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New Audi RS5 2026: hi-po PHEV sedan and wagon twins priced for Australia

 

Ingolstadt’s newly electrified 470kW performance now up to $18K pricier, yet still undercuts arch rivals in Mercedes-AMG C63 S and BMW M3


Audi Australia has released pricing and specification details of its newly ‘plugged in’ midsize high-performance RS5 Sedan and Avant (wagon) twins.

The turbo-six PHEV-powered RS5 Sedan kicks the range off at $179,900 before-roads, representing a price hike of almost $18K over the old, outgoing ICE generation. However, it lands as a more affordable option against the pricier $195,300 four-pot PHEV Mercedes-AMG C63 S and all turbo-six BMW M3s…bar the $169,100 entry manual M-car.

The RS5 AvantAudi-speak for wagon – wants for a three-grand premium, listing for $182,900 before on-roads. Pricing for the pair represents hikes of between $12K and $18K over the old ICE-powered predecessors. 

As outlined in our global first drive, the reinvented PHEV formula for RS5 brings 470kW and 825Nm from its most sophisticated electrified powertrain which combines the potent 375kW 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 130kW and 460Nm of electric drive, via a 25.9kWh battery. 

That’s a boost of 139kW and 225Nm over the old internal combustion configuration.

The electrified powertrain boosts performance credentials to 3.6sec for the 0-100km/h sprint. Meanwhile, electric-only driving range is claimed at 78 kilometres WLTP. 

Unlike many contemporary PHEVs, the RS5 cannot be charged using relatively rapid DC – it’s only supported by AC, with a full charge said to take approximately 2.5 hours at the system’s 11kW peak. Audi Australia is yet to confirm computation, though Euro specification has a combined claim of between 3.8L and 4.5L per hundred.

While we’ve reported on the wilder generational changes elsewhere, what’s new is that Australian customers will get a healthy specification list from Audi RennSport’s global menu.

Local versions of the Sedan and Avant will fit 21-inch ‘six twin-spoke’ forged alloy wheels as standard, together with a quattro system that features an electromechanical torque vectoring rear transaxle developed for the PHEV format using a 400-volt 8kW/40Nm electric motor.        

Twin-valve constantly variable adaptively damped suspension is par for the RS5 course, and Australian versions will also feature the 10-second maximum-system ‘boost’ function, activated via the steering wheel controls. The RS Sport exhaust is fitted on all variants.

Black exterior highlights and red brake calipers are standard issue, as are front LED Maxtrix and rear digital OLED tail lights. 

Inside, the electric (with memory) RS sports seats are perforated leather with honeycomb stitching, while interior trim elements are finished in Dinamica microfibre and carbon-fibre twill. Front seating is ventilated and all outboard positions are heated across both rows.

A flattened – top and bottom –paddleshifter wheel features, while a panoramic roof with electro-switchable transparency and three-zone climate control are all standard fitment.

Digital display work is a combination of an 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, a head-up display system, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen media system, and a separate passenger-dedicated display. A Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, with headrest speakers, is also included.

Safety and assistance wise, the RS5 loads a comprehensive suite of active features, including a 360-degree camera system and an integrated high-resolution dash cam. 

The price of entry also includes charging equipment such as a Type 2 cable (for public charging), a 240-volt domestic plug array, and a 32-amp ‘industrial’ connector.

Audi Australia has revealed that the RS5 Sedan and Avant will hit local showrooms in “the second half of 2026” but offered no other specifics.

Audi RS5 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

  • Sedan: $179,900
  • Avant: $182,900