The Audi RS 5 is a high-performance version of the Audi A5 hatchback, which Audi calls Sportback, and for 2027, it becomes a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). It takes on the BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance, and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing.
2027 Audi RS 5 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Audi RS 5
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Audi RS 5
Everything is new for 2027 as the RS 5 gets a complete redesign and will be offered for the first time since the 2025 model year. It sports a bold new look that screams performance and is motivated by a new plug-in hybrid powertrain with much more power. Inside, it gets Audi’s latest infotainment system, with a large center screen and an available screen for the front passenger. An electromechanical torque-vectoring rear differential is also available for the first time.
Design
The RS 5 cuts a hatchback profile that is similar to the shape of most of today’s sedans, which makes sense because the A5/S5/RS 5 family takes the place of the former A4/S4/RS 4 trio. It turns up the heat on that sleek profile with fenders that are punched out 3.5 inches front and rear compared to the A5. The nose features a much wider and more open grille to bring in air for cooling, as well as darkened Matrix LED headlights and a checkered-flag pattern daytime running light (DRL) signature. Air curtains behind the front wheels control airflow, while the rear end features a prominent diffuser and oval tailpipes. Large 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels contribute to a rake that plays off the wide fender haunches.
Powertrain
The RS 5 continues with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6, but this time, it gets a 130-kW (174 horsepower) electric motor within the eight-speed automatic transmission. So far, only European specifications are available, but Audi says that the engine makes 503 horsepower on its own and that total output is 630 hp and 608 pound-feet of torque. That’s up from 444 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque in the outgoing model.
Audi outfits the RS 5 with standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) and adds an electromechanical torque-vectoring differential at the rear. Quattro can vary power delivery between 70 percent front and 30 percent rear to a 15/85 front/rear split.
Fuel economy ratings for the 2027 RS 5 aren’t yet available, but Audi says the 22-kWh battery unlocks 50 miles of electric range on a charge on the European WLTP cycle, which should be more like 35 or 40 miles by EPA estimates. The battery can be charged to full in 2.5 hours on a Level 2 home charger thanks to the car's 11-kW onboard charger.
Interior
Front-seat occupants sit on sport seats with a honeycomb pattern, standard power adjustments, and a massage function. US feature content is not yet available, but cloth seats with sueded microfiber bolsters will be standard in Europe. Expect standard leather in red or gray for the US market, and the front seats will likely also be heated and ventilated. Dinamica, Audi's microfiber material, will also cover the instrument panel, armrests, and door trim. A sunroof will be available and possibly standard.
Audi hasn’t released cargo space figures yet, but the similar S5 has 24.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, and 45.9 cubes behind the front row with the 60/40 rear seat folded flat. The hatchback body style offers excellent utility.
Technology
The latest RS 5 gets the latest Audi infotainment system, which does away from the old dual screens with haptic feedback. It’s now a single 14.5-inch touchscreen, though a new 10.9-inch touchscreen is available for the front passenger. The Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is an 11.9-inch screen, and it offers RS-specific displays including engine rpm and a shift light.
An Audi Driving Experience function records accelerator and brake pedal data; lateral, longitudinal, and overall acceleration; and lap and sector times. An optional dashcam can record video of racetrack runs as well.
