2026 Audi RS5 unveiled: Monster Hybrid V6 power, but significantly heavier

Mercedes-AMG and BMW M already offer plug-in hybrids, and now it’s Audi Sport’s turn to launch electrified performance models. The new RS5 is a reminder that stricter emissions regulations are forcing the industry’s biggest names to adapt their most exciting cars to comply with stricter European Union legislation.

Ingolstadt’s inaugural PHEV with an RS badge aims to strike the right balance between the old way of doing things and the new electrified era. Instead of downsizing to a four-cylinder, Audi Sport has retained the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood. It now produces 503 hp, or 59 hp more than its predecessor.

Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a new Quattro system with torque vectoring on the rear axle. Audi Sport has designed an RS torque-rear mode for tailgating, although this de facto drift mode is only intended for ‘non-public roads’. The Tiptronic gearbox, combined with a self-locking differential, can send up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear axle. Depending on driving conditions, as much as 70 percent can be sent to the front wheels.

This time the six-cylinder engine doesn’t work alone. It is linked to an electric motor that produces 174 hp. Combined, the plug-in hybrid system delivers a significant power output of 630 hp and 825 Nm of torque. Not too shabby for a model that competes in the same class as the now defunct A4.

As expected, the new RS5 is lightning fast. Audi claims a 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h. You don’t always have to rely on the gas engine, as the 25.9 kWh battery allows a fully electric mode. In the city, motorists can travel up to 87 kilometers without using fuel. Once empty, a full charge takes about two and a half hours.

But while the new RS5 seems to offer the best of both worlds, there’s an elephant in the room: weight. Yes, the car is now considerably heavier. The more practical Avant weighs 5,225 pounds (2,370 kilograms) in European specification. That is a significant increase of 625 kilograms compared to its predecessor. Yes.

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Source: Audi

At the same time, the RS5 Avant is 280 kg heavier than the larger RS6 Avant with its non-electrified V8. The added mass isn’t just down to the PHEV hardware. The A5 donor model is also significantly larger than the A4 it replaces. Likewise, we expect the next RS6 to also gain more than a few pounds if it retains the V8, adds an electric motor and grows in size.

Specifications aside, the new RS5 looks fantastic. Well, at least on the outside. The widebody duo features functional air intakes in the front fenders and large oval exhaust tips, positioned closer to the center of the bumper. As always, we prefer the wagon to the sedan, which is technically a five-door liftback, just like the old RS5 Sportback.

The RS models are about nine inches wider at both ends than a standard A5, with optional ceramic brakes sitting behind 20- or 21-inch wheels. Darker matrix LED headlights and black four-rings enhance the visual drama, complemented by a checkered flag motif that echoes in the OLED taillights. The huge front air intakes and rear spoilers for both body styles leave no doubt that this is the range-topping A5. Select exterior elements are also available in carbon fiber for those willing to splurge on options.

Photo by: Audi

Inside, the changes are less dramatic. There’s still plenty of glossy black bezel, a triple screen with thick bezels and the usual capacitive touch controls. Audi has spruced up the interior with form-fitting honeycomb quilted seats, standard electrical adjustment and a massage function. The base RS5 skips leather upholstery, while higher trims offer a choice of red or gray leather.

Elsewhere, the cabin features a leather-wrapped steering wheel that’s flattened at the top and bottom, complete with RS buttons to switch driving modes and activate the boost function. It lasts 10 seconds and unlocks maximum performance to overtake or impress passengers. Contrasting stitching, a black headliner and decorative inlays complete the modifications.

Audi will launch the new RS5 models in Europe in the first quarter of this year. In Germany, the RS5 Sedan starts at €106,200, while the more practical RS5 Avant starts at €107,850. Deliveries to customers are expected to start this summer.

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Source: Audi

Taking Motor1s: The new RS5, especially in station wagon form, is perhaps one of the most attractive Audi models in years. As long as you don’t dwell on the weight, the technical specifications are impressive. The ability to cruise silently around town without firing up the V6 adds welcome versatility to an already attractive all-rounder.

The plug-in hybrid design comes as no surprise, as it was announced years ago. PHEVs in the performance segment can be seen as a necessary evil. In Audi’s defense, the company has managed to keep the V6 rather than downsizing to a four-cylinder, as its rival from Affalterbach did with the soon-to-be-discontinued AMG C63.