Audi confirms RS5 plug-in hybrid, and entry-level EV

Electrification is coming to the Audi RS5, the next generation of which is set to become 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 now 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 are likely to surpass those of the second-gen RS5 Competition, which had 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque 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 its 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.