Audi Unveils the New RS 5: A High-Performance Hybrid That Redefines Quattro

Audi Sport has taken a significant step into hybrid performance with the all-new Audi RS 5, marking the first time this iconic model combines traditional high-power engineering with advanced electrification. The new RS 5 blends Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system with a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering a rare balance of dynamic performance and everyday usability.

At the heart of the new RS 5 is an enhanced 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with a 130 kW (177 PS) electric motor and a 25.9 kWh battery pack. Together they produce a maximum system output of 470 kW (639 PS) and 825 Nm of torque, figures that position the RS 5 at the forefront of performance hybrids.

The hybrid setup is not a simple afterthought. Audi has re-engineered its drivetrain for this model, integrating the electric motor into a hybridised eight-speed transmission and introducing a new quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control. This technology uses electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear transaxle — a first for any production car — to distribute power between the rear wheels in milliseconds, sharpening handling and enhancing stability at the limit.

While hybrid systems are often associated with compromise, Audi has aimed to preserve the RS 5’s sporting character. The V6 engine alone delivers 375 kW (510 PS), with the electric motor adding instant torque and responsiveness from low speeds. Combined, they allow the RS 5 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3.6 seconds, with an electrically assisted all-wheel-drive system that adjusts seamlessly to driving conditions.

The plug-in hybrid nature also brings practical benefits. The RS 5’s battery enables a significant all-electric driving range in urban conditions, offering quiet, emissions-free travel when required. Charging at up to 11 kW means a full battery in just a few hours, making it suitable for daily use as well as spirited drives.

Visually, the RS 5 carries familiar design signatures but with a more assertive presence. Wider bodywork, darkened Matrix LED headlights, and RS-specific aero elements signal its performance intent. Inside, Audi’s driver-focused cockpit blends digital displays with RS-tuned controls, underscoring the model’s dual personality as a high-performance machine and a refined daily companion.

Orders for the new RS 5 are opening in Europe early in 2026, with deliveries expected later in the year. Whether equipped as a sedan or an Avant wagon, this latest RS 5 embodies Audi’s strategy to marry electrification with high-end driving dynamics, pushing the brand’s performance credentials into a new era.