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The V6 plug-in hybrid Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant will undercut all-wheel-drive versions of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S when it arrives in Australia later this year.
Audi's new plug-in hybrid RS5 sedan and wagon will cost up to $17,885 more than their direct predecessors – with more power thanks to a new plug-in hybrid system – when they arrive in Australia in the second half of this year.
Priced from $179,900 before on-road costs, the 2026 Audi RS5 Sedan is $11,885 dearer than its five-door predecessor, while the $182,900 Avant wagon is $17,885 more than the outgoing RS4 Avant, both last offered in 2024.
The new-generation RS5, unveiled in February, adds a plug-in hybrid system, combined with an upgraded 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, for a combined 470kW and 825Nm – up from 331kW and 600Nm.
A rival to the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance plug-in hybrid – reportedly soon to be replaced by a mild-hybrid AMG E53 – and the BMW M3, the all-wheel-drive RS5 remains more affordable than all but the M3 rear-wheel drive manual sedan ($169,100).
The Audi RS5 Avant will also undercut the all-wheel-drive BMW M3 Competition Touring xDrive in Australia, at $182,900 and $188,900, respectively.
A 3.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration time is claimed for the RS5, while its plug-in hybrid system with a 25.9kWh (gross capacity) high-voltage battery enables a 78km WLTP electric-only driving range.
Similar to the A5 e-hybrid, the RS5 supports 11kW alternating-current (AC) home charging – but not direct-current (DC) fast charging, unlike fully-electric cars and some plug-in hybrids.
Combined fuel consumption has not been announced for Australia, but in Europe, it is rated for between 3.8-4.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while battery consumption is rated at 17.7-18.7kWh/100km.
Supported by its PHEV system – which has resulted in a significant weight increase, now more than a Ford Ranger – the RS5 also introduces electromechanical torque vectoring for the rear axle, and a partially locked centre differential for evenly-split front and rear power distribution.
Design changes include flared wheel arches – increasing width by 90mm – a unique grille and bumpers, a checkered-flag-inspired daytime running light pattern, oval-shaped tailpipes, a new rear diffuser, and a lower ride height.
Audi Australia has confirmed 21-inch forged alloy wheels will be standard-fit.
Its specification list builds on the existing S5 Sedan and Avant, including a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system, a head-up display and a front passenger display.
The upgraded RS sport exhaust system will also be standard for Australian-market examples.
Optional equipment and available exterior colours have yet to be confirmed by Audi Australia.
As with other Audi RS models, RS5 owners will receive a complimentary five-year membership to the Audi Experience program, including "exclusive national events, intimate Audi Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers".
The 2026 Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year.
2026 Audi RS5 price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant standard features:
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
