2027 Audi RS 5, new details revealed.

Audi plans to bring the new A5 to showrooms soon as a 2026 model, this time with a high-performance RS 5 flagship.

The latest spy shots show a prototype RS 5 liftback, while an RS 5 Avant wagon is also being tested.

The redesigned A5 is based on Volkswagen Group's new PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, designed for gas and hybrid vehicles, this time in liftback and wagon body styles only in most markets, traditional sedan options are only available in China.

The previous generation did not have a wagon body style, but had coupe and convertible body styles in addition to the liftback. The coupe and convertible will not return in the new model due to low demand.

The redesigned A5 debuted last July in the regular A5 and sporty S5; the RS 5 is expected to debut late this year or early next, and will likely be offered as a 2027 model in the US.

That the latest prototype is an RS 5 rather than an A5 or S5 is evident from the large intakes in the front mask, wide fenders to accommodate the widened track, massive cross-drilled brake rotors, and the RS's signature oval-shaped exhaust tips.

Audi has not mentioned plans for the new RS 5, but it is expected to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain using the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 found in the previous RS 5. With the addition of one or more electric motors, the previous RS 5 s 444 hp, which should be boosted from the 444 hp of the previous RS 5. This would allow it to compete with the 671 hp of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance, which is also a plug-in hybrid.

While it is almost certain that the RS 5 Liftback will be introduced to the U.S. market, it remains to be seen if Audi will introduce an RS 5 Avant. Audi currently sells the larger RS 6 Avant, but that car will be its last model in 2025. The electric RS 6 Avant E-Tron and the plug-in hybrid RS 7 Avant will fill the void.