Watch out M3: All-new 2026 Audi RS5 unleashed with 639 HP

Audi has just revealed its first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it's gunning for the likes of the BMW M3. Say hello to the all-new 2026 Audi RS5, which essentially replaces the previous RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe.

Unlike its predecessors, which were available in coupe and wagon body styles, the all-new RS5 comes in sedan (Fastback) and wagon (Avant) versions. Both come with aggressive styling, an electrified twin-turbo V6, the ability to run on electric power, and a host of features to keep occupants safe and entertained.

Starting with the hardware, the RS5 is powered by an improved 2.9L twin-turbo V6 TFSI engine that generates 510 PS with 600 Nm of torque. This puts the RS5 right in the crosshairs of the BMW M3, which puts out 510 HP and 650 Nm of torque from its 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-six. But the all-new RS5 comes with a trick up its sleeve, electric assist.

Sitting between the engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission is a powerful electric motor that produces 130 kW or 177 HP and a generous 460 Nm of torque. The motor is then powered by a 25.9 kWh battery pack that's integrated beneath the trunk floor. The result is a combined system output of 639 HP and a whopping 825 Nm of torque. It also has an electric range of up to 87 km.

Helping the RS5 slow down are 20-inch RS steel brakes that have a diameter of 420mm at the front and 400mm at the back. However, there are 21-inch ceramic brakes available, which measure 440mm at the front and 410mm at the rear.

The powertrain is then connected to a Quattro AWD system with a center differential that Audi says helps with faster turn-ins when driving spiritedly. It also has Dynamic Torque Control, which is an electromechanical torque vectoring system that can shuffle torque between the rear wheels in just milliseconds. Not only does this translate to better handling and agility, but it also gives the RS5 the ability to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds despite weighing over 2,355 kg.

Style-wise, both the RS5 Fastback and Avant turned up the aggression to eleven. Both body styles feature a massive grille and eye-catching LED headlights & daytime running lights. It also has huge alloy wheels that measure 20 inches in the front & 21 inches at the back, massive exhausts, full-width LED taillights, and an aerodynamic profile.

In true RS fashion, the all-new RS5 comes with a sporty interior that complements the sporting pedigree of the vehicle. It gets sport seats with honeycomb quilting that deliver lateral support & outstanding comfort, soft Dinamica microfiber trim accents, a Nappa leather steering wheel, red contrast stitching, and Dark Metallic Vanadium finishes on the paddle shifters & door handles.

With the all-new Audi RS5 now available in Europe, we can expect PGA Cars to launch the all-new high-performance plug-in hybrid, perhaps sometime later this year or in 2027.