Liz Dobson drives a standout Audi, which blends sleek design, everyday versatility, and refined driving dynamics.

In the early 2000s, I was a ghost writer for a motorsport driver and he asked me what my dream car was; my reply was the Audi’s station wagon, A4 Avant Quattro.

In the 2000s, the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz station wagons were the vehicles to be envied due to their legacy, but in the next few decades, premium SUVs took over.

Buyers shifted toward SUVs for several reasons: perceived safety benefits due to higher seating positions, added cargo and passenger flexibility, and a broad range of sizes from compact to full-size that appeal to many lifestyles.

Marketing has also leaned heavily into SUV desirability, making lifted crossovers the default “family car” even in urban settings.

But fast forward to 2026, and one of the standout cars for me is the successor to the A4 Avant, the S5 Avant.

The all-new Audi S5 Avant is the first model of the new A5 range to be launched in New Zealand. Built on the new premium platform combustion (PPC), it offers an all-new design, technology, and more efficient performance.

Before you get confused, the “S” means an upgraded design package – while Audi’s sports range is called the RS.

New spirit

Audi New Zealand’s general manager, Greg Leet, said that the S5 Avant is an important model for Audi NZ as “our station wagons, such as the predecessor S4 Avant, have typically led the [small car] segment”.

“We are excited to bring this all-new spirited Avant to the New Zealand market. Audi has been able to completely redefine this popular wagon,” he said.

The S5 Avant is a striking-looking vehicle, blending sleek design, everyday versatility, and refined driving dynamics in a package that feels distinctly modern, yet deeply rooted in classic Avant heritage.

Historically, Avant models have been Audi’s answer to families and enthusiasts who want sedan-like handling with increased cargo flexibility.

I recently tested the S5 Avant e-hybrid, priced from $117,990 and was blown away by the handling.

The majority of the cars I review are SUVs, so I forget how superb a station wagon is to drive; Audi’s engineering and design input has created a vehicle that you drive from Auckland to Wellington and still feel refreshed.

The low centre of gravity, compared with SUVs, plus great weight distribution, means it drives like a sports car, but has the functionality of a wagon thanks to the large boot.

Streamlined appeal

Recent shifts in Audi’s lineup have fused aspects of the previous A4 Avant into the A5, streamlining the range around premium, properly equipped wagons.

Visually, the A5 Avant stands out thanks to its roofline that slopes gently toward the rear, culminating in a sophisticated rear hatch and distinctive LED light signatures that give the car a wide, purposeful stance.

Inside, the cabin has a premium feel to it, with the driver-focused large, curved info screen, with a front passenger display that lets them control such functions as air conditioning and audio.

Under the bonnet is a 2-litre petrol engine that provides 220kW of power, and 550Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It also has Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which creates more secure handling and cornering.

It also has the benefit of 101km of electric power, which means that you do your weekly commute to work without using petrol.

Space aplenty

On the weekends, you can load up the boot with 361litres of space, and head out of town. The Avant seats four adults comfortably with plenty of leg room for rear passengers, but the middle rear seat is a bit of a squish for long drives.

But the bonus of the rear seat is that it has a 40:20:40 configuration, so you can load your skis in the middle of the seat, or fold down three-quarters of the seat for those Ikea purchases.

Fold down the second road, and you have 1306litres of space which is plenty of room for a couple of Ikea’s kitset Billy bookshelves, with room for a Poäng chair.

The main competition in New Zealand for the S5 Avant is the BMW 3 Series Touring, while Mercedes-Benz used to sell the C-Class estate. It’s of note that none of the European brands actually call their products station wagons, please note, these are premium brands.

But the S5 Avant is not without fault; it’s pricey compared with SUVs, and some owners have found the heavy reliance on large touchscreens and gloss surfaces overwhelming or impractical. There is also criticism over screen-dominant interactions and design elements that feel too generic or distracting.

Overall, the 2026 Audi S5 Avant is a compelling station wagon that blends elegant design, engaging driving dynamics, and usable practicality. While it may not match the sales frenzy of SUVs, it rewards those who still value the purity of car-based handling and sophisticated style in a versatile package.

Liz Dobson is founder of AutoMuse.co.nz and judge for Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year.