5 Minutes
A muscular new RS 5 Avant arrives — and the aftermarket is already on it
Audi Sport has thrown down a fresh challenge in the high-performance estate segment with the third‑generation RS 5 Avant. The headline: this is Audi’s first plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) RS model, and while it brings impressive combined output, it also brings noticeable mass. Before the first customer examples hit the road, aftermarket designers in the CGI world have already paired the Avant with two distinctive HRE alloy wheel concepts.
Powertrain and performance highlights
Under the bonnet the RS 5 Avant mixes a 2.9‑liter twin‑turb o V6 with an electric motor to produce a combined figure that Audi quotes at around 630 horsepower. That output pushes the Avant into serious performance wagon territory, with rapid acceleration and strong midrange torque aided by the hybrid boost. The PHEV setup delivers clear benefits in transient response and allows brief all‑electric running for short commutes.
Quick specs (high level)
- Combined output: ~630 hp (2.9L V6 + electric motor)
- Powertrain: Plug‑in hybrid high‑performance setup
- Curb weight: approaching 5,200 lb (weight penalty from battery & electrification)
- Body style: Avant (high‑performance station wagon)
The trade‑off is plain: electrification enhances power and efficiency, but it adds several hundred pounds. At roughly 5,200 pounds on the scales, the RS 5 Avant is heavier than many rivals, a point that’s already sparked debate among enthusiasts.
Design — sculpted, wide, and, yes, heavy
Outside, Audi’s designers have clearly focused on presence. The Avant’s lines are broad and muscular, with pronounced shoulders, aggressive intakes, and a stance that emphasizes width. Many reviewers call it one of Audi’s most convincing exteriors in recent years — a car that looks like it spent serious time in the gym.
Inside the cabin, reactions are more mixed. Audi’s digital instrumentation and layered screens give a modern, tech‑forward environment, but some observers complain of an overreliance on glossy piano‑black surfaces and a sterile, touchscreen‑heavy layout that lacks Audi’s former tactile character.
Personalization and aftermarket interest
Audi offers factory personalization options — including forged carbon elements and a suite of finishes — but the aftermarket ecosystem moved quickly. California’s HRE Performance Wheels has released CGI renders showing two curated wheel directions for the RS 5 Avant:
- A gold five double‑spoke finish that contrasts with gloss black accents for a premium, standout look.
- A gunmetal polished, turbine‑style wheel that underscores the car’s aggressive, wide‑track stance.
"The Avant platform invites bold wheel choices," HRE’s imagery implies, and the two concepts demonstrate distinct styling languages: luxury contrast versus raw performance aggression.
Market positioning and rivals
Audi is targeting buyers who want a practical, fast estate that doesn’t compromise on performance — shoppers who would otherwise consider the BMW M3 Touring or the Mercedes‑AMG C 63 S E Performance. Compared with those rivals, the RS 5 Avant trades a weight penalty for electric assistance and roughly comparable combined power. Pricing is expected to climb accordingly, but for buyers prioritizing a high‑output, versatile wagon with hybrid tech, the Avant is compelling.
Final thoughts
The 2027 RS 5 Avant is a statement: Audi Sport is embracing electrification in its performance lineup and packaging it in one of the most striking Avant designs in recent memory. The result is polarizing — admired for its looks and power, critiqued for its mass and some interior choices. If you’re into custom wheels and visual statements, the HRE renders provide two interesting directions for personalizing this high‑performance station wagon.
Which direction would you choose: the gold five‑double‑spoke or the gunmetal turbine? Or would you swap the RS 5 Avant for an M3 Touring or AMG C 63 S E Performance instead?
Source: autoevolution
Comments
v8rider
Looks insane but 5,200 lb? Is the V6+hybrid enough to hide that mass on a twisty road, or just straightline flex? feels heavy, curious how brakes hold up.
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