Audi Sport’s first-ever high-performance plug-in hybrid: 470 kW (639 PS) of system output, optional top speed of 285 km/h, and day-to-day driving more than 80 km on electric power alone in the city.
Audi Sport has officially entered a new chapter with the world premiere of the new Audi RS 5. As the division’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the RS 5 represents a paradigm shift, blending traditional RS DNA with cutting-edge electrification. Designed to be both a composed daily companion and a track-ready performer, the new RS 5 arrives in both Sedan and Avant body styles, promising a driving experience that spans from whisper-quiet urban gliding to high-octane performance.
A powerhouse reimagined: The 639 PS hybrid drivetrain
At the heart of the RS 5 is a sophisticated modular powertrain. For the first time, Audi Sport pairs its legendary 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with a powerful 130 kW (177 PS) electric motor integrated into a hybridized eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The combustion engine alone has been significantly upgraded to produce 375 kW (510 PS), an increase of 44 kW over its predecessor. When combined with the electric motor’s 460 Nm of torque, the total system output reaches a staggering 470 kW (639 PS) and 825 Nm of torque. This synergy propels the RS 5 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
Despite its massive power, the RS 5 achieves an all-electric range of up to 84 kilometers. The 25.9 kWh battery utilizes improved cell chemistry to ensure power remains available even in extreme temperatures or at low states of charge. Using 11 kW AC charging, the battery can be replenished to 100 percent in roughly 2.5 hours.
World first: Quattro with dynamic torque control
The most revolutionary feature of the new RS 5 is the Dynamic Torque Control system. This is the world’s first electromechanical torque vectoring system in a production car. The system is built around a center differential with a permanent preload, meaning it remains partially locked to improve turn-in and minimize internal understeer.
On the rear axle, a water-cooled 8 kW high-voltage actuator can shift up to 2,000 Nm of torque between the wheels in just 15 milliseconds. A central driving dynamics controller analyzes inputs 200 times per second to orchestrate this distribution, providing a level of agility and stability previously unseen in the segment. Whether entering a corner with stabilizing effects or exiting with a rear-biased rotation, the system acts as an invisible maestro conducting the vehicle’s dynamics.
Motorsport aesthetics and wide-body stance
The RS 5 does not just perform like a race car; it looks the part. It is roughly nine centimeters wider than the base A5, featuring flared fenders that house massive 20 or 21-inch wheels. The front is dominated by a three-dimensional Singleframe honeycomb grille and darkened Matrix LED headlights featuring a digital daytime-running-light signature in a checkered-flag design.
At the rear, the RS-signature matte oval tailpipes and a functional aerodynamic diffuser complete the aggressive silhouette. The Sedan model offers a sleek, coupé-like roofline with a functional ducktail, while the Avant provides the signature Audi Sport blend of high-performance and daily utility.
The Chassis: Precision engineering and control
To handle the increased weight of the hybrid system, which stands at 2,355 kg for the Sedan and 2,370 kg for the Avant, Audi has stiffened the unibody by 10 percent. The RS sport suspension features innovative twin-valve shock absorbers, allowing for independent control of compression and rebound. This technology ensures the dampers respond rapidly to changing road conditions, reducing pitch and roll significantly.
The steering has also been RS-tuned with a direct 13:1 ratio, offering exact feedback and rapid reactions. For those seeking the ultimate stopping power, optional 21-inch RS ceramic brakes reduce unsprung mass by 30 kg and can bring the vehicle from 100 km/h to a dead stop in just 30.6 meters.
Tailored Performance: Driving modes and boost function
The RS 5 offers a broad spectrum of personalities through its drive select modes. In Comfort or Balanced modes, the car prioritizes electric driving and smooth transitions. At the touch of a button, the car transforms into a rear-biased performer. The new RS Torque Rear mode stands for maximum rear bias and controlled drifts on closed courses, while RS Sport mode is tuned for maximum lateral acceleration and track efficiency.
A standout feature is the new Boost function. By pressing a dedicated button, the hybrid system deploys maximum acceleration for ten seconds. This function selects the ideal gear and activates the full potential of both the V6 engine and the electric motor, accompanied by a countdown on the driver’s display and an emotive sound from the RS sport exhaust.
Availability and European pricing
The new Audi RS 5 models will be manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany. European order books are set to open in the first quarter of 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected in the Summer of 2026. In Germany, the Audi RS 5 Sedan starts at 106,200 euros, while the RS 5 Avant starts at 107,850 euros. With its blend of sustainable electric commuting and raw twin-turbo V6 power, the RS 5 marks the beginning of a new era for Audi Sport where performance and efficiency coexist without compromise.
