Audi's next super-wagon takes aim at BMW M3 Touring

Audi’s next-generation BMW M3 Touring and Mercedes-AMG C63 rival may pack a plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain.

The 2025 Audi RS5 Avant – as the RS4 replacement is set to be called – has been spied testing with aggressively flared wheel arches with vents, though the ones at the rear don’t appear to be the final production pieces.

We can see the RS5’s aggressive front end, with large air intakes and a prominent black-finish, diamond-patterned grille.

Overseas reports have suggested it will stick with six-cylinder power as the latest BMW M3 has, while adopting a plug-in hybrid system as the latest Mercedes-AMG C63 has.

Moving forward, Audi plans for its electric vehicles (EVs) to have even-numbered names and its combustion-powered vehicles to feature odd-numbered names.

Given we’ve seen only five-door wagon and Sportback replacements for the current A4 and A5, that suggests we could see the current A4/S4/RS4’s sedan body style get the chop.

A convertible version has also yet to be spied testing, and Audi has already discontinued the droptop A3 with the latest generation.

Audi currently offers hot RS versions of the A4 Avant and A5 Sportback and coupe, but not the A4 sedan or A5 convertible.

In Competition guise, now the only spec offered in Australia, the current RS4 and RS5 are powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine with 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

MORE: Everything Audi RS4 MORE: Everything Audi RS5