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New Delhi: The 2026 Audi RS5 has been released in both sedan and estate form, and it’s the first of the latest generation of plug-in hybrid performance cars from Audi Sport, Audi’s performance wing. The latest RS5 arrives at its headline power figures, all thanks to a number of factors. High-performance 2,894cc twin-turbocharged version of the EA839 V6 has shared with Porsche, it also returns, albeit with its power cranked up to 510bhp.
Assistance from a 130 kW electric motor mounted inside the 8-speed torque-converter automatic enables a total power figure that is 189hp more than the outgoing RS5, and 272hp more than the latest Audi S5, which uses a V6 mild-hybrid powertrain.
It seems disproportionate to the performance boost, which also includes 37% more torque, because there is also considerable weight gain of 550kg, with the latest PHEV Avant tipping the scales at a portly 2,370kg. The big contributor to this is the battery pack, whose capacity is rated at 25.9kWh.
There is no official number yet, Audi stated this enables the latest RS5 to be driven more than 80km in electric-only mode when fully charged, which in turn can be done through an AC charger at speeds of up to 11kW. The latest 2026 RS5 comes with the latest iteration of the brand’s venerable all-wheel drive system that uses technology Audi stated is an industry first.
The 8-speed torque converter gearbox is connected to a limited-slip centre differential, which can send as much as 85% of torque to the rear wheels or up to 70% to the front wheels. It also has a pre-load function, which keeps it partially locked always, enabling quicker reactions to throttle inputs and faster redistribution of power.
It is an electric actuator that can supply 8kW and 40Nm to split between the left and right rear wheels instantaneously, before the mechanical torque comes in. Audi stated it reaches in just 15 milliseconds. Its platform siblings received some flak for their latest generation interiors, which focused on large screens with large bezels and did away with most physical controls, previously an Audi hallmark.
The interior remains a futuristic-looking, high-quality affair that has taken on a decidedly sporty personality in the Audi RS5. There is a greater use of Dinamica on the dashboard, doors, and seats, while red accents in upholstery, trim, and lighting intersect pretty much every surface. Heated, massaging, powered sports bucket seats are standard, though ventilation is part of an option pack. The rear seats offer reasonable space, though the view forward is hampered by the large front seats, and the sunroof is optional.
It has a huge gaping grille that expands into the smaller air intakes on either side, unique, race-inspired patterns for the front and rear LED DRLs, massive oval exhausts that have been moved closer to one another within the rear diffuser, and standard 20-inch wheels, with optional 21-inch items and carbon-ceramic brakes.
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