Audi RS5 Avant PHEV Loses Space, Less Practical Than Predecessor

The all-new Audi RS5 Avant, despite featuring a 2.9T V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain and offering an all-electric range of 87 kilometers, suffers a significant reduction in cargo space due to the battery pack encroaching on interior volume. With the rear seats upright, boot capacity is just 361 liters—nearly 130 liters less than the previous-generation RS4 Avant—and even falls short of the A3 Sportback (380 liters) and the standard A5 Avant (476 liters). Although the vehicle is larger in overall dimensions, its practicality is noticeably compromised by the placement of the 25.9 kWh battery. Folding down the rear seats expands capacity to 1,302 liters, still below the previous model’s 1,495 liters. Audi has not yet confirmed whether the RS5 Avant will be introduced to the U.S. market, with an announcement expected next year.