• Audi RS5 replaces the RS4 as the new performance lead.
  • It will be offered in both sedan and Avant bodystyles.
  • The new model targets the BMW M3 as its key competitor.

Audi is almost ready to unveil the next-generation RS5, effectively replacing the RS4 and lining it up as a direct rival to the BMW M3. The brand dropped a moody, shadow-drenched teaser video today, clearly hoping to build suspense. The internet, unsurprisingly, had other ideas.

Hours before the official reveal, photos of the performance model surfaced on social media, showing the aggressively styled sedan and wagon in full view, no dramatic lighting tricks required. So much for the slow reveal.

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The new model may be based on the A5, but the RS-specific body kit gives it the presence of a baby RS6, possibly even something a bit sharper. Judging from the photos, the performance flagship will be longer, wider, and lower compared to its siblings, while retaining the 2,900 mm (114.2 inches) wheelbase.

Up front, there’s a redesigned bumper with a massive grille flanked by sizable cooling intakes. The front and rear fenders are noticeably wider and – unlike BMW – Audi has also replaced the rear doors. The toned shoulders send Audi Quattro vibes, while the alloy wheels feature a unique design with six double spokes.

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The rear is equally impressive with a towering diffuser framing dual oval tailpipes and an F1-style brake light. The sedan features a lip spoiler on the tailgate, while the Avant gets a roof spoiler. Finally, the trim on the bumpers, side skirts, and mirror caps appears to be available with a glossy black or a carbon finish.

Inside, Audi Sport has added loads of Alcantara, red buttons on the steering wheel, and RS emblems. We also expect unique graphics for the digital cockpit that comprises an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment, and a 10.9-inch passenger display.

Electrified Powertain

Audi has confirmed that the new RS5 will come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The most plausible setup pairs the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with electric motors, sending combined output comfortably past the 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) managed by the mild-hybrid S5.

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We also expect a sharper suspension setup and beefier brakes to help control all that extra performance. As with the lesser A5 and S5, the RS5 rides on the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture.

The official debut of the new Audi RS5 sedan and Avant is expected later today. The new offering will compete with the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. The latter is expected to swap the current four-cylinder PHEV for an electrified six-cylinder setup, matching the Audi.