Audi RS5 – New 639 hp Plug-in Hybrid Coming to India

The new-generation Audi RS5 is officially confirmed to launch in India. As of May 2026, automotive experts have already tested the vehicle on international roads. The first major review drops are slated for May 29, 2026. Previous iterations of the RS5 were sold in India. High-performance halo cars can be fully imported as Completely Built Units, or CBUs, without the steep investments required for local assembly. Because of this, Audi is fast-tracking the arrival of the new RS5 to take on rival performance sedans. If you want a very fast, luxurious, and now fuel-efficient performance sedan, the new RS5 is worth watching.

The third-generation RS5 switches to a high-voltage plug-in hybrid setup. This means it has a petrol engine and an electric motor. It sacrifices pure combustion raw notes for a significant jump in power. The powertrain pairs the familiar 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor. The combined output is a massive 639 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque.

This is a massive jump over the old model’s 450 horsepower. It clears 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. The car has a 25.9 kWh battery pack. This allows for over 80 kilometres of completely silent electric driving on a single charge. The upgraded Quattro all-wheel drive system features a new centre differential. It can channel up to 85 percent of power to the rear wheels. An electro-mechanical rear differential redistributes torque laterally between the wheels in just 15 milliseconds. This gives the car incredible grip and agility in corners.

The new RS5 replaces both the old RS4 Avant and RS5 Sportback globally. The new platform completely alters the car’s proportions. The car is 90 mm wider than the standard new-generation B10 Audi A5. It has severely flared wheel arches, a gigantic singleframe 3D grille, and a deeper front apron.

The car has been revealed internationally in both sedan and Avant body styles. The sedan has a fastback silhouette, which means a sloping roofline like a coupe. The Avant is an estate or wagon body style. It remains to be seen if Audi India imports one or both configurations. The rear profile is outfitted with a continuous full-width LED light bar and signature oversized dual oval exhaust tips integrated tightly into a revised diffuser.

The interior receives a comprehensive digital overhaul. It is shared with Audi’s latest vehicle architecture but treated with heavy RS branding. The dashboard is dominated by three separate panels. There is an 11.9-inch driver’s virtual cockpit. There is a 14.5-inch central OLED infotainment touchscreen. And there is an isolated 10.9-inch display specifically for the front passenger. The RS highlights include heavy bolstering on honeycomb-quilted front bucket seats. There is a sports steering wheel that thankfully retains physical buttons. There is also telemetry tracking for lap times and G-force meters.

While official ex-showroom pricing for India has not yet been detailed, European order books opened at roughly €106,200 for the sedan. That is about ₹95 lakh in direct conversion. Factoring in high import customs duties for CBUs in India, the price tag is anticipated to comfortably sit north of ₹1.3 to ₹1.5 crore on-road once it arrives at local showrooms. For official updates on bookings and availability timelines, keep tabs on the myAudi India portal or check the comprehensive coverage coming on the Autocar India video portal.

If you are thinking of buying the new Audi RS5, you should do so if you want a very fast, luxurious, and technologically advanced performance sedan. You want the ability to drive over 80 kilometres on pure electric power for silent, zero-emission city driving. You want 639 horsepower and 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. You want the new triple-screen interior. You have a very high budget of over ₹1.3 crore. You are willing to wait for the India launch, which is expected soon.

You should consider the BMW M3 Competition if you want a rival performance sedan with a pure petrol engine and a manual or automatic transmission option. You should consider the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance if you want another plug-in hybrid performance sedan. However, if you want the latest in Audi RS performance with plug-in hybrid technology, the new RS5 is the one to buy.