The all-new Audi RS5 is here, and it's unlike any RS we've seen before. For the first time, Audi Sport has turned to plug-in hybrid technology to power its flagship performance saloon and estate — and the results are extraordinary. With 630bhp on tap, a 52-mile electric range, and a 0–62mph time of just 3.6 seconds, the new RS5 makes a compelling case for being one of the most well-rounded performance cars available to lease right now. Lease prices are now live on our website for both the Saloon and Avant.
A New Chapter for Audi Sport
The new RS5 represents a genuine step change for Audi's performance division. Rather than simply updating the outgoing model, Audi Sport has comprehensively rethought what an RS5 should be. The result replaces not just its predecessor but effectively absorbs the role of the RS4 Avant too, giving customers a choice between a sleek saloon and a supremely practical estate — both powered by the same electrified heart.
Built on Audi's compact PPC platform, the new RS5 sits wider, lower and more aggressively than the standard A5. Audi has added 90mm to the overall width, and almost every body panel is unique to the RS model. The muscular wheelarches, three-dimensional RS grille, and twin oval exhaust outlets leave no doubt about the car's intentions.
The Powertrain: V6 Meets Electric
At the core of the new RS5 is a heavily updated version of Audi's beloved 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 — a unit also found in various Porsches and thoroughly trusted in performance circles. Paired with a powerful electric motor and a 25.9kWh battery pack, the combined system produces 630bhp and 825Nm of torque.
To put those numbers in perspective: the V6 alone produces 503bhp, while the electric motor contributes a further 174bhp and 460Nm to the driveline. Power is delivered through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox to Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive system, which features a new centre differential capable of distributing torque in ratios anywhere between 70:30 and 15:85 front-to-rear.
The rear axle gets an additional small electric motor enabling world-first large-scale electro-mechanical torque vectoring — the ability to precisely distribute drive between the rear wheels individually, for sharper, more confident cornering. The technology is a genuine first for a car of this size and price point.
Performance Figures That Demand Attention
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 0–62mph: 3.6 seconds
- Top speed: Up to 177mph (Vorsprung trim)
- Electric range: Up to 52 miles
- Fuel economy (PHEV): 62–74mpg
- CO2 emissions: 86–102g/km
That sub-four-second sprint time makes the RS5 genuinely supercar-fast, while the electric range is one of the most practically useful in the performance PHEV segment. For many drivers, the daily commute will be handled entirely on electric power — making the RS5 not just thrilling to drive, but genuinely cost-effective to run day-to-day.
The 11kW onboard charger means topping up the battery from a home wallbox is quick and convenient, and CO2 figures from just 86g/km open up considerably lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates compared to a traditional petrol performance car — a significant advantage for company car drivers and salary sacrifice leaseholders.
Saloon or Avant? Two Ways to Experience the RS5
One of the most appealing aspects of the new RS5 is the choice of body style — and both are genuinely outstanding in their own right.
The RS5 Saloon offers a sleaner, more sporting silhouette, with a kerbweight of 2,355kg. It's the natural successor to the RS5 Sportback and provides an elegant, driver-focused character.
The RS5 Avant brings all of the saloon's performance and technology but adds the practicality of an estate body. At 2,370kg, it's marginally heavier, but the difference is imperceptible on the road. For families, dog owners, and those who need a car that can genuinely do everything — the Avant is almost certainly the one to go for.
Both models share identical powertrains, trim levels, and performance credentials, so the choice truly comes down to body style preference and boot space requirements.
Trim Levels: Built to Impress from the Off
The RS5 is available in three trim levels in the UK — and even the entry-level car is generously equipped.
RS5 (Standard) The base RS5 arrives with matrix LED headlights, heated and ventilated sports seats with massage function, a full digital cockpit with passenger display and head-up display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a Boost button on the steering wheel that unleashes maximum power and torque for a 10-second burst — regardless of drive mode selected. An exceptional starting point.
RS5 Carbon Black The Carbon Black adds 21-inch forged alloy wheels and a range of carbon-fibre exterior and interior elements, sharpening the car's visual drama considerably.
RS5 Vorsprung The range-topping Vorsprung adds Nappa leather seats, OLED rear lights, a panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency, forged carbon trim inside and out, a revised front bumper with carbon inserts, the RS Sport Exhaust, and — crucially — an increased top speed of 177mph. For those who want the ultimate RS5 experience, this is the one.
