New Audi RS5 sedan: everything we know about Audi Sport

11/10 Update: The Audi RS5 flexed its muscles again, this time in sedan form, and passed another round of testing with great pride. Predictably, it’s still clad in the ubiquitous swirly camouflage that was actually the livery of the European prototypes, doing its best to prevent prying eyes from drowning in too much detail. In addition to this new batch of spy shots, we’ve also extensively updated the article below with all the latest information on the high-performance model.

Audi hasn’t offered a sedan version of the RS4 since 2008, choosing instead to stick to the high-performance wagon formula. However, this is about to change. The latest generation will swap the RS4 badge for an RS5 nameplate and will be available in sedan and Avant guises. The shift is in line with Audi’s new naming strategy, in which odd-numbered models remain loyal to internal combustion engines, while even-numbered models embrace an electric future.

More: New Audi A5 sedan and Avant replace A4 with sleeker looks

Before we get into more details, we should clarify that while Audi calls the entire A5/S5/RS5 range a sedan, it’s technically a hatchback, or more accurately a hatchback. Audi once called this body style “Sportback,” but for reasons known only to Ingolstadt, that name has been shelved here.

Design: muscular and handsome

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Our spy photographers have taken multiple test shots of the new RS5 in recent months, but all the prototypes we’ve seen have been station wagons. It turns out Audi has been working on a sedan version as well, and this is our first close look at the four-door model, which will be as muscular and aggressive as its long-roof sibling.

Ingolstadt’s rival to the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 has a wide, low front end dominated by a large black Singleframe grille with a new diamond mesh interior pattern. On the sides, large air vents hint at function rather than form, likely hiding a pair of symmetrical charge coolers behind its aggressive appearance.

WATCH: Can the Audi RS5 Avant break the BMW M3 Touring’s Nürburgring record?

The muscular front wheel arches leave no doubt that this is a serious Audi Sport machine. Much of the sedan’s side profile is hidden, although we can see the vertical air vents behind the front arches, the bulging haunches at the rear, and the nice smooth roofline. There’s no denying it’s a very good-looking product that looks good enough to compete with the competition in terms of design.

The rear end of the finished car will also be as prominent as the front. A small lip spoiler and large twin exhaust pipes can be seen on this prototype, which is standard on RS models. But strangely, these exhaust pipes are not located on the far edge of the bumper like other RS ​​models. Instead, they are positioned closer to the center, reminiscent of the layout of the BMW M3.

Interior: Technology-centered, full of sportiness

We haven’t seen the inside of any RS5 prototypes yet, but judging by the standard A5’s high-tech interior and the sedan- and Avant-style sporty S5 variants, we have a good idea of ​​what’s to come. These include plenty of sporty trim, extensive use of RS5 badges, a signature flat-bottomed steering wheel, and deeply supportive sports seats designed to keep you focused during spirited driving. Audi will almost certainly offer unique configurations for the curved panoramic display, including custom graphics and exclusive RS-specific driving modes.

Chassis: Sharpened for Speed

Beneath the A5 range’s gorgeous new sheetmetal lies what Audi claims is the ultimate combustion engine platform, called Advanced Platform Combustion (PPC). Essentially an evolution of the chassis of the upcoming A4, the PPC architecture will underpin this gas-powered Audi swansong, or at least that’s the current plan as we’ve seen a number of automakers change direction recently (see sister company Porsche, For example).

More information: Porsche changes electric car plan, will also provide ICE power system for electric models

Regardless, the RS5 will benefit from Audi Sport’s engineering expertise, including extensively tuned suspension, steering and braking components, as well as carefully selected wheels and tires to ensure it delivers the performance you expect.

Powertrain: The evolution of plug-in hybrid

There’s big news behind the scenes, as the RS5 will be the first electrified Audi Sport model to feature a plug-in hybrid system, blending old and new technologies. While Audi is tight-lipped on specifics, it is believed to feature an updated version of the current twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine that delivers more power and fewer emissions.

The key development here is a plug-in hybrid system, which will provide significant gains over the current RS4’s pure V6 engine, which produces 444 horsepower. While this means the new RS5 will exceed that figure, it also means we can expect a weight hit, similar to the latest BMW M5, making the new model weigh more than the current 1,745 kilograms (3,847 pounds).

Review: Is the new BMW M5 Touring worth the weight?

Audi may install an electric motor between the engine and transmission, similar to the setup in the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, which uses – you guessed it – a 2.9-liter V6. In this model, the V6 engine produces 410 horsepower, and the electric motor adds another 134 horsepower, for a total of 536 horsepower and an all-electric range of 25 miles (4 kilometers). It’s not impossible for the RS5 to hit 600 horsepower or more. Can it match the C 63 SE Performance’s 671 horsepower? Only time will tell.

Availability: Later in 2025

The new RS5, available in sedan and wagon body styles, is expected to be revealed in the coming months, with sales planned for later in 2025. Since Audi won’t bring the A5 Avant to North America unless they introduce the RS6 to us – the RS5 sedan will likely be the only variant available here.

Additional reporting by John Halas

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