Niche Success
Audi has been pretty selective when it comes to selling RS models in the U.S. The country missed out on gems such as the RS 2 and first-generation RS 4, but was lucky enough to get the first-gen RS 6, albeit in sedan guise only. That was followed up by the second-gen RS 4, but only as a sedan again. If it’s any consolation, more RS cars made it stateside eventually, but the Avants remained forbidden fruit.
That was until 2020, when Audi of America brought back the RS 6 for the 2021 model year. Audi did the hard part of bringing it to the U.S., and wagon fans delivered by actually buying it. Sure, it’s not a common sight on the roads, but considering its niche, the RS 6 Avant became one of the brand’s biggest hits this decade.
Audi
Next Attraction
Given its success, it’s perhaps no surprise that the next-gen model will be sold in America. Not only that, the sedan body style returns to the RS 6 as an indirect successor to the RS 7 that will be retired by the end of the year. There’s still debate as to what kind of engine it will have, but at the very least, it should match the BMW M5’s 717 hp output.
The thing is, RS 6 sales have far exceeded Audi of America’s expectations, and it’s made the company rethink its stance on the RS 5 Avant. It was previously said that the longroof RS 5 wasn’t coming to America, but a petition campaign was made to reverse that decision. Now, Audi of America Senior VP of Product Management Filip Brabec told The Drive that it’s not closing the door on the junior RS Avant model.
Audi
Better than an Outright ‘No’
Before anyone gets too excited, this isn’t a confirmation that the RS 5 Avant will come to the U.S. Brabec told The Drive, “I would say that from the standpoint of a market potential and success story, definitely, we see the potential there. And, we’re kind of working through the process and, you know, we have nothing to announce today. But, you know, stay tuned, I would say.”
It’s not an absolute yes, but it’s not an outright no, either. The fact that it’s being considered could be taken as a positive sign, as it wasn’t the case just a few months ago. Right now, though, the RS 6 Avant (and perhaps the sedan too) are of higher priority for Audi. It no longer wants its RS models to dip in and out of certain segments for the sake of continuity. The RS 6 has proven itself and has gained a strong following in America, which is all the more reason why there are high expectations for the upcoming model.
Audi
