Back in April, we discovered that Audi filed a trademark for what would be the first-ever RS version of the Q5 midsize SUV. In the same month, we saw a prototype testing the powertrain, confirming its existence. Either development is progressing faster than we expected, or we learned of the model at a convenient time, because our latest batch of spy shots show the RS Q5 with what seems to be production bodywork. It sure looks mean, and we’re expecting it to have a powertrain to match.
Audi RS Q5 Prototype from the front three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
My What Big Grilles You Have
Roughly 20 years ago, Audi caused quite a stir with its new corporate design language, which featured a huge front grille motif. It even had an official name: Singleframe, named after how the upper and lower grilles were enveloped by one big outer frame. Next to this RS Q5, those Singleframe designs look quite modest.
Audi RS Q5 Prototype from the frontCarBuzz / Valnet
We’d say roughly 60% of the RS Q5’s nose consists of the main grille, and it stretches from the bottom of the bumper up to the edge of the hood and headlights. On either side are additional grilles that are somewhat narrow, but nearly as tall as the main one. It actually seems to take some inspiration from the front end design of the Concept C and Nuvolari with that verticality, which gives the grilles a more rectangular look than hexagonal. The fact that the four rings are also high up in the grille also mirrors the design found on those sports cars.
Audi RS Q5 Prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
Once you get past the grilles, you’ll notice that the RS Q5 also has sizable fender flares to cover the wide wheels and tires. While it’s possible these could be final, since they fit the front bumper well, we’re leaning toward them being placeholders until some far more extreme widened fenders are fitted. We say that since the RS 5 is proof Audi is giving its RS models radical bodywork. The back end looks mostly the same as the SQ5 down to the rear diffuser area, and as with the fender flares, we suspect it’s just temporary for testing. We can at least make out some small versions of the RS signature oval exhaust tips, which will probably be brighter and even bigger on the production model.
Audi RS Q5 Prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
It Probably Has The RS 5’s Hybrid Powertrain
The natural choice to power the RS Q5 is the twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid from the RS 5, and this prototype seems to support the theory. While we can’t see both sides of it to confirm that it has two fuel doors, one for gas and one for electricity, we can see high-voltage warning stickers on the windows and the rear hatch. In the RS 5, it makes 630 horsepower and 608 pound-feet of torque, and that likely wouldn’t change for the RS Q5. The RS Q5 would probably also get the fancy rear differential and a decent electric range, too, though the latter would likely be less than the RS 5’s due to the less aerodynamic shape.
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Since this prototype seems to have plenty of production bodywork and isn’t heavily camouflaged, we predict we’ll see the RS Q5 revealed soon. It’s possible it could be revealed by the end of the year at the very earliest, and it would probably become available sometime in 2027 or 2028. Based on the RS 5, we would also expect a six-figure price tag.
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CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
The RS Q5 is interesting and potentially exciting for Audi fans because it’s an RS model that’s never been offered before. Plus, it should be quite fun based on our experience with the RS 5. It should be positioned fairly well to compete with the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and BMW X5 M, both of which make less power than the expected RS Q5. With that said, those two competitors boast V8s, which wealthy performance buyers seem to prefer based on the poor sales of the four-cylinder hybrid Mercedes-AMG C 63. The Audi’s hybrid system could also add performance-blunting weight. We’ll certainly look forward to learning more and hopefully driving one in the future.
