Audi has revealed Australian pricing details for its new RS 5, the brand’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid. Available in both sedan and Avant (wagon) body styles, Audi has announced the new RS 5 will start from $179,900 before on-road costs for the sedan, while the Avant starts from $182,900 before on-road costs.

An advanced hybrid powertrain, which combines Audi’s renowned V6 TFSI performance with the electric response of a pure EV, the new RS 5 also delivers up to a claimed 78km pure electric range.

The RS 5 uses electric technology to deliver an even sharper driving experience from a platform that has always been dedicated to fast touring with a touch of luxury. What is new is the availability of the Avant body style, a first for the nameplate. And as expected any time an Audi wears ‘RS’ badging, the
performance numbers are impressive.

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“What’s important is that electrification enhances, rather than changes, the character of an RS model,” Director of Audi Australia Jeff Mannering, said. “The new RS 5 delivers even greater performance, sharper responsiveness and improved everyday usability, while remaining true to the driving experience our customers expect. It is a clear demonstration of how Audi Sport continues to evolve, bringing together performance, innovation and progressive technology for the Australian market.”

The PHEV system pairs a 2.9-litre, twin-turbo, V6 petrol engine, with a 130kW/460Nm electric motor for system totals of 470kW and 825Nm. That’s a jump of 139kW and 225Nm from the outgoing RS 5. Audi claims a 0-100km/h run of 3.6 seconds, with a pure electric driving range of 78km via WLTP testing for the sedan and 76km for the Avant.

The electric system is powered by a 25.9kWh battery, which features enhanced cell chemistry enabling “consistent power delivery even at low states of charge and in extreme temperatures”. Interestingly, when the RS 5 is switched into either RS Sport or RS Torque Rear Audi Drive modes, the battery is actively cooled to maintain optimal performance. Charging is by way of an 11kW AC system, which enables a charge from zero to 100 percent in 2.5 hours.

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There’s engineering wizardry beneath the skin, beyond the PHEV system, too, with a new-generation quattro drivetrain centred around a rear transaxle developed specifically for the hybrid drivetrain. The system features electromechanical torque vectoring via a water-cooled, permanent-magnet 400-volt electric motor, delivering 8kW and 40Nm, which acts as a high-voltage actuator within the rear transaxle. That actuator can apportion torque between the rear wheels in milliseconds.

Standard feature highlights include 21-inch RS alloy wheels in four finishes, red RS brake callipers, high-gloss black exterior package, digital OLED rear lighting, matrix LED headlights, RS projection lighting, privacy glass, acoustic glazing for the front windows, black exterior mirror housings, RS rear spoiler, sport front seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, heated and massaging front seats, heated rear outer seats, panoramic glass sunroof, 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen, dedicated front passenger display, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System, wireless smartphone connectivity, Audi Connect Plus services, and a full suite of active and passive safety features.

Scheduled to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2026, the new RS 5 is available for pre-order now. The RS 5 will be covered by Audi’s five-year warranty, with the battery pack covered for eight years, and five-year service plans will also be available.