We’ve been seeing spy shots and hearing rumors about the next Audi RS 5 for a while now, basically since the redesigned A5 line launched. Finally, we have confirmation, albeit brief, of something we’ve been hearing about the super sedan (or, technically, hatchback): it’s going to be a plug-in hybrid. While that’s arguably the most exciting news, it’s not the only news from Audi. Apparently, the company has a new EV in the works, and it’s supposed to be an “entry” model.
A screenshot of a link to a LinkedIn story from Audi. The text below the link reads: “The new Audi RS 5 is also nearing its debut and will be our first performance plug-in hybrid. Furthermore we will unveil a new electric entry … Read MoreCarBuzz / Valnet
Audi Didn’t Mean To Confirm This
The funny thing about this confirmation is that Audi didn’t seem ready to send it. The company posted a story to LinkedIn mentioning both models. Later, the post was updated with every mention of them scrubbed. We were at least able to find some remnants of the story, shown in the screenshot above. It featured the following text:
“The new Audi RS 5 is also nearing its debut and will be our first performance plug-in hybrid. Furthermore, we will unveil a new electric entry model. Stay tuned to our channels so you don’t miss any news.” -Audi
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Between the false-start announcement and the fact that we’ve been seeing fairly finished prototypes running around, we’re betting the RS 5 will be revealed this year. It should have some serious performance, too, courtesy of its hybrid powertrain. We’ve heard the old RS 5’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 will return, coupled with a motor making an extra 174 horsepower. Combined, they should produce more than 600 hp. That will put it between the 671-hp Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance and the 523-hp BMW M3 Competition xDrive.
2026 Audi RS5 Sedan Spy ShotsCarBuzz/Valnet
It seems the RS 5 will be available in both Sportback and wagon variants globally. However, due to the U.S. not getting any wagon versions, it will probably only be offered as a Sportback here. It will also receive pumped-up fenders for wider wheels and tires, some added air vents, larger and more aggressive grilles, and RS signature large oval exhaust tips.
2026 Audi RS5 Sedan Spy ShotsCarBuzz/Valnet
The EV Is A Bit Of A Mystery
What we don’t know much about is that entry-level electric car Audi mentioned. As such, we suspect it’s not going to be launched this year, at least not in any form that isn’t a concept. Odds are that it will be the Q2 Audi brought up in early 2024. At the time, it was slated for 2027, and that timing and size would fit the bill for some kind of announcement this year, and fitting below the current smallest Audi EV model, the Q4 E-Tron.
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As for what’s underneath this car, it will probably be the Volkswagen MEB platform. It’s already in use on the Q4 E-Tron, and since it underpins even more affordable VW-branded cars, it would probably be ideal for something that slots in below Q4. The bigger question might be whether it comes to the U.S. MEB cars are, of course, on sale in the U.S., but it might be tough for Audi to sell a cheaper EV in the market while making enough of a margin on it.
