New Audi RS 5 goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Audi has officially launched the new RS 5 in South Africa, adding an exciting new entry to the brand’s high-performance stable.

Considered one of the halo models of the Four Rings catalogue, the RS 5 boasts an incredible output thanks to a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

It is available in both sedan and Avant (estate) body types, and prices for the high-end sports car start at R2,430,000.

Performance

For the first time in an RS production model, a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine has been paired with an electric motor.

The result is a PHEV system with a staggering combined output of 470kW and 825Nm, letting the car rocket to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

It also has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, though the optional Audi Sport package raises this to 285km/h.

Powering the e-motor is a 22kWh battery, which affords an all-electric driving range of roughly 78km to 84km. The battery supports 11kW AC charging speeds.

The other benefit of the PHEV setup is that the e-motor complements the engine, sharpening the throttle response and improving acceleration.

Gear changes are handled by an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which sends power to the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The vehicle also has two primary operating modes – EV and Hybrid – which affect the car’s energy regeneration.

“The times during which the driver doesn’t have their foot on the throttle are of major importance to the plug-in hybrid’s efficiency,” said the company.

“Energy recovery (recuperation) is controlled depending on the selected gear in accordance with a pre-defined deceleration rate.”

In EV mode, the regeneration can be adjusted during coasting in three stages using the paddles on the steering wheel.

A button-activated boost function pushes the hybrid system to maximise acceleration for 10 seconds, making it ideal for overtakes.

The sports car’s quattro drivetrain features Dynamic Torque Control, enabling exceptionally precise distribution of torque between the rear wheels, continuously adapting to driving conditions and driver inputs.

“By actively influencing how power is delivered, the system enhances cornering agility, traction and stability, allowing the RS 5 to respond with remarkable precision and composure,” said Audi.

It also has RS sport suspension with twin-valve shock absorbers, and an RS exhaust with matte oval tailpipes.

Features

Audi’s exclusive new model has muscular proportions and is distinguished by a Singleframe grille, darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic sequencing, 20-inch Audi Sport five-spoke alloy wheels, and a diffuser with a red reflector calling back to the car’s motorsport heritage.

There are five colours to choose from: Progressive Red, Ascari Blue, Daytona Grey, Plateau Grey and Mythos Black.

An exclusive Bedford Green option is only available with the Audi Sport Package.

Inside, you’ll find RS sports seats covered in perforated leather with honeycomb detailing, which have heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Other areas of the cabin are finished in Nappa leather or anthracite brushed aluminium with RS accents.

It has a flat-bottom RS steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone climate control, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit with a digital instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and head-up display.

The displays can track performance data such as G-forces, temperatures, pressures for each tyre, lap times, and oversteer and understeer.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Audi RS 5 is as follows:

• Audi RS 5 Sedan – R2,430,000
• Audi RS 5 Avant – R2,470,000

This includes the brand’s 5-year/100,000km Freeway Plan.

2026 Audi RS 5 Avant

2026 Audi RS 5 Sedan