Electrification is coming to the Audi RS5, with the new model set to be the first RS model with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain.
The rumour mill has long suspected the new RS5 will be a PHEV, and a since-revised LinkedIn post from Audi has confirmed this.
Originally picked up by Motor1 and transcribed by Autoblog, the post stated: “The new Audi RS5 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.”
The little nuggets of information were seemingly posted ahead of schedule, as the LinkedIn update and associated postings on other social media networks have since been amended to remove references to the two new models, or deleted altogether.
While the second-generation RS5 swapped the original’s 4.2-litre V8 for a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, any further downsizing seems unlikely as the company has previously ruled out using four-cylinder engines in RS models.
As such, it’s widely believed the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 will reappear at the heart of the new RS5’s plug-in hybrid system. With the addition of an electric motor or two, output is likely to surpass the second-gen RS5 Competition, which had 331kW and 600Nm to its name.
The new RS5 will be available as a liftback (Sportback) and wagon (Avant).
Mercedes-AMG has also gone down the plug-in hybrid path with the latest C63, but dispensed with the model’s V8 in favour of a turbocharged four-cylinder, a move that didn’t go down well with the many of the brand’s online fans.
As for the entry-level EV mentioned in the LinkedIn post, that’s almost certainly the electric hatch last spied fanging around the Nurburgring at the end of 2025.
Based on the Volkswagen ID.3, the new model has styling that pays homage to the cult classic A2 hatch. It’s unknown if the new EV will wear the A2 badging, or repurpose the Q2 name instead.
Either way it will sit below the Q4 e-tron to become the brand’s most affordable electric model.
