AUDI RS 5 Sedan

The next-generation RS 5 will be available as a sedan and a wagon.

The next-generation Audi RS 5 will apparently be available in two body types: a liftback-style sedan and a station wagon that Audi calls the “Avant.” The current coupe and convertible are rumored to be discontinued due to a shrinking market. The same goes for the base model A5 that was released last year, but Audi appears to be planning to abolish the “Sportback” designation and refer to the liftback style as a “sedan.”

Audi recently announced a change in its model naming policy. Starting in 2024, odd numbers were designated for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and even numbers for fully electric vehicles. However, this has been revised in response to the shrinking global demand for EVs. The distinction between BEV and ICE models based on odd and even numbers will be abolished, and powertrain codes (e-tron, TFSI e, TFSI, TDI) will be used.

Under this new naming policy, the A6 with an engine will be released on March 4th. Until now, the A6 has been an EV-only model, but the new A6 TFSI with a gasoline engine will have its world premiere. However, the names of models already on sale will not be changed.

The next RS 5 will be a V6 plug-in hybrid

The prototype spotted this time can be identified as an “RS” model, with its wide fenders, large brake rotors, and the oval exhaust pipes that are the symbol of the RS.

The platform will be the “PPC” (Premium Platform Combustion) for engine-equipped models, and the engine is likely to carry over the current 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo. This will be combined with a plug-in hybrid system, which is expected to enable zero-emission driving of approximately 48 km. Naturally, with the boost from the motor, a significant power increase is expected from the current “RS 4” and “RS 5” 450 PS.

The world premiere of the new RS 5 Sedan and Avant is expected to take place within the next few months.

Related reading

Audi makes major shift in naming policy for electric and internal combustion engine vehicles: First, world premiere of ICE-spec “A6” on March 4th

Audi has announced that it will reorganize the naming of new models released after 2024, with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) designating models with fully electric powertrains and odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) designating models with internal combustion engines (ICEs). However, the company has announced that it will reverse this policy and change to simpler model names. As a result, the numerical distinction between EV and ICE models will no longer be applied.