The long-awaited successor to the RS4 has arrived with a new name, a plug-in hybrid powertrain, trick differentials and wibble-worthy box arches that add over 80mm of girth. Up front, an evolved 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine is now paired with a gearbox-mounted electric motor for a combined output of 630bhp and 609lb-ft (825Nm) of torque – enough to see the RS 5 cover 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds despite the 2.3-tonne kerb weight. The top speed is limited to 155mph as standard, with Performance Vorsprung models raising this to 177mph.

The engine is responsible for 503bhp and 443lb-ft (600Nm) – an increase of 40bhp over the RS4 Edition 25. Extensive revisions include a new shortened intake and water-to-air intercoolers; higher fuel injection pressures also contribute to the power bump. Using a Miller combustion cycle aids efficiency, and future-proofs the engine for compliance with Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Augmenting the V6's output is the car's electric motor, which adds 175bhp and 339lb-ft (460Nm). The motor draws its power from a 22kWh usable capacity battery, allowing for up to 52 miles of all-electric driving. A flat-to-full charge using a home wallbox will take just 2.5 hours to complete; alternately, the battery can be topped up to 80% by the engine while driving, although this will impact fuel economy. The driver can choose between EV and Hybrid setting, and when in its Dynamic drive mode, the RS 5's battery is kept at a minimum of 20% charge in order to deliver maximum boost when desired.

2026 Audi RS 5 launched-1
2026 Audi RS 5 launched-2

The RS5's performance is sent to all four wheels through a new 8-speed torque converter gearbox, and the latest iteration of Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. A new limited-slip centre differential can send up to 70% of the torque to the front axle, or 85% to the rear. The system is always partially locked, minimising understeer even under zero throttle load, and promising even faster power distribution when power is called upon.

At the rear axle, a new electromechanical differential is controlled by a driving dynamics computer, and allows for precise lateral torque vectoring. The hardware includes overdrive gears, a conventional differential, and a water-cooled electric motor with 11bhp and 30lb-ft on tap. The Dynamic Torque Control system operates whether accelerating or braking, analysing all driving data every five milliseconds and acting on it almost instantaneously. In RS Sport mode the battery is held at a minimum of 90% charge, ensuring the torque vectoring system always has the required power to perform its witchcraft.

The system also allows for a drift setting to be introduced for the first time in the RS5. Called RS Torque Rear mode, it sends as much torque to the rear axle as possible, and distributes it to the outside rear wheel. The car records drift angles and distances covered sideways, allowing for driver analysis later on.

2026 Audi RS 5 launched-3
2026 Audi RS 5 launched-4

Visually, the standout feature is the set of flared arches giving the new RS5 a widebody stance that dwarfs the standard car. The nose is dominated by its enlarged front grille which sees the welcome return of the small RS badge that had been absent in recent hot Audis, while updated light signatures with a chequered flag pattern feature at both ends. The dual oval exhaust pipes are an RS staple, but these are mounted closer together than before, harking back to the first and last iterations of the TT.

The three RS5 models available in the UK are subtly differentiated by their exterior details. The standard variant gets silver 20-inch wheels and dark chrome exhaust tips, while the RS5 Carbon Black adds grey 21-inch six-twin spoke alloys and carbon exterior trim. Range-topping Performance Vorsrprung models feature black rims, carbon camouflage exterior detailing, and bespoke front and rear bumpers. The switchable RS sport exhaust system comes as standard, with a pair of black outlets within the rear bumper.

For the first time in the RS4/5's history, wider wheels and tyres feature on the rear axle. There is a choice of two braking systems, with standard steel discs measuring 420mm and 400mm at the front and rear respectively, while the optional ceramic brakes increase the diameters to 440mm and 410mm and save 30kg. Brake-by-wire modulates the blend of regenerative and friction braking, and incorporates a specifically tuned ABS system to ensure maximum stopping power when required.

2026 Audi RS 5 launched-5
2026 Audi RS 5 launched-6

The RS 5's chassis features a 10% stiffer unibody than the base model, and five-link suspension with adjustable twin-valve dampers on both axles. The model gains new joints, links, bushings, and a 13:1 steering ratio to improve handling and feedback. The car's set-up can be adjusted through five preset driving modes, plus an individual setting that allows the driver to mix their preferred powertrain, suspension, stability control, and steering characteristics.

The model serves as the replacement for the RS4, and will be available as an Avant estate and a Saloon – both with five doors. The interior is common across both body styles, with two-piece front seats, and a mixture of leather and microfibre across the panels. The perforated leather steering wheel features a prominent 12 o'clock marker, quick-select button for switching driving modes, and a dedicated Boost button to call upon maximum powertrain performance for 10 seconds at a time. The shift paddles can be used to control the 8-speed transmission, or adjust energy recovery levels when the car is driving under electric power.

2026 Audi RS 5 launched-7
2026 Audi RS 5 launched-10

RS-specific graphics feature on the customisable infotainment display, and all models get a passenger-side screen as standard. Five interior colour schemes will be available, each with colour-coded contrast stitching, floor mats, and seatbelts. Two ISOFIX mounting points for child seats feature on the rear bench, with a pair of air vents and optional seat heating controls found at the rear of the centre console. The RS5 Saloon offers 330 litres of boot space, with the Avant boosting this to 360 litres. Overall load space is down compared to the car's predecessor owing to the placement of the plug-in hybrid battery.

The new Audi RS5 Avant and Saloon are now on sale in the UK, with three model variants available. The standard RS5 comes equipped with 20-inch Y-spoke wheels, matrix adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, Bang & Olufsen surround sound system, nappa leather upholstery with heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, adaptive cruise control, black exterior trim, rear privacy glass and surround-view cameras. Carbon Black models add 21-inch 6-twin spoke alloys in grey, carbon fibre trim for the front bumper, mirror caps and dashboard inlays. Range-topping Performance Vorsprung variants gain black wheels, a raised top speed limit of 177mph, carbon camouflage trim outside and in, the switchable RS sport exhaust system, panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency, rear seat heating, and speakers in the front headrests.

Prices start at £89,400 for the Saloon and £91,300 for the Avant. Carbon Black models command a £6,000 premium over the standard model, with Performance Vorsprung variants requiring a further £12,000 uplift. Both models will be built at Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany, with deliveries expected to commence this summer.