Audi Sport has unveiled the new RS 5 as its first high-performance plug-in hybrid, bringing electrification to the RS line while keeping the focus on pace, grip and daily usability.
The new RS 5 comes in Sedan and Avant forms, and combines a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 130kW electric motor for a total system output of 470kW. Audi said the powertrain is paired with a hybridised eight-speed transmission and a newly developed quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control, which introduces electro-mechanical torque vectoring at the rear.
That rear system is the big technical change. Audi said a new rear transaxle uses an actuator, overdrive gears and a differential to shift torque between the rear wheels almost fully variably, depending on driving conditions.
A control unit recalculates the rear torque split every 5 milliseconds, or 200 times a second. The carmaker also said the new centre differential carries preload so it remains partially locked, helping manage front-to-rear torque delivery more consistently.
Chassis changes are extensive too. The RS 5 gets wider bodywork than the standard A5, flared fenders, RS-specific front and rear axles, RS-tuned steering, and bespoke RS sport suspension with twin-valve dampers. Audi said the setup is tuned to balance comfort and control, with quicker responses to changing road surfaces and better control of pitch and roll.
Visually, the car gets the usual RS cues, including a honeycomb Singleframe grille, larger air-management elements at the front, a rear diffuser and matte oval tailpipes. Darkened Matrix LED headlights with a checkered-flag daytime-running-light signature complete the look.
Audi is also pushing a new optional Audi Sport package for buyers who want a harder-edged RS 5.
It adds more aggressive front air intakes and a sharper rear diffuser design, plus an RS sport exhaust with matte black tailpipes. Audi also raises top speed to 285kph with the package.
Bedford green metallic is the recommended exterior finish and is exclusive to this option, while a bicolour 21-inch wheel with satin-matte coating is paired with optional ceramic brakes in bronze calipers.
Inside, the package adds a darker, more focused cabin treatment with Dinamica trim, brass-coloured accents and contrast stitching in Serpentine green, a new colour for the RS 5.
Audi also offers a Carbon Camouflage package, available only with the Audi Sport package, adding forged-carbon exterior pieces and matching interior trim.
A new driving experience function, shown on the 14.5-inch MMI touch display, can analyse routes and store sector times. In RS torque rear mode, it can also display drift-angle statistics.
In Germany, the RS 5 Sedan starts at €106,200 (RM491,000), while the RS 5 Avant starts at €107,850 (RM498,000). Both are built in Neckarsulm.
Audi said order books for Europe open in the first quarter of 2026, with first deliveries due in summer 2026.
