2026 Audi RS5 Sedan Spied Testing At The Nurburgring

Audi has made its EV nomenclature about as confusing as it gets. First, there was an E-Tron EV. Then there were subsequent E-Tron EVs still called some variant of the name E-Tron but bearing no resemblance to the original E-Tron. Now, Audi is restructuring its traditional alphanumeric system to incorporate EVs. Even numbers, for the most part, will be used for electric vehicles. That means that what was the combustion A4 lineup is becoming the A5 lineup.

We’ve driven the new A5 and S5 sedans, which, to add to the naming confusion, are technically liftbacks. We’re awaiting the arrival of the new high-powered RS5 sedan to compete with the likes of the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-AMG C63 – America is likely not getting the Avant wagon. We’ve spotted camouflaged versions testing on multiple occasions before. But now, thanks to CarSpyMedia, there’s video of the camouflaged RS5 model lapping the Nürburgring ahead of what should be an imminent reveal.

What We Know About The New Audi RS5

The Audi RS5 Should Pack a Six-Cylinder PHEV

Audi has stated definitively that it will never put a four-cylinder engine in an RS car. Mercedes’ experience trying to make a four-pot happen suggests that’s a wise decision. And we know the RS5 will slot between the RS3, which packs a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five and the RS6, which uses a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. That suggests it will continue with six-cylinder power, likely with some plug-in hybrid assistance. The prototype shows a fuel door on the left side of the vehicle, which is probably the charge port; Audi typically follows European convention and puts the fuel door on the right.

Spy Shots Have Shown Us Some RS5 Details

The new RS5 should look the part. Audi has everything camouflaged (and is likely playing tricks with the camo). But we can spot some details of the new RS5. It has a small rear wing and big functional vents behind its chunky fenders. The dual exhaust tips, unlike some recent vintage RS vehicles like the RS3 and RS6 Avant, are centrally located and integrated into the bumper. However, CarSpyMedia did complain that the vehicle did not sound emotional enough.

When Will The 2026 Audi RS5 Arrive?

Production timelines may be in flux due to ongoing uncertainty caused by tariffs, which is especially poignant for Audi, as the company does not produce vehicles in the United States. However, Audi is expected to launch the new RS5 as a 2026 model year vehicle, which suggests it will emerge sometime in 2025. If the RS5 follows Audi’s traditional timeline, it should hit America a few months after launching in Europe.

Source: CarSpyMedia / YouTube