Audi RS 4 to go hybrid

The next Audi RS 4 is set to generate more power than ever before while delivering ultra-low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions thanks to a new high-performance petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

Following a similar route to the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C 63, which will forego a fire-breathing V8 for a rev-happy four-cylinder turbo petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, the next Audi RS 4 is expected to pack a six-cylinder twin-turbo hybrid set-up.

Audi Sport executives have previously implied that a bi-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain is on the cards for the legendary Audi RS 4 from around 2024, taking the current model’s blown 2.9-litre V6 (331kW/600Nm) to a new level and potentially making it good for more than 370kW or over 500hp.

With the next Audi RS 3 expected to leapfrog the hybrid step and go all-electric later in the decade, there’s a strong push for Audi Sport to begin electrifying its wider range following the release of the latest RS 6 with mild-hybrid assistance in 2020.

So will the next Audi RS 4 be a plug-in hybrid?

“Let’s see. The future of our performance arm, Audi Sport, is hugely important to the brand,” said Audi Australia’s corporate comms boss Shaun Cleary, who refused to rule it out.

He acknowledged the brand’s shift towards electrification will see more electrified models enter the fray, as Audi plans to cease selling internal combustion vehicles from 2032.

“Ensuring that the type of performance that Audi continues to bring to market is contemporary and relevant is a very important part of what we offer customers,” he said.

When pressed, the Audi exec wouldn’t officially confirm or deny the iconic Audi RS 4 will be electrified, instead observing that “keeping pace with expectations” was crucial for Audi Sport and RS models.

The new-generation Audi RS 4 is expected to retrain its quattro AWD system but is almost certain to employ the same ‘RS torque splitter’ rear diff first seen on the recently-launched Audi RS 3. This will allow the RS 4 to transfer up to 100 per cent engine torque to the rear axle, giving it a proactive rear-drive bias and potentially enabling a drift mode.

How electric motors could interact with this set-up remains to be seen but there is plenty of scope to deliver new party tricks.

Whether the new hybrid powertrain spawns a long-awaited SUV version of the RS 4, hypothetically the RS Q5, remains to be seen, however.

“There’s been no further discussion or information on an Audi RS Q5,” stated Cleary.

Arch-rivals BMW and Mercedes both offer hardcore high-performance mid-size luxury SUVs in the form of the BMW X3 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, but Audi has always been coy on the idea.

“We don’t have an RS model in every segment in the range, and it’s about ensuring that where we do, it’s the right opportunity,” said the Audi executive.

“We will focus our efforts on where we see the most opportunity for the brand, to add that sense of distinction and identity,” he said, adding that the SQ5 is still performing very well for the brand.

“The SQ5 makes up about a third of all Q5 sales and has consistently since 2013 when we first brought it out. The type of power it delivers, its positioning in the range, it hits a sweet spot.”

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