2026 Audi RS5 makes global debut

The News 

The all-new 2026 Audi RS5 has finally broken cover, debuting with a bonkers plug-in hybrid powertrain that topples the brand’s iconic RS6 in terms of outright power, a bold new design and “world first” torque vectoring tech.

Under the bonnet is a revised twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine (375kW) now paired with a 130kW e-motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The combination yields a hefty 470kW/825Nm; figures that put it squarely in supercar territory and eclipse one of Audi’s very own performance heroes for peak power: the RS6 – the super wagon’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 dishes out 463kW/850Nm.

Audi claims the new RS5 will go from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds – just 0.2 seconds off the RS6’s 3.4 sec claim – with an optional top speed of 285km/h available via the Audi Sport package.

The fitment of a 25.9kWh battery means the RS5 can travel up to 84km on electric power alone, with AC charging up to 11kW providing a 0-100 per cent charge in 2.5 hours.

Preliminary consumption figures suggest the RS5 sedan and RS5 Avant could sip as little as 3.8L and 3.9L of fuel 100km respectively with a full battery, or as much as 10-10.2L/100km once the battery is depleted.

Audi says the RS5’s new transaxle with electromechanical torque vectoring, which combines an actuator, overdrive gears and a differential, is a world first for a production vehicle.

Unlike traditional mechanical setups, Audi says the system can actively and almost instantly distribute torque between the rear wheels in as little as 15 milliseconds.

The result should produce sharper turn-in, enhanced stability, and the ability to dial in everything from neutral balance to controlled oversteer in the new ‘RS Torque Rear’ mode.

Complementing the trick drivetrain is bespoke RS sport suspension with twin-valve dampers, staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels, steel (or optional ceramic) brakes, and a body that’s 10 per cent stiffer than the standard A5 as well as 90mm wider.

Visually, it’s mean and there’s no mistaking it for anything but an RS with its flared haunches, aggressive air intakes and single-frame honeycomb grille.

At the rear, there’s a full-width LED light bar, chunky diffuser and a pair of big oval exhaust tips.

Inside, the RS5 blends high-tech equipment with a driver-centric design, along with luxe appointments like leather-free sports seats with quilted stitching and massage function, plus a swathe of microsuede materials throughout.

Audi’s 11.9-inch virtual cockpit sits ahead of the driver, while a curved 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen is mounted front and centre. Meanwhile, the front passenger gets their own 10.9-inch display to view and adjust certain vehicle and navigation functions.

RS-specific graphics displayed on the central touchscreen include lap times, G-forces, drift angles and speed, while a cheeky 10-second boost function delivers maximum performance via a button on the steering wheel.

As usual, several drive modes will be offered, including Comfort or EV mode as well as RS Sport and RS Torque Rear, the latter of which is said to transform the RS5 into a rear-biased menace for some tail-happy fun.

The Road Ahead 

The 2026 Audi RS5 is due on sale in Australia this year, although specific timings, pricing and local specification details are yet to be locked in.

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