Audi’s New 630-HP Vision for the RS5

February 20, 2026

The automotive landscape of 2026 is currently caught in a frantic search for identity, suspended between the analog ghosts of the past and a sterilized, silent electric future. But the 2027 Audi RS5 has decided to take a different path entirely—it has spent its time at the gym. As the first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) from Audi Sport, the RS5 arrives as a defiant, wide-body manifestation of the “Both/And” era. It refuses to sacrifice the visceral roar of the combustion engine, but it isn’t afraid to use electricity to sharpen its edge. The result is a machine with a 630-horsepower ego that refuses to be ignored.

Flared and Functional

The most striking thing about the new RS5 isn’t the spec sheet; it’s the sheer width. It sits nearly four inches wider than the base A5, featuring “RS-specific” flared fenders that feel like a direct architectural tribute to the original Audi Quattro rally legends. This isn’t just about looking mean—it’s about housing a massive 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 and a 130 kW electric motor that work together to shove this 5,000-pound machine to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The stance is aggressive, grounded, and unapologetically industrial.

The Hybrid Handshake

Photo: Audi Press

Underneath the “Bedford Green” paint (a new exclusive for this model), the RS5 is a laboratory of modern engineering. It features a new Dynamic Torque Control system—a world-first for a production car—that uses an electromechanical rear differential to shuffle power between the wheels in milliseconds. It’s a “Hybrid Handshake” between old-school combustion and new-school software, ensuring the car feels agile and responsive despite the weight of its battery pack.

A Digital Stage

Inside, Audi has replaced the traditional dashboard with what they call the “Digital Stage.” A massive, curved panoramic display wraps around the driver, providing a cockpit experience that feels more like a flight deck than a sedan. For the first time, the passenger also gets their own dedicated 10.9-inch screen, allowing for a collaborative interface. It’s a screen-heavy environment, but it’s grounded by high-end materials like Serpentine Green stitching and matte carbon fiber trim that remind you this is still a luxury environment.

The Verdict

The 2027 Audi RS5 is a defiant statement. In an era where many brands are moving toward minimalist, “tablet-on-wheels” EVs, Audi has built something heavy, powerful and unashamedly bold. It’s a “Muscle Hybrid” that honors its rally-bred ancestors while leaning hard into the high-frequency tech of tomorrow.

Photo: Audi Press

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.