Audi Confirms RS5 Plug-in Hybrid Launch This Year, Five-Door Only

Audi recently confirmed via LinkedIn that the all-new RS5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will launch in 2026. As Audi Sport’s first PHEV RS model, the new vehicle will combine a V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output expected to exceed 500 horsepower—significantly surpassing the current model’s 444 hp. Due to emissions regulations and market demands, Audi has abandoned four- or five-cylinder options and will no longer offer the two-door coupe or convertible variants, retaining only the five-door hatchback and Avant (wagon) body styles (effectively replacing the original RS5 Avant with what is essentially an RS4 Avant). The addition of a battery pack will substantially increase weight—given that the standard A5 PHEV already exceeds 2 metric tons, the RS5 is likely to be even heavier. While the exact battery capacity remains undisclosed, it is expected to adopt the standard A5 PHEV’s usable capacity of 20.7 kWh. Additionally, Audi may introduce a high-performance RS3 “GT” hatchback in the same year, marking the final iteration of its iconic 2.5T five-cylinder engine.