Optional carbon ceramic brakes are available across the range, featuring 440mm front discs — the same diameter used on the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Continental GT Speed.
What Does This Mean for Your Lease?
Leasing the new Audi RS5 makes a great deal of sense, for several reasons.
For private lessees, the combination of extreme performance, everyday electric running, and practical body style options makes the RS5 one of the most versatile cars in the premium performance segment. You get supercar pace without compromising on refinement or usability.
For business and company car drivers, the RS5's PHEV credentials are a real trump card. With CO2 emissions from 86g/km, the RS5 attracts substantially lower BIK tax rates than comparable non-hybrid performance cars. If your daily mileage falls within the electric range, your fuel costs could drop dramatically — making the RS5 a smart financial as well as emotional choice.
Lease prices for both the RS5 Saloon and RS5 Avant are now available on our website, with options across all three trim levels. First deliveries are expected from Summer 2026, so now is the ideal time to get your order placed and secure your preferred specification.
The Competition? Playing Catch-Up.
The RS5 arrives at a time when its traditional rivals are in something of a state of flux. The Mercedes-AMG C 63, which made the controversial switch to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, has been cancelled and replaced by a less powerful six-cylinder mild-hybrid C 53. The BMW M3 continues in current form but a significant update isn't expected until 2027 or 2028. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio remains on sale but faces an uncertain future as Euro 7 emissions regulations tighten.
Audi's approach — retaining the beloved V6 and enhancing it with a plug-in hybrid system rather than replacing it with a downsized unit — looks increasingly wise. The RS5 offers more power, more range and more technology than any direct rival on the market today.
Ready to Lease the New Audi RS5?
Whether you're drawn to the RS5 Saloon's sporting elegance or the Avant's unmatched blend of performance and practicality, the new RS5 represents the pinnacle of what a modern performance car should be. With 630bhp, 52 miles of electric range, and a 0–62mph time of 3.6 seconds, it is in a class of its own.
Lease prices are now live on our website. Get in touch with our team to discuss your options, find the right trim level for your needs, and secure your place in the queue ahead of Summer 2026 deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leasing the New Audi RS5
Lease prices for the new Audi RS5 Saloon and Avant are now live on our website. The RS5 is available across three trim levels — standard, Carbon Black and Vorsprung — with options to suit a range of budgets and requirements. Visit our Audi RS5 lease page or get in touch with our team for a personalised quote.
The new Audi RS5 Saloon and Avant are available to order now, with first deliveries expected from Summer 2026. Ordering early is strongly recommended to secure your preferred specification and trim level ahead of initial UK allocation.
The new RS5 has an official all-electric range of up to 52 miles under WLTP test conditions. This is enough to cover most daily commutes entirely on electric power, with the 2.9-litre V6 available seamlessly when needed. The onboard charger supports up to 11kW, making home wallbox charging quick and straightforward.
Yes — the RS5's plug-in hybrid powertrain makes it one of the most tax-efficient performance cars available to company car drivers. With CO2 emissions from just 86g/km, it attracts a significantly lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate than comparable non-hybrid performance cars. For higher-rate taxpayers who can regularly charge the vehicle, the monthly tax saving can be substantial. Speak to our team or your tax adviser to understand the exact figures for your situation.
Both models share identical powertrains, performance figures and trim level options. The key difference is body style: the Saloon offers a more sporting, sleek profile, while the Avant is an estate with greater boot space and rear practicality. The Avant is marginally heavier at 2,370kg versus the Saloon's 2,355kg, but the performance difference is imperceptible in real-world driving.
The new RS5 accelerates from 0–62mph in just 3.6 seconds, making it 0.5 seconds quicker than the previous RS4 Avant. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph as standard, rising to 177mph on Vorsprung models fitted with the RS Sport Package.
The RS5 is available in three trims: the standard RS5, Carbon Black and Vorsprung. All models are generously equipped as standard with matrix LED headlights, heated and ventilated massaging sports seats, a full digital cockpit, and a Boost button for maximum performance on demand. The Carbon Black adds 21-inch forged wheels and carbon-fibre styling elements, while the Vorsprung tops the range with Nappa leather, OLED rear lights, a panoramic sunroof and the RS Sport Exhaust.
Absolutely. The RS5 is available on both personal and business contract hire. Its low CO2 emissions and generous electric range make it a particularly strong choice for business contract hire and salary sacrifice schemes. Get in touch with our team to discuss the best leasing solution for your circumstances.