The new Audi RS5 will be the first RS model with a plug-in hybrid engine

The New Era of the Audi RS5: Goodbye, Thermal Purism! The First RS Plug-In Hybrid Model Confirms the Electrified Future

Fans of the Ingolstadt brand are in for a historic moment. Audi has officially confirmed that the upcoming RS5 will adopt a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) drive system, making it the first genuine model from the Audi Sport division to take the decisive step towards plug-in charging. This change is not just an adaptation to emissions regulations, but a clear strategy to compete with rivals who have "stealthed the start" of electrification.
A Change of Name and Identity

With Audi's new nomenclature strategy — where even numbers are reserved for electric models (e.g. A4 becomes A4 e-tron), and odd numbers for combustion models — the new RS5 becomes the direct successor to the former RS4. It will be available in two body styles: Sedan and Avant (station wagon), offering a versatility that fans greatly appreciate.

What do we know about motorization?

Although full technical details are still under wraps, industry sources indicate the following configuration:

• Engine: A 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 (evolution of the current engine).
• Hybrid system: An integrated electric motor for devastating instant torque.
• Total power: Estimates indicate over 600 hp, surpassing the old model's 450 hp.
• Performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration is expected to fall below the 3.4 second threshold.

Audi RS5 on the Romanian Market: Status and Sales

In Romania, Audi RS models have always had a loyal audience, made up of entrepreneurs and enthusiasts looking for the "wolf in sheep's clothing" - a car capable of going to the supermarket, but also dominating the circuit.

1. Sales: Although volumes are niche (dozens of units annually locally), the RS5 and RS4 maintain excellent resale value. On the Romanian second-hand market, an RS5 (2020-2023 generation) sells for between €60,000 and €85,000.
2. Popularity: The Sportback variant has been the favorite of Romanians so far, but the new Avant format (performance station wagon) is quickly gaining ground, being considered "cool" and extremely practical for long trips.

Who are the "Enemies" of the new RS5?

The future RS5 PHEV enters an arena where the rules have already been rewritten by the German competition:
Exemplary     Motorization Type     Power (HP)     Starting price (estimated/current)

Feature	2025/2026 Audi RS5 (PHEV)	Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance	BMW M3 Competition (xDrive)
Powertrain	2.9L V6 Twin-Turbo + Electric Motor	2.0L I4 Turbo + Electric Motor	3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo
Drive Type	Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)	Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)	Petrol (Internal Combustion)
Max Power	~600+ hp (Estimated)	680 hp	530 hp
Max Torque	~800+ Nm (Estimated)	1,020 Nm	650 Nm
0-100 km/h	~3.3 - 3.4 seconds	3.4 seconds	3.5 seconds
Electric Range	~70 - 90 km (Estimated)	13 km	N/A
Transmission	8-Speed Tiptronic	9-Speed AMG Speedshift	8-Speed M Steptronic
Estimated Price	Starting at €115,000	Starting at €110,000	Starting at €105,000

The major difference: While Mercedes has switched to a 2.0-liter (4-cylinder) engine for the C63, Audi retains the prestige of a V6, which could be the ace up its sleeve to attract customers disappointed by the sound of its Stuttgart rival.

Estimated Price: How much will the new RS5 cost in Romania?

Given the complex hybrid technology and inflation in the premium segment, we expect the new Audi RS5 to start at around €110,000 - €115,000 (including VAT).

With the RS range-specific options (ceramic brakes, carbon packages, Audi Exclusive custom interior), the price of a well-configured unit will easily exceed the €140,000 threshold.

A major advantage for Romania will be the reduced tax due to the hybrid system, as well as the possibility of driving purely electrically (approximately 50-80 km) in congested urban traffic in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca.

Conclusion: A risky bet or inevitable evolution?

The Audi RS5’s switch to plug-in hybrid technology marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new identity for the Audi Sport division. While purists might view the addition of batteries and an electric motor with skepticism, the reality of the numbers is hard to ignore: the new RS5 promises to be faster, more powerful and, surprisingly, more versatile than any of its predecessors.

For the Romanian market, this model represents an extremely attractive proposition. Beyond the track performance, the ability to run electrically in suffocating urban traffic, combined with the tax benefits of a hybrid car, transforms the new RS5 from a simple weekend "toy" into a performance vehicle usable every day.

It remains to be seen whether the sound of the V6 engine, assisted by new technology, will manage to preserve the emotion that has established the RS brand. One thing is certain, however: Audi is not just keeping up with the future, it is trying to redefine it, offering a refined and brutally fast alternative in a segment where the competition does not forgive any hesitation.