New Audi RS5 revealed! 2.9 V6 survives with plug-in hybrid punch and camouflage carbon trim

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Audi tonight pulled the covers off the all-new RS5 — its halo midsize performance car, and enthusiasts can breathe at least a partial sigh of relief: the vaunted Porsche–Audi 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol has been retained.

No AMG-style four-cylinder faux pas here. Instead, the sonorous six ekes out 15 percent power on its own — producing 375kW/600Nm — but total power for the new RS5 measures a mega 470kW/825Nm.

That is courtesy of a widely expected and RS-specific plug-in hybrid system pairing a 130kW/460Nm electric motor with a 22kWh (usable) 400-volt battery.

Within the broader A5 range, the 470kW/825Nm RS5 will occupy an apex position, sitting loftily above the mild-hybrid S5 (270kW/550Nm) and standard A5 (up to 270kW/500Nm in PHEV format).

Expect pricing to sit well north of the S5 ($114,900 plus on-road costs). The outgoing RS5 Sportback cost $168K before on-roads.

Ingolstadt has resorted to PHEV power primarily to drag the RS5 through tough European (and Australian) CO2 emissions regulations but it’s a case of making lemons out of lemonade.

The RS5 might weigh in at a (Euro) kerb weight of around 2350kg but it deploys its active-cooled battery and quick-reacting e-motor to devastating effect in ‘RS Torque Rear’ — a euphemism for drift mode.

If the idea of Audi leaning into power oversteer in a midsize car wasn’t enough of a shock, prepare for the return of the RS5 sedan…of sorts.

The RS5 is the spiritual successor to the RS4, which is typically available only as an Avant, or station wagon.

Audi has fussed with model naming strategies for years and there is now talk of the RS5 — and the underlying A5 and S5 — being renamed A4, S4 and RS4 in a mid-life update.

But not only will an RS5 Avant be offered, but it will be joined by what Audi is calling the RS5 sedan. Still, that product is actually a Sportback, with a hatchback-style tailgate. 

No matter the body style, the RS5 picks up exaggerated haunches and the body is a nine centimetres wider than a regular A5.

With optional carbon camouflage trimming, huge grey or black 20- or 21-inch wheels, massive matte grey oval tailpipes and aero aplenty, there is no missing the RS5.

The overall shape is pleasantly handsome and there is little doubt that Audi hopes to scoop up some displaced AMG customers as cross-country rival Mercedes attempts to rework its performance car plans.

A key rival to the RS5, the Mercedes-AMG C63 sensationally dropped its V8 engine for a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, though Benz is now reversing course with a six-pot, non-hybrid C53.

Both Audi and BMW decided to avoid that quagmire. While the RS5 retains its six and picks up PHEV tech, the next (petrol) M3 is expected to be a mild hybrid six-cylinder.

Back to the RS5: inside, sport seating comes standard with cloth/Dinamica (at least in Europe) with leather more likely the default option in Australia, in black or grey.

The A5’s regular 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen carries over with RS-specific content including detailed racetrack analysis.

That display also allows for careful study of drift accuracy when using RS Torque Rear mode.

Stepping out the rear is likely to be easier thanks to an all-new transaxle with electromechanical torque vectoring allowing for very rapid (5ms) torque transfer between the two rear wheels.

An updated Quattro centre differential is always partially locked and allows up to 85 percent of total torque — or a staggering 700Nm — to be sent to the rear wheels.

Driven delicately, the RS5 V6 PHEV can manage 84km electric range before delivering fuel economy of about 10L/100km on a depleted battery.

Engage either of the car’s sportiest modes, though, and efficiency is thrown to the wind with the petrol engine set to rapid charge the battery to 90 percent in order to deliver max power consistently.

Stopping all that momentum is a job for standard steel brakes (with 420mm discs at the front) or optional carbon ceramics with 440mm front and 410mm rear discs.

European deliveries kick off in mid-2026, and Chasing Cars is driving the RS5 imminently. Stand by for a full first drive report.