Audi has taken the wraps off the new-generation RS5, bringing a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain to the offering for the first time. The Audi RS5 arrives in both sedan and Avant (station wagon) body styles, and replaces the previous-gen RS5 and the short-lived RS4 Avant in global markets. The RS5 nameplate remains a crowd favourite in India, and you can expect the new generation to make its way here in the near future.
The new-generation RS5 packs Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid engine. The unit is based on the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, which belts out 503 bhp. The motor has undergone significant changes to meet the upcoming Euro 7 emission regulations. The engine now runs on a modified Miller Cycle, wherein the intake valves close early for a leaner burn, thereby reducing NOx emissions. The unit also features higher fuel injection pressure and variable geometry turbos, and a new intake system with water-cooled intercoolers. The changes allow the engine to make 60 bhp more at 503 bhp, while peak torque stands at 600 Nm.
The engine is paired with a 130 kW electric motor and onboard battery, which produces 174 bhp and 460 Nm of peak torque. This pushes the combined output to 630 bhp and 825 Nm with power going to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV unit makes for an electric-only range of 80 km.
There’s a 25.9 kWh battery on the new Audi RS5 that sits above the rear axle. Apart from sending power to the main motor paired with the engine, it also sends power to a secondary electric motor that’s integrated into the electromechanical torque vectoring unit on the rear axle. This is a first for Audi and adjusts the power sent to each wheel in under 15 milliseconds, allowing maximum power at the wheel for better cornering effort.
Audi has also introduced a new all-wheel drive system on the new RS5. The AWD unit gets a limited-slip centre differential that sends 70 per cent of power to the front axle or up to 85 per cent to the rear. On the suspension front, the new-gen RS5 gets a five-link setup at the front and rear with twin-valve shock absorbers and adaptive dampers, which have been tuned to RS-spec. Braking performance comes from 420 mm front and 400 mm steel rear disc brakes as standard. Customers have the option to upgrade to carbon ceramic brakes as well.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain may seem faster but it holds moves more weight than before on the latest Audi RS5. The offering weighs a hefty 2,355 kg on the sedan and 2,370 kg on the Avant, making it substantially heavier over the predecessor. Despite the excess weight, the 2026 RS5 can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 285 kmph with the Audi Sport pack as optional.
Visually, the new-gen Audi RS5 grows over the latest Audi A5. It’s sharper, bolder, and meaner in appearance with the pronounced fenders, massive air intakes, and a host of aggressive aero inserts. In fact, the new RS5 is 80 mm wider than the standard A5, and rides on larger 20 or 21-inch wheels. Audi has also introduced new model-specific LED DRL patterns within the Matrix LED headlamps on the performance offering. The oversized single-frame 3D grille gets even larger, while the rear bumper sports an integrated diffuser with dual exhaust tips. A lip spoiler graces the boot lid for the sporty look.
The cabin gets the bolder treatment over the standard A5 with sport seats at the front. The triple-screen setup comprises an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. A head-up display will be optional, and so will a leather-free cabin.
The all-new Audi RS5 will take on the Mercedes-AMG C 63, BMW M4 Competition, and more, when it arrives in India. That said, we expect the new-generation Audi A5 to arrive on our shores first as a replacement to the outgoing Audi A4.
