New Audi RS 5 is the devil’s PHEV

February 22, 2026

The Audi A5 was a coupe, right?

True, the first two generations of the Audi A5 from 2007-2024 were available as a two-door coupe or convertible and a five-door A5 Sportback. But then Audi suddenly decided to change its name structure and the all-new Audi A5 was presented in 2024 as a replacement for the Audi A4.

Audi RS 5 Limousine and Avant

Back to the new Audi RS 5, which hits the market this summer as an Avant (station wagon) and Limousine (sedan). Apart from the body shape, they are both technically the same. The plug-in hybrid propulsion system consists of a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine and a hefty electric motor that together deliver 470 kW (639 hp) of power and 825 Nm of torque. All the horsepower and newton meters are sent to the asphalt via an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive.

The electric motor is powered by a 22 kWh/400V battery that allows long-term support of the gasoline engine or a distance of up to 84 km fully electric driving. Thanks to the 11 kW AC on-board charger, the battery is fully charged in 2.5 hours.

Dynamic Torque Control

The driving dynamics of the new Audi RS 5 are largely determined by the specialized chassis with a center differential that distributes torque between front and rear axles. Unique for a production car is the new Quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control that also distributes torque between the two rear wheels. With this, you can count on sensational cornering speeds in a variety of conditions in the new Audi RS 5. Furthermore, the RS-specific chassis features dual-valve shock absorbers, RS-tuned steering and 20-inch wheels (option 21-inch) with 420 mm front and 400 mm rear brake discs. Ceramic discs are optional.

Audi emphasizes, however, that the RS 5 was not developed purely as a racing machine for public roads. It is a spacious family car that is also practical and covers a broad spectrum of driving dynamics, ranging from extremely sporty performance to optimal comfort for everyday use.

Impressive appearance

The Audi RS 5 leaves no doubt that this is the ultimate performance version. It has an unmistakably sporty and aggressive look that clearly distinguishes it from the standard Audi A5. Optically, the RS 5 models are about nine centimeters wider, with clearly widened fenders, a three-dimensional Singleframe grille and directional air ducts.

Behind, we see a diffuser, trunk spoiler (Limousine) and two unmissable oval exhaust pipes. We have rarely seen them this big. At the same time, the RS 5 looks modern and high-tech with its dark matrix LED headlights and oled taillights. For the interior, the familiar recipe has been applied, with deep bucket seats, lots of RS accents and contrasting stitching.

READ ALSO: End of era for Audi A1 and Q2

Audi RS 5 and the competition

The new Audi RS 5 is Audi’s first RS model with plug-in hybrid technology. The combination of gasoline and electric power provides a whole new level of performance while also reducing CO2 emissions. You can no longer do without hybrid technology in this segment, and we see this in other brands as well.

With output and torque of 470 kW (639 hp) and 825 Nm, the Audi RS 5 guarantees extreme performance, such as a 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds and a limited top speed of 285 km/h. Thus, it pulverizes its predecessor without hybrid technology – the Audi RS 4 Avant with 331 kW (450 hp) and 600 Nm.

The new Audi RS 5 also bests the BMW M3 xDrive Competition. One of the RS 5’s main competitors has to do without electro-support and, with 389 kW (530 hp) and 660 Nm, delivers considerably less power than the RS 5. Not that this makes the BMW M3 slow – it makes a difference of only a few tenths of a second – but it does show how big a step it is once you switch from traditional gasoline drive to plug-in hybrid drive.

The Audi RS 5’s biggest competitor at the moment is the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E-Performance 4Matic. This performance model from the same class of similar size, introduced over two years ago, is a plug-in hybrid that, with 500 kW (680 hp) and 1,020 Nm, is just a fraction faster.

Cheaper than predecessor?

The new Audi RS 5 Limousine and Avant will be available for order in the Netherlands starting this spring. The first deliveries are scheduled for this summer. Prices are not yet known, but they will be favorable thanks to the relatively low CO2 emissions of the plug-in hybrid system. It is possible that the new Audi RS 5 will be cheaper than its predecessor, the Audi RS 4 Avant Quattro Competition Plus with a new-car price of over 153,000 euros.