Audi Unveils First RS Q5 and RS Q5 Sportback Spotted

Audi Sport's first RS Q5 and RS Q5 Sportback prototypes have been photographed in public, confirming a more aggressive exterior and suggesting they will use the electrified powertrain introduced in the RS 5 lineup.

Spy photos and exterior revisions

Prototype testers were spotted outside the Nürburgring, with photographers from SH Proshots capturing both body styles. The Sportback examples carried heavier camouflage but both cars show noticeably more aggressive bodywork than the current Q5 and SQ5. Signature RS cues are visible, most notably large dual exhaust tips, wider wheel arches and what appears to be a wider track.

Key exterior changes include a taller, enlarged grille with a different pattern and a horizontal slat for the license plate, revised front bumper and air intakes, modified side skirts and likely bespoke alloy wheels