- The RS5 will be Audi’s first plug-in hybrid RS model.
- Expect a V6 engine under the hood.
- The new RS5 will be available as a liftback and station wagon.
When Audi outlined its plans for 2026 a few months ago, it conveniently left out what will arguably be its most exciting product. In addition to an entry-level EV, the next-generation Q7 and the very first Q9, Ingolstadt will spice up its range with a highly anticipated RS model. In an announcement made today on LinkedIn (of all places) the Four Rings confirmed that the RS5 is coming this year.
The next-generation model will be Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid. Although the identity of the engine has not been revealed for the time being, we can make a good estimate. We’re confident the new RS5 hasn’t been bitten by the downsizing bug, despite going part-electric. Four-cylinder models with an RS badge have long been ruled out by company officials. And due to increasingly strict emissions regulations and low demand, the inline-five is not long for this world.
As a result, Audi Sport will probably put a V6 under the hood. Weight will be a real problem, as the European-spec S5 sedan (technically a liftback) already weighs 1,950 kilograms, measured without a driver but with a 90 percent tank. That’s 155kg more than the old Euro-spec diesel S4 it replaced. In wagon form, the new S5 Avant weighs no less than 1,965 kg.
As soon as Audi installs a battery pack for the PHEV setup, the hotter versions will become even heavier. For reference: a regular A5 Avant plug-in hybrid with a smaller four-cylinder engine already weighs more than 2,000 kg in Europe. The capacity of the battery remains a mystery, but we remind you that the standard package of the A5 PHEV has a capacity of 20.7 kWh of usable energy.
It’s safe to assume that the upcoming RS5 will be significantly more powerful than its predecessor. Although the old model had 444 hp available, we wouldn’t be surprised if the new generation exceeds the 500 hp mark when the electric motor is involved. Torque should also get a healthy boost from the old car’s 600 Nm (443 lb-ft).
This time unfortunately there will be no RS5 Coupé or Convertible. Audi has abandoned the two-door body styles for this generation, leaving only the five-door RS5 and the RS4 Avant, replacing the RS5 wagon. Now that the TT and R8 are long gone, Audi does not sell coupes or convertibles. However, a production version of the Concept C will fill the void when it arrives possibly next year with a folding targa roof.
Taking Motor1s: Some purists will scoff at the idea of a plug-in hybrid RS, but here’s how the cookie crumbles now that Euro 7 is approaching. If we look at the glass half full, Audi will keep the cylinder number intact for at least another generation. Hopefully the same goes for the RS6, although that V8 will likely also be part of a plug-in hybrid setup.
The new RS5 might not be the only Audi Sport model we’ll see this year. Although it hasn’t been officially announced yet, a hardcore RS3 “GT” has already been spied by automotive paparazzi. The ultimate hot hatch could make its debut in 2026 as a swan song for the five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine.
Audi fans can certainly look forward to a busy 2026.
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