For decades, the Audi RS badge has stood as a hallmark of uncompromising combustion power. But on February 19, 2026, the script was rewritten in Ingolstadt. Audi Sport has officially entered the electrified era with the new Audi RS 5 – a high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that proves “sustainable” can still mean “sensational”.
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The Heart of the Beast: 639 PS of Electrified Adrenaline
At the core of the new RS 5 is a modular high-performance powertrain that pairs a refined 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a potent 130 kW (177 PS) electric motor. By themselves, these units are impressive, but together they produce a staggering 470 kW (639 PS) of total system output and 825 Nm of torque.
The result is a car that launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. For those with access to the Autobahn or a track, the optional top speed has been raised to 285 km/h.
Audi engineers didn’t just add a battery; they reimagined the engine’s efficiency. The V6 now uses a modified Miller cycle for better partial-load efficiency and water-to-air intercoolers – a first for the RS 5; to ensure maximum power is always on tap, even under intense stress. Under high loads, this new setup is up to 20% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.
“The Invisible Maestro”: World-First Torque Vectoring
While the power is headline-grabbing, the real magic happens in the chassis. Audi has introduced a world-first in a production vehicle: quattro with Dynamic Torque Control in the rear transaxle.
This system acts as an “invisible maestro,” using a high-voltage actuator and overdrive gears to shift torque between the rear wheels in just 15 milliseconds—roughly a tenth of a blink of an eye. Because it’s electro-mechanical, it works whether you are on the throttle, off the throttle, or even braking.
Coupled with a new center differential that features a “preload” to remain partially locked at all times, the RS 5 eliminates internal understeer and offers a level of agility that makes the car feel far lighter than its 2,355 kg curb weight.
Versatility: From Silent City Gliding to Track Sessions
The RS 5 is designed to be a “master of any situation”. For the daily commute, the 25.9 kWh battery allows for more than 80 km of all-electric driving in the city (up to 87 km in optimal conditions). When you do need to charge, the 11 kW AC system can bring the battery to 100% in just 2.5 hours.
For the weekend enthusiast, the RS 5 offers specialized driving modes:
- RS Sport Mode: Tuned for maximum traction and lateral acceleration, keeping the battery at a 90% state of charge to ensure full electric boost is always ready.
- RS Torque Rear: A first for the RS 5, this mode directs maximum power to the outside rear wheel to allow for controlled drifts on closed courses.
- Boost Function: A simple button press provides 10 seconds of maximum acceleration for quick overtakes, accompanied by the opening of exhaust valves for a full-bodied soundtrack.
A Stance That Commands Respect
Visually, the RS 5 is unmistakably wider – nine centimeters wider than the base A5, to be exact. Flared fenders pay homage to the legendary Audi Ur-quattro, while the three-dimensional honeycomb Singleframe and darkened Matrix LED headlights with a “checkered flag” DRL signature give it a predatory look.
Inside, the cabin is a digital sanctuary. A free-standing, curved Audi MMI Panorama display dominates the dashboard, featuring an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touch display, both powered by OLED technology. Passengers aren’t left out either, with a standard 10.9-inch display that allows them to assist with navigation or enjoy their own media.
Launch Details and Pricing
The new Audi RS 5 will be produced in Neckarsulm, Germany. European customers can begin placing orders in the first quarter of 2026, with deliveries expected by Summer 2026.
Starting Prices (Germany):
- RS 5 Sedan: 106,200 euros
- RS 5 Avant: 107,850 euros
Whether you choose the sleek, coupe-like silhouette of the Sedan or the high-performance utility of the Avant, the 2026 RS 5 stands as a bold declaration that the future of Audi Sport is not just electrified; it’s exhilarating.
