New blood

The raft of new model arrivals and announcements continues apace Down Under with Audi Australia using its sleek new trackside hospitality suite at Melbourne's Albert Park circuit to reveal all-new models as well as announcing pricing and specification for new models in both the all-electric and performance ICE segments.

With one of the very limited edition RS 6 Avant GTs and the first RS Q8 performance in the country effectively ‘guarding the door’ of the suite, the stage was set for an automotive feast, with two more shrouded shapes on the suite’s lawn area right beside the track.

These concealed two completely new models – the all-new S5 Avant, seen in Australia for the first time and the first of the ‘low floor’ EVs, the S6 Sportback e-tron – the most aerodynamic Audi model ever produced. 

Both of these completely new models are set to be launched in Australia around the middle of the year, the S5 Avant the first look ‘in the metal’ at a completely new model range which effectively combines elements of the Audi A4 and A5 models lines with stunning results. 

The new A5/S5 range will be released in Australia in both Avant and Sedan configuration, with the 150kW A5 Sedan starting proceeding from $79,900*. Audi Australia also confirmed that at launch, a special ’edition one’ variant S5 Sedan and S5 Avant will be offered to Australian customers, featuring special inclusions to mark the arrival of these all-new additions to Audi family.

In the all-electric ranks, when it arrives, the S6 e-tron and the other members of the A6 e-tron family will join the likes of the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron and Q8 e-tron SUVs to offer even greater variety to the brand’s all-electric range. The A6 and S6 e-tron models will also be offered in Avant and Sportback variants, each with a completely new exterior and interior design language.

This model range features new lighting technology as well as being the first Audi with illuminated four-ringed logo on the car) and will be available with second-generation virtual mirrors as well as a host of additional cutting-edge technology including a Panoramic sunroof which features an electronic ‘masking’ feature, that changes the opacity of the glass instead of using a tradition cover.

Occupying a completely different segment off the market, the RS Q8 performance is the most powerful ICE model ever produced by Audi and will touch down in Australia in May from $255,800*. 

Boasting a massive 471kW of power – some 30kW more than the ‘standard’ RS Q8 – and 850Nm of torque, the RS Q8 performance is a force of nature. A large, luxurious SUV, it hits 100km/h from stop in 3.6 seconds and is the current record holder in its class around the Nurburgring, dispatching a lap of the Green Hell in 7:36.698 seconds.

But in addition to its extraordinary performance numbers, the RS Q8 performance will also boast an enviable list of standard inclusions when it arrives in just a matter of months.

From its enormous 23-inch alloy rims and huge ceramic brakes with distinctive red calipers, to the HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and rear OLED lights, it is impressive to behold. 

The RS Q8 performance will include dynamic all-wheel steering and RS Adaptive air suspension sport as well as electromechanical active roll stabilisation, quattro sport diff and RS sports exhaust system.

Inside, passengers will be treated to RS sport front seats with both heating and ventilation, beautifully upholstered in fine Nappa leather with that distinctive honeycomb stitching. Inlays are in a brushed aluminium diagonal black, while the likes of four-zone climate control, Panoramic sunroof, and an air quality package with ioniser are all standard inclusions.

Power assisted door closing and an electric opening and closing tailgate are likewise standard, along with a 730 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 17 speakers.

In addition to a full complement of safety and driver assistance systems, the RS Q8 performance will also include Audi’s virtual cockpit with white dials, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch response, as well as Audi connect plus navigation and infotainment.

Customers will also enjoy Audi smartphone interface, phone box light charging and a total of four USB ports – with two in the front and two in the rear.

Audi Australia also used the occasion to confirm the addition of a new entry-level Q6 e-tron model, hot on the heels of the Q6 e-tron launch just weeks ago. Touching down at $99,900*, the new Q6 e-tron will feature rear-wheel drive like the Q6 e-tron performance but the new model will use a smaller 83kWh battery (75.8kWh net) to deliver up 462 kilometres of range on a single charge.

With 185kW increasing to 215kW of power with launch control, and an impressive 485Nm of torque, the new Q6 e-tron lacks nothing in terms of its power output, hitting 100km/h from a standstill in seven seconds flat using the launch control, on the way to a top speed of 210km/h.

Standard equipment is equally impressive, with Matrix LED headlights with signature daytime running lights and 19-inch alloy wheels heading an extensive list of inclusions. Inside, heated front sports seats feature four-way lumbar support and memory function for the driver, while rear passengers in the outer seaters also enjoy heated seats. Three zone climate control is standard, along with a heated steering wheel, 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch OLED MMI screen. The car also includes a 10.9-inch front passenger screen and of course the full suite of safety and driver assistance systems as well as 360 degree cameras as standard inclusions.

It’s a diverse group of automotive offerings, all showcasing the brand’s design and engineering prowess across both ICE and all-electric drivetrains – and in 2025, there is still plenty more to come.