REVIEW: The All-New Audi RS 5 – Real Roads, Real Tests: What 50 Miles in the New RS 5 Revealed
Posted on 8/14/2026 by Agent001
The latest Audi RS 5 marks a bold evolution for the brand’s performance range. Available as a sleek saloon or practical Avant estate, this plug-in hybrid replaces the previous RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback. At its heart is an updated 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, delivering a potent 630bhp and 825Nm of torque through an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive system featuring a sophisticated new rear differential.
A 25.9kWh battery provides up to 50 miles of electric range and contributes to official combined figures of around 68-70mpg. Real-world testing returned a strong 60.2mpg over mixed roads while depleting only 30% of the battery. Without charge, around 30mpg is achievable, though the small 46-litre fuel tank and reduced 331-litre boot space are notable compromises. At 2,355kg the car is heavy, and its 3.6-second 0-62mph time trails the lighter BMW M3 Competition slightly.
Yet the hybrid integration is seamless: the electric motor alone handles traffic with ease, and the petrol engine joins almost silently. In Dynamic or RS modes the RS 5 delivers strong straight-line pace with muted but characterful exhaust notes. Most impressive are the ride and handling. Superb suspension calibration, effective rear-wheel steering and precise, feel-rich steering make the weight disappear, giving the car near-supernatural composure and all-weather capability.
It may lack the ultimate edge and excitement of a BMW M3, and the design is less sharp than past RS models. However, its exceptional breadth of ability, refined engineering and significant company-car tax advantages make the RS 5 a highly versatile, future-proof everyday performance car that feels perfectly judged for 2026.
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