The 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid has been unveiled as a major milestone for Audi Sport, becoming the brand’s first RS model to adopt plug-in hybrid technology. The new Audi RS 5 combines a twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful electric motor, delivering 470 kW and 825 Nm, while also offering up to 84 km of electric-only driving range (EAER).
Audi says the new RS 5 is designed to cover a wider spread of abilities than ever before, shifting from all-electric urban driving to full RS performance, supported by a new-generation quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control.
Australian specifications, pricing and launch timing will be confirmed by Audi Australia closer to release.
2026 Audi RS 5 PHEV powertrain and performance
At the heart of the 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid is an upgraded 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, producing 375 kW and 600 Nm. It is paired with a 130 kW electric motor integrated into an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Key powertrain data – 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid
| Item | Specification |
| Engine | 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 |
| Engine Output | 375kW (510PS) |
| Electric Motor Output | 130kW (177PS) |
| System Output | 470kW |
| System Torque | 825Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed tiptronic automatic |
| Drivetrain | quattro with Dynamic Torque Control |
Audi claims the 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with an optional top speed of 285 km/h when equipped with the Audi Sport package.
Battery, charging and electric range
The plug-in hybrid system is supported by a 25.9kWh (22kWh net) battery, mounted beneath the boot floor and operating on a 400-volt electrical architecture.
Battery and EV data – 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid
| Item | Figure |
| Battery Capacity (gross) | 25.9kWh |
| Battery Capacity (net) | 22kWh |
| AC Charging Speed | Up to 11kW |
| 0–100% Charge Time | Approx. 2.5 hours |
| Electric Range (EAER) | Up to 84km |
| Electric Range (city) | Up to 87km |
The battery also plays a performance role. In RS Sport and RS Torque rear modes, the system maintains up to a 90 per cent state of charge to ensure maximum electric assistance is always available.
Quattro with Dynamic Torque Control
A standout feature of the 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid is its newly developed quattro drivetrain with electromechanical Dynamic Torque Control at the rear axle.
This system uses a dedicated electric actuator, overdrive gears and a rear differential to actively distribute torque between the rear wheels. Audi says torque distribution is recalculated every five milliseconds (200 Hz) and can deliver differences of up to 2,000 Nm between the rear wheels in as little as 15 milliseconds.
A new centre differential with preload ensures the front and rear axles remain partially coupled even off-throttle, improving turn-in response, traction and stability during rapid transitions between braking and acceleration.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The Audi RS 5 sits on a heavily revised platform compared to the standard A5, with a 10 per cent stiffer body shell and RS-specific suspension hardware.
Chassis and braking specs
| Item | Specification |
| Suspension | Five-link front and rear |
| Dampers | RS sport suspension with twin-valve adaptive dampers |
| Steering Ratio | 13:1 |
| Wheels | 20-inch standard, 21-inch optional |
| Steel Brakes | 420 mm front / 400mm rear |
| Ceramic Brakes (optional) | 440 mm front / 410mm rear |
With optional ceramic brakes fitted, Audi claims a 100–0 km/h braking distance of 30.6 metres. Kerb weight is listed at 2,355 kg for the sedan and 2,370 kg for the Avant.
Drive modes and boost function
The 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid offers a wide range of drive modes, including Comfort, Balanced, Dynamic, RS Sport, RS Torque Rear, and RS Individual.
A dedicated boost function, activated via a steering-wheel button, unlocks maximum system output for 10 seconds, automatically selecting the optimal gear for rapid overtaking or acceleration. The function can be used in any drive mode, including EV operation.
Design and interior highlights
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Visually, the new Audi RS 5 is around 90 mm wider than the standard A5, featuring flared wheel arches, a honeycomb Singleframe grille, darkened Matrix LED headlights with RS-specific signatures, and a redesigned rear diffuser with oval RS exhaust outlets.
Inside, the Audi RS 5 features:
- 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
- 14.5-inch central MMI touch display
- 10.9-inch passenger display (standard)
RS-specific displays include G-force readouts, lap timers, drift-angle monitoring, torque distribution visuals, and hybrid energy flow graphics.
Australian outlook
Audi Australia has confirmed that local specifications, performance figures, equipment levels, and pricing for the 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid will be announced closer to launch. Australian-market details may differ from the European version outlined here.
The 2026 Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid represents a clear shift in Audi Sport’s direction, blending electrification with traditional RS performance while introducing advanced torque-vectoring technology aimed at maintaining the brand’s dynamic edge.
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