS model based on the A4 lineage was the second-gen B7 RS 4, which we got in both sedan and convertible form.
Audi

And while it did come in wagon and even convertible form, we only got the sedan and surprisingly the convertible (only about 300 of them). Since then, the RS 4 has been a no-go for the States. The B9 RS 5 changes all of that.

Germany might be known for giving us some of the best performance cars the world has ever seen, but it’s also known for some of the most unique. More specifically, high-performance wagons.

Red Audi RS Avant driving on a mountain road at sunset with rocky hills and a tree in the background.
Your move, BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
Audi

With the RS 5 Avant destined for US dealers — along with the recent first-time arrival of the BMW M5 Touring and Mercedes-AMG continuing its Stateside E-Class Wagon offering — we can only hope that more hot German wagons will join the party.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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