Audi Sport has entered a new electrified era with the launch of the all-new Audi RS 5 – its first high-performance plug-in hybrid. Combining classic RS DNA with cutting-edge hybrid technology, the new RS 5 delivers up to 639PS, a 0–62mph sprint of just 3.6 seconds, and a driving experience engineered for both everyday usability and track-day precision.
UK order books are set to open in Q1 2026, with first deliveries expected in summer 2026.
639PS Hybrid Powertrain: V6 Meets 130kW Electric Motor
At the heart of the new RS 5 is a heavily upgraded 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 510PS (375kW), paired with a 130kW electric motor integrated into an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.
Combined system output:
– 639PS (470kW)
– 825Nm of torque
– 0–62mph in 3.6 seconds
– Up to 11kW AC charging
– 25.9kWh battery (22kWh net usable)
The 400-volt battery supports meaningful electric-only driving for town and city use, while also delivering instant torque for performance driving. Audi claims improved cell chemistry allows stronger output even at lower states of charge and in extreme temperatures.
Charging from empty to full takes around 2.5 hours on an 11kW AC wallbox — ideal for UK home charging setups.
A World First: Electro-Mechanical Torque Vectoring
The headline innovation is Audi’s new quattro with Dynamic Torque Control system.
This is the first production car to feature electro-mechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle. A dedicated electric actuator can redistribute torque between the rear wheels in just 15 milliseconds, recalculating optimal distribution every five milliseconds (200Hz).
The result?
– Sharper turn-in
– Improved traction on corner exit
– Enhanced stability under braking
– Greater agility in dynamic driving
The centre differential now features preload, meaning it remains partially locked even off-throttle. This improves responsiveness during quick transitions — particularly noticeable on twisting B-roads.
RS-Specific Chassis and Suspension
The new RS 5 sits around 90mm wider than the standard A5, with flared arches and a significantly stiffer body structure (10% more rigid).
Key hardware includes:
– Five-link front and rear suspension
– RS sport suspension with twin-valve dampers
– RS-tuned steering (13:1 ratio)
– 20-inch or optional 21-inch wheels
– Steel brakes as standard (420mm front discs)
– Optional RS ceramic brakes (440mm front discs)
Ceramic brakes reduce unsprung weight by approximately 30kg and bring the car to a stop from 62mph in just 30.6 metres.
The integrated brake-by-wire system prioritises regenerative braking before engaging friction brakes, improving efficiency without compromising stopping performance.
Multiple Driving Modes – Including RS Torque Rear
Audi drive select now offers a broader spectrum than ever, including:
- Comfort & Balanced: Electric driving prioritised
- Dynamic: Sharper throttle and steering response
- RS Sport: Maximum grip and lateral performance
- RS Torque Rear: Rear-biased setup enabling controlled oversteer on closed circuits
- RS Individual: Fully customisable settings
In RS modes, the battery is strategically held at a high state of charge (up to 90%) to ensure maximum electric boost and torque vectoring performance is always available.
A dedicated boost button unleashes full system output for 10 seconds — ideal for overtakes.
Design: Wider, Lower, More Aggressive
The RS 5 wears its electrified performance confidently. Compared to the A5, it is 40mm wider on each side, with pronounced arches referencing the original Ur-quattro.
Exterior highlights include:
– Three-dimensional honeycomb Singleframe grille
– Functional air curtains
– Aggressive rear diffuser with vertical fins
– Matte oval RS exhaust tips
– Optional darkened Matrix LED headlights with checkered-flag DRL signature
– Second-generation digital OLED rear lights
– Both Saloon and Avant body styles will be available for European buyers.
Interior: Performance-Focused Digital Cockpit
Inside, the RS 5 features:
– 11.9-inch virtual cockpit
– 14.5-inch MMI touch display
– 10.9-inch passenger display
– RS-specific performance data screens
– Head-up display with shift light
– Sport seats plus with massage function
Drivers can monitor lap times, G-forces, tyre temperatures, drift angles and energy flow in real time.
Audi’s optional driving experience function even allows track analysis and sector timing — useful for Nürburgring enthusiasts and UK track-day drivers alike.
Efficiency Meets RS Character
Unlike traditional RS models, this plug-in hybrid allows:
– Silent EV operation in town
– Predictive energy management
– Adjustable regenerative braking levels via steering wheel paddles
– Intelligent hybrid mode to preserve charge for urban areas
Yet it remains unmistakably RS — complete with an emotional exhaust note when the V6 fires up.
Built in Germany, Coming to the UK in 2026
The new Audi RS 5 is built in Neckarsulm, Germany. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but expect positioning firmly in premium high-performance territory.
The RS 5 signals a major shift for Audi Sport — proving that electrification and genuine RS performance can coexist.
We’ll update with UK pricing and full WLTP electric range figures as soon as they’re released.
