by The automotive company Audi appears to be preparing a high-performance version of its popular Q5 crossover for release. This is evidenced by spy photos capturing a prototype undergoing testing in Germany.
A Long-Awaited Addition to the Model Lineup
The Audi brand is known for filling various market niches, yet for many years, a noticeable gap has been felt in its lineup. The company has already introduced RS versions of the Q3 and Q8 crossovers, but the mid-size Q5 has always been limited to the SQ5 version. Now, the situation may change with the arrival of a full-fledged RS Q5.
Although the engineers did not reveal their secret by sticking RS emblems on the prototype, there are good reasons to believe that this is indeed it. The front and rear bumpers with large air intakes and a small diffuser are similar to those installed on the SQ5, but this prototype has a significantly wider track. It is so wide that extended wheel arches are currently being used, which will later be replaced with the signature wide fenders from RS models.
Technical Details and Expected Specifications
Additional hints at the car’s high status are the drilled brake discs and two oval exhaust pipes, hidden under a fake mesh of the radiator grille at the rear. The latest Audi RS models are distinguished by just such an exhaust system design.
Hybrid Power of 630 Horsepower
The RS Q5 is expected to inherit the full hybrid powertrain from the new RS5 sedan. This refers to a 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6, which, paired with an electric motor, produces 630 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque. This is a sharp jump compared to the 367 hp and 550 Nm of the regular hybrid SQ5. Thanks to this power, the RS Q5 will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.7 seconds.
Unlike the mild hybrids S5 and SQ5, the RS5 is a plug-in hybrid. Its 22 kWh battery provides about 80 kilometers of range in electric mode. However, this technology adds weight: the sporty Avant wagon weighs 2370 kg. It can be assumed that the RS Q5 will be even heavier, which may somewhat reduce its electric range.
New Technologies for Improved Dynamics
Drift Mode
It is hoped that Audi will also equip its new crossover with the RS5’s center differential, which helps combat understeer, along with an electromechanical rear axle with torque vectoring. It is also desirable to get the “RS Torque Rear” mode for controlled drifts and a power boost button that activates maximum output for 10 seconds.
Interior and Release Dates
The interior of the prototype is not visible in the photos, but it will likely retain the main elements from the SQ5, such as the 14.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system and the 11.9-inch digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument panel. At the same time, characteristic RS details will undoubtedly appear: powerful sport seats, special buttons on the steering wheel, and other attributes of a high-performance car. The premiere of the high-speed crossover is expected either at the end of this year or in early 2027.
The appearance of an RS version of the Q5 is a logical step for Audi, which is actively developing its lineup of high-performance crossovers and SUVs. This will allow the brand to compete with similar powerful models from other German manufacturers in the most popular market segment. The transition to hybrid technology, despite the increase in weight, aligns with the general trend towards electrification even of the most sporty cars, combining environmental friendliness with impressive dynamics. The success of this model will largely depend on how well the engineers have managed to balance the weight and new capabilities of the powertrain to preserve the handling and drive characteristic of the RS series.
