The Audi RS 5, which was revealed globally in Avant (station wagon) and Saloon (liftback) avatars in February 2026, has been confirmed for launch in India. While the launch timeline is yet to be revealed, Audi will import only the sedan version to the country as a CBU (completely built unit). Meanwhile, the carmaker recently delisted the previous-gen S5 Sportback from its India website.
- It is the first hybridised RS model; produces 639hp and 825Nm
- Gets smoked LED headlights, chequered-flag DRLs and 20-inch wheels
- Features three screens on the dashboard and front bucket seats
- Expected to be priced at around Rs 1.5 crore, ex-showroom
Audi RS 5 powertrain
Audi’s first hybrid RS produces 639hp and 825Nm; does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds
The Audi RS 5 is the manufacturer’s first hybridised RS model globally. It is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 510hp and 600Nm, paired with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system that develops 177hp and 460Nm, giving the RS 5 a combined output of 639hp and 825Nm.
The car features an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission paired with a limited-slip centre differential, which can send up to 70 percent torque to the front axle or up to 85 percent to the rear axle, depending on the driving situation.
The electric motor is powered by a 25.9kWh battery, which, as per Audi, offers an electric-only range of over 80km. An 11kW charger enables a 100 percent charge in 2.5 hours, says the brand. The claimed 0-100kph time is 3.6 seconds.
Audi RS 5 exterior design
Gets flared wheel arches, a massive grille and 20-inch alloys as standard
The RS 5 gets a massive honeycomb grille that extends to smaller air intakes on both sides of the bumper. Like other modern-day RS models, it features smoked Matrix LED headlights with a signature chequered-flag DRL design.
In typical RS fashion, Audi has widened the RS 5 from the base A5, this time by 4cm on both sides. The car also gets flared wheel arches, 20-inch rims and RS steel brakes with 420mm front and 400mm rear discs as standard. Larger 21-inch units and carbon-ceramic brakes with larger 440mm front discs and 410mm rear discs are available as options on the UK-spec model.
The sedan has a fastback-like sloping roof, and even the Avant’s roof slopes aggressively towards the rear, ending in a sharply raked rear windscreen. It gets the same connected OLED tail-lights as the regular third-gen B10 A5. The diffuser is gloss-black and features two massive oval tailpipes on both sides, part of an all-new RS exhaust system, which, Audi says, creates “the right soundtrack for each driving mode”.
Audi RS 5 interior design and features
Three screens on the dashboard and physical buttons on the steering wheel
Inside, the RS 5 comes with a triple-screen setup as standard, consisting of an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.5-inch OLED central infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. While there are no dedicated climate control switches since the settings are embedded in the infotainment screen, Audi offers physical buttons and scrollers on the 3-spoke steering wheel. The steering also features dedicated buttons for RS drive modes and boost mode, the latter of which deploys maximum acceleration for 10 seconds.
The cabin looks sporty with an all-black theme, with red trims and ambient lighting, including red piping on the seats. The dashboard, door pads and armrests are finished in Dinamica (suede) upholstery, while the steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather. In terms of features, the international-spec model is equipped with heated, powered bucket seats with a massage function. Seat ventilation and a sunroof are available at an additional cost.
Likely to launch in India in 2026 at an expected price of around Rs 1.5 crore
The RS 5, being a CBU import, could arrive this year, while we await launches of models such as the third-gen Q3, third-gen Q5, Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron. It is expected to be priced at around Rs 1.5 crore, making it considerably more expensive than the S5 Sportback, which had a last recorded price of Rs 73.57 lakh before being delisted from Audi India’s website.
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
