Audi Sport has just announced the RS5 as a hybrid for 2026, joining the wave of other German automakers electrifying their performance models.
According to Motor1, this is directly linked to the recent strict European Union legislation regulating emissions. In this context, automakers have been racing to adapt previously combustion-only models to hybrid and even fully electric versions.
Even as a hybrid, the RS5 2026 still retains the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood, now producing 503 horsepower, 59 more than its predecessor. This power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a new Quattro system with rear-axle torque vectoring.
But this time, the V6 won’t work alone. The six-cylinder engine is paired with an electric motor producing 174 horsepower. Combined, the plug-in hybrid system offers 630 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque.
Speaking of torque, Audi Sport designed an RS rear torque mode for those who want to push the limits, though this mode is intended for “non-public roads” only.
The Tiptronic transmission, combined with an automatic locking differential, can send up to 85% of torque to the rear axle and, depending on driving conditions, up to 70% can be sent to the front wheels.
In terms of speed, the RS5 doesn’t disappoint. Audi claims 0–100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 285 km/h. You won’t need to rely on the gasoline engine all the time, as the 25.9 kWh battery allows for a fully electric mode.
In the city, drivers can travel up to 87 kilometers without using any fuel. Once the battery is fully depleted, a full charge takes about two and a half hours.
Aesthetically, the new RS5 features a wide body, functional air intakes on the front fender, and large oval exhaust tips positioned closer to the center of the bumper. Darker matrix LED headlights and black Four Rings amplify the dramatic front-end look, complemented by a checkered pattern on the rear OLED lights.
Inside, there haven’t been many changes. There is still a lot of glossy black trim, a triple display with thick bezels, and the familiar capacitive touch controls.
Audi has enhanced the cabin with body-hugging seats featuring honeycomb-patterned padding, electric adjustment, and a massage function. It’s worth noting that red or gray leather details in the cabin are only available on higher-end RS5 trims.
The new RS5 models are expected to arrive in the European market during the first quarter of this year. In Germany, the RS5 Sedan starts at €106,200, while the RS5 Avant starts at €107,850. Audi expects to deliver the first units by mid-year.
Photos: Audi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
