Audi Unveils New RS 5 Avant: The 630hp Plug-In Hybrid Successor to the RS 4
London, 19 February 2026 – Audi Sport has officially entered a new era with the global debut of the next-generation RS 5 Avant. Serving as the direct successor to the long-standing RS 4 Avant, this new model marks the first time Audi’s performance division has utilised a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. While the transition to electrification brings a significant increase in power, it also introduces a substantial weight penalty that has already sparked intense debate among enthusiasts.
Performance and Hybrid Integration
At the heart of the new RS 5 Avant is a heavily re-tuned 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. On its own, the combustion engine produces 510hp, but it is now paired with a 130 kW (177hp) electric motor integrated into the drivetrain. This combination delivers a total system output of 630hp (470 kW) and 825 Nm (608 lb-ft) of torque. This makes the new RS 5 more powerful than the outgoing RS 6 Performance.
The vehicle features a 25.9-kWh battery pack (22kWh usable), allowing for significant electric-only driving range, though official WLTP figures for the UK market are yet to be finalised. Power is sent to all four wheels via a high-tech Quattro system featuring electro-mechanical torque vectoring, a first for a production Audi. Despite a kerb weight of approximately 2,370kg—making it over 500kg heavier than the RS 4 it replaces—the RS 5 Avant can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Design and Technology
The RS 5 Avant adopts Audi’s revised naming strategy, where odd numbers denote internal combustion or hybrid models, while even numbers are reserved for fully electric vehicles. The exterior features a wider, more muscular stance with flared wheel arches and a “menacing” front grille design. Inside, the cabin is dominated by a new digital architecture, though early feedback from industry critics has noted a shift in material quality compared to previous generations.
Key Specifications: Audi RS 5 Avant (2026)
The following data represents the confirmed technical specifications for the new high-performance hybrid estate.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9-litre Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Powertrain Type | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Total System Output | 630hp (470 kW / 639 PS) |
| Total System Torque | 825 Nm (608 lb-ft) |
| Battery Capacity | 25.9 kWh (Gross) / 22 kWh (Usable) |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 3.6 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 285 km/h (Optional) |
| Kerb Weight | 2,370 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the RS 5 instead of the RS 4?
Audi has restructured its naming convention. Models with odd numbers (A3, A5, A7) now feature combustion engines or hybrid systems, while even numbers (A4, A6, A8) are reserved for the e-tron battery-electric range. The RS 5 Avant effectively replaces the old RS 4 Avant.
When can I order the new RS 5 Avant in the UK?
Order books for the new-generation RS 5 are expected to open in mid-March 2026. The first customer deliveries are currently scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Is there a Saloon version available?
Yes, Audi has revealed the RS 5 in both Avant (estate) and Sedan (saloon) body styles. Both share the same 630hp plug-in hybrid powertrain and Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
How does the weight compare to its rivals?
At 2,370kg, the RS 5 Avant is significantly heavier than the BMW M3 Touring. It aligns more closely with the weight of the new BMW M5, leading to its reputation as a “performance heavyweight” in the current market.