The new RS 5 is Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV), combining the brand’s rich RS heritage with advanced hybrid technology in both Sedan and Avant configurations.In the words of Audi, whether you’re taking on winding roads, cruising on the highway, or moving quietly through town on electric power, the RS 5 is going to handle all of those situations (and more) with precision and grace.It’s about nine centimeters wider than the standard A5 at both ends, giving it a strong, athletic look with flared fenders.
The front features Audi’s signature Singleframe honeycomb grille, air curtains for managing airflow, and darkened Matrix LED headlights.At the rear, the most dominant feature is the matte oval tailpipes of the RS sport exhaust, which looks absolutely sinister! In late February 2026, Audi released the global specs on the RS 5 Sedan and Avant, noting that U.S.market launch details may change.
For example, the Matrix LED headlights, along with some of the car’s other unique lighting signatures, may not be available due to U.S.regulations.Thus far, Audi has not set an official release date in the U.S.
for the RS 5, although it’s expected to arrive in 2027 as a 2028 model.In Europe, customers can already order the new RS 5 with deliveries slated to begin this summer.Modular electrified powertrain World-first torque vectoring system Audi’s high-performance PHEV is the first RS production model with a modular electrified powertrain, featuring quattro with Dynamic Torque Control.
The new quattro system introduces electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear, which Audi said is a world first.The combined system includes an upgraded 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 (375 kW, 510 PS, 600 Nm of torque), a 130 kW electric motor, a hybridized tiptronic eight-speed gearbox, a limited-slip center differential, and a rear transaxle with the aforementioned electromechanical torque vectoring.The 2.9-liter twin-turbo (variable-geometry) uses a modified Miller cycle, closing the intake valves earlier to boost efficiency.
Water-to-air intercoolers, new for the RS 5, help lower intake temperatures.Audi said this setup delivers maximum power while using up to 20 percent less fuel than earlier RS 5 models.Meanwhile, the electric motor adds 130 kW (177 PS) and 460 Nm of torque, for a total system output of up to 470 kW (639 PS) and 825 Nm of torque.
The electric motor and the 400-volt electrical system are powered by a 25.9 kWh battery that reaches a full charge in 2.5 hours.The eight-speed tiptronic transmission, complete with a torque converter, planetary gearset, and other lighter components, sends everything to the pavement.The partially locked center differential controls how power is split between the front and rear axles, ranging from 70/30 to 15/85 percent.
The center differential handles the front-to-back split, while the electromechanical torque vectoring system at the rear (called quattro with Dynamic Torque Control) manages the left-to-right split between the rear wheels.On straight roads, torque is shared evenly, but it shifts to the wheel with better traction when needed, such as to the outer wheel when exiting a corner.Audi explained that an actuator, overdrive gears, and a differential work together to transfer torque between the rear wheels, adjusting almost instantly to driving conditions.
A control unit recalculates the best torque distribution every five milliseconds, or 200 times per second.Audi said this gives drivers motorsport-level performance on everyday roads.Audi RS 5 Sedan Audi RS 5 Avant Audi Sport package Carbon fiber elements also optional The Audi Sport package for the RS 5 adds custom front and rear bumpers, larger front air intakes, and two-tone diamond-cut phantom black 21-inch wheels with matte accents.
Inside, there is contrast stitching in Serpentine green and brass, a first for an RS 5.Ceramic brakes with bronze calipers and carbon camouflage elements are included, although the package offers a number of customization options, including a unique Bedford green metallic paint.The Audi Sport package can be paired with the Carbon Camouflage package, which includes decorative inlays throughout the interior.
On the outside, the front fascia wings, side sill inserts, rear fascia, and exterior mirror housings are all done up in forged carbon.Related For the price of a Prius, you could own this German luxury sedan Ten times the luxury for essentially the same price.Posts By Tyler Dupont Interior themes and virtual cockpit Passengers can personalize their entertainment There are five interior designs to choose from, each with its own materials and color schemes.
All design themes feature color-coordinated seat belts and RS logos on the floor mats, matched to each interior color with a black headliner.The instrument panel, armrests, and door trims feature a black Dinamica microfiber.Subscribe to the newsletter for RS 5 PHEV deep dives Dig into the Audi RS 5 PHEV with the newsletter: subscribe for in-depth analysis, powertrain breakdowns, clear option-package explanations, and focused coverage of electrified performance and RS models.
Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can unsubscribe anytime.The Audi virtual cockpit has RS 5-specific gauges that show engine RPM, speed, and a shift indicator.
Enthusiasts can also view performance metrics such as G-forces, individual tire temperatures and pressures, lap times, and in-depth drivetrain, power, and acceleration data.In terms of connectivity, the Audi MMI Panorama display combines the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit with the 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen, both featuring a curved design and OLED technology.The MMI display shows features like energy flow and regenerative braking, while a standard 10.9-inch passenger display lets riders enjoy their own in-vehicle entertainment.
Related Audi maintenance is expensive, but these 5 tips will save you thousands Don’t believe the “lifetime” transmission fluid claims.Posts By Joe Kucinski U.S.release date Order books open in Europe As noted above, Audi has not set an official release date in the U.S.
for the RS 5, although it’s expected to arrive in 2027 as a 2028 model.In Europe, customers can already order the new RS 5 with deliveries slated to begin this summer.Starting MSRP in Germany for the RS 5 Sedan is 106,200 euros ($125,095), while the Avant starts at 107,850 euros ($127,038).
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