Sedans return for brief run

Audi New Zealand is celebrating 45 years since the inception of Audi quattro, which has been a core pillar of the brand, by bringing back two Sedan models as a one-off, limited run. 

The Audi RS 3 Sedan and Audi S5 Sedan, previously the Audi S4 Sedan, have not been available to order in New Zealand since 2018.

Greg Leet, general manager of Audi NZ, says the decision to bring them back was fuelled by a spike in consumer enquiries across its dealer network during the global release for each model.

“Listening to the feedback, Audi has worked impressively fast to ensure we can offer these sedans to our customers,” he adds. 

“It will be a true nod to our heritage to see an Audi Sedan available once again – even if just for a limited time.”

Audi S5 Sedan

The all-new Audi S5 Sedan, pictured, will be based on the S5 Avant, which is now available to purchase. 

With pricing from $147,990, this 3.0-litre V6 TFSI quattro model delivers a system output of 270kW, a top speed of 250kph and accelerates from 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds. 

It has a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) plus technology for the first time. 

The revised S tronic dual-clutch transmission in the Audi S5, designed for more torque, also reduces the weight on the front axle and improves agility. 

Partial electrification through the new 48-volt MHEV plus system leads to reduced carbon dioxide emissions through electrified driving components and high recuperation performance. 

The redesigned Sedan’s rear hatch, which is new in this vehicle segment, opens with the rear window and makes access to the luggage compartment easier.

Other features include 20-inch Audi Sport five-twin-spoke black metallic, gloss-turned finished wheels, privacy glass, Matrix LED headlights and digital OLED rear lights. 

On the inside, the curved, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display with OLED technology takes centre stage alongside a standard MMI front passenger display, which is integrated into the dashboard design. 

The new S5 Sedan also has a configurable head-up display, through which drivers can control vehicle and infotainment functions.

Audi RS 3 Sedan

The new RS 3 Sedan, pictured above, will be based on the new RS 3 Sportback and pricing starts from $133,990.

The Sedan variant has some new equipment and options compared to the Sportback model, including a new equipment package celebrating the vehicle’s record Nürburgring lap time of 7:33.123 minutes. 

The track package includes gloss carbon exterior features, a carbon engine cover, a direct tyre pressure monitoring system, Pirelli Trofeo Semi-slick performance tyres, RS carbon racing seats, dinamica upholstery and dashboard inlay and carbon ceramic brakes. 

Audi says the track package is valued at $30,300 but will be available for $25,000.  

The RS 3 Sedan is powered by a 2.5 TFSI engine from Audi Sport with 294kW and a maximum torque of 500 Nm, which in turn delivers a top speed of 290kph and a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds.

Authorised Audi dealerships are taking orders for the Sedan models for a limited time, with the vehicles set to arrive in the final quarter of 2025.