- The RS5 will be Audi’s first plug-in hybrid RS model.
- Expect a V6 engine under the hood.
- The new RS5 will be available as a liftback and wagon.
When Audi outlined its plans for 2026 a few months ago, it conveniently left out what will arguably be its most exciting product. Aside from an entry-level EV, the next-generation Q7, and the first-ever Q9, Ingolstadt will spice up its lineup with a long-awaited RS model. In an announcement made today on LinkedIn (of all places), the Four Rings confirmed the RS5 is coming this year.
The next-generation model will be Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid. Although the engine’s identity hasn’t been disclosed for the time being, we can make an educated guess. We strongly believe the new RS5 hasn’t been bitten by the downsizing bug, despite going partially electric. Four-cylinder models wearing an RS badge have long been ruled out by company officials. And due to increasingly stringent emissions regulations and low demand, the inline-five is not long for this world.
Consequently, Audi Sport is likely stuffing another V6 under the hood. Weight is going to be a real issue, given that the S5 sedan (technically a liftback) already tips the scales at 4,299 pounds (1,950 kilograms) in European specification, measured without a driver but with a 90-percent tank of gas. That’s 342 lbs (155 kg) more than the old Euro-spec diesel S4 it replaced. In wagon form, the new S5 Avant weighs a porky 4,332 lbs (1,965 kg).
Once Audi fits a battery pack for the PHEV setup, the hotter versions will be even heavier. For reference, a regular A5 Avant plug-in hybrid with a smaller four-cylinder engine already weighs more than 4,400 lbs (over 2,000 kg) in Europe. The battery’s capacity remains a mystery, but we’ll remind you that the standard A5 PHEV’s pack is rated at 20.7 kWh of usable energy.
It’s safe to assume the upcoming RS5 will be substantially more powerful than its predecessor. While the old model had 444 hp on tap, we wouldn’t be surprised if the new generation cracks the 500-hp mark once the electric motor is factored in. Torque should also receive a healthy boost from the old car’s 443 lb-ft (600 Nm).
This time around, there sadly won’t be an RS5 Coupe or Convertible. Audi has abandoned the two-door body styles for this generation, leaving only the five-door RS5 and the RS4 Avant–replacing RS5 wagon. With the TT and R8 long gone, Audi isn’t selling any coupes or convertibles. However, a production version of the Concept C will fill the void when it arrives possibly next year with a folding targa roof.
Motor1’s Take: Some purists will scoff at the idea of a plug-in hybrid RS, but that’s how the cookie crumbles with Euro 7 looming. Looking at the glass half full, at least Audi is keeping the cylinder count intact for one more generation. Hopefully, the same will be true for the RS6, although that V8 is also likely to be part of a plug-in hybrid setup.
The new RS5 might not be the only Audi Sport model we’ll see this year. While it hasn’t been officially announced, a hardcore RS3 “GT” has already been spied by car paparazzi. The ultimate hot hatch could debut in 2026 as a swan song for the five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine.
Audi fans can certainly look forward to a busy 2026.
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