Audi RS 5 and RS 5 Avant: the first plug-in hybrid RS is revealed

The Audi RS 5 has at last been unveiled as the brand’s first-ever RS plug-in hybrid. Audi says this technology will become a key pillar of the RS line-up.

Rather than switching straight to fully electric powertrains, Audi has chosen a middle route, using electrification to enhance performance without abandoning combustion entirely.

The new Audi RS 5 and RS 5 Avant are the first RS models to adopt this set-up, and they will not be the last. The upcoming RS 6 is one example, with prototypes already spotted while testing.

2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with electrons

Audi is not the first to bring this type of technology to high-performance models; Mercedes-AMG and BMW M have done so too. In Mercedes-AMG’s case, replacing a V8 with a four-cylinder unit in the C 63 S E-Performance generated plenty of headlines, but not many sales. As a result, it has been officially confirmed that the model will soon leave the market.

With the new RS 5 and RS 5 Avant, Audi has played it safe. The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 remains, but it has been updated and now produces 510 hp, which is 60 hp more than the previous RS 4/RS 5. The difference is that it is now supported by an electric motor delivering 130 kW (177 hp) and 460 Nm of torque, integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Total system output rises to 639 hp and 825 Nm, which even exceeds the 630 hp of the last RS 6 Avant-also offering a clue as to what to expect from its plug-in hybrid successor.

The quattro system also brings some notable details, including electromechanical torque vectoring on the rear axle, enabled by a small electric motor dedicated solely to that role-described as a world first. Audi states that the front-to-rear torque split can vary from 70–30% to 15–85%, depending on conditions.

Powering the electric side is a 25.9 kWh battery (22 kWh usable) mounted under the boot floor, enabling up to 87 km of all-electric range on the combined WLTP cycle.

So far, the figures look impressive. Another number is equally striking-and impossible to ignore: weight. As you would expect from a plug-in hybrid of this size, the new Audi RS 5 and RS 5 Avant tip the scales at 2355 kg and 2370 kg respectively-205 kg and 220 kg more than their “sister” RS 6.

Even so, the 0–100 km/h sprint takes 3.6 seconds, and top speed is capped at 285 km/h. Numbers that still fit the RS badge.

And because stopping hard matters as much as accelerating fast, the RS 5 comes with steel brake discs measuring 420 mm at the front and 400 mm at the rear. Optional carbon-ceramic discs increase that to 440 mm front and 420 mm rear, while also cutting 30 kg of unsprung mass compared with the steel set-up. With these discs fitted, the RS 5 needs only 30.6 m to come to a halt from 100 km/h.

An A5 that’s (much) more aggressive

Visually-and as you would expect from an RS model-the RS 5 is wider, lower, and noticeably more muscular in stance. From the A5, only the bonnet, roof and boot lid carry over. Both the front and rear lights receive RS-specific graphics, while the front grille grows to give the car more presence on the road.

From the side, the highlights are the 20-inch or 21-inch wheels (wrapped in 285/35 tyres) and the flared wheelarches, front and rear. At the back, there are two XXL oval exhaust outlets, now positioned closer to the centre of the rear bumper.

Inside, there is no leather trim, but you do get Dinamica microfibre, and contrasting stitching helps set it apart from other A5 versions. There are also sport seats with increased lateral and leg support, plus a flat-bottom steering wheel featuring two “RS” buttons-like the updated Audi RS 3-allowing quick switching between personalised driving modes.

Beyond that, the cabin is dominated by OLED screens. In front of the driver, the digital cockpit uses an 11.9-inch display for the instrument cluster, paired with a 14.5-inch central screen and a third 10.9-inch screen for the passenger. Audi also notes updated software with revised graphics, improved usability and stronger performance.

When does it arrive?

First customer deliveries of the 2026 Audi RS 5 and RS 5 Avant in Europe are expected to begin during the summer. UK pricing has not yet been announced.