Audi just turned the RS5 into something entirely new. The third-generation 2027 Audi RS5 is now a plug-in hybrid, pairing a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a quoted 630 horsepower and 608 lb-ft of torque. That is a major jump over the outgoing RS5. It also slightly exceeds the RS6 Avant Performance in horsepower, though not in torque.
This also marks a format shift. The RS5 returns for 2027 as a sedan, following Audi’s move away from the two-door coupe. Europe also gets an RS5 Avant wagon, though U.S. availability remains a question mark, and early expectations suggest it may not come here.
The Big Headline: 630 HP, Plug-in Hybrid, Still a 2.9T V6
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Audi is sticking with an reworked version of its twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6, but it is no longer the same output story. The engine is rated at 503 hp on its own, and it is backed by a 174-hp electric motor, combining for a quoted 630 hp total. Torque rises to 608 lb-ft, a substantial step up from the prior car’s output.
Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, keeping the RS recipe intact even as the powertrain changes dramatically.
Audi claims the RS5 will hit 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, and top speed can reach up to 177 mph depending on configuration.
Usable EV-Only Range Estimates
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The RS5’s plug-in hybrid system is backed by a 22-kWh battery, and Audi suggests it should deliver around 44 miles of electric-only driving range. Final U.S. EPA figures could be lower when finalized.
That is an important number because it changes what “RS” ownership can look like day to day. Many owners could theoretically handle commuting and errands on electricity, then unleash the full system output when it matters. Worth noting: some studies have found that a portion of plug-in hybrid owners do not plug in regularly, depending on use case and charging access.
Touchscreen Galore
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Inside, the RS5 adopts Audi’s newer screen-heavy layout. Notably, the 10.9-inch passenger-side display is standard on the RS5, complementing the larger central screen. RS-specific cabin upgrades include typical performance touches such as more aggressive seat bolstering and sportier materials like carbon-fiber-style trim and Alcantara.
The Future Direction of Audi Sport
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The 2027 RS5 is Audi’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid model, but it likely will not be the last. Electrification lets engineers extract more power while helping meet increasingly strict regulations across global markets.
Audi plans to begin RS5 sales in Europe in summer 2026, with pricing cited at the equivalent of roughly $125,000. U.S. timing and pricing have not been finalized, but the U.S.-spec model is expected to arrive later.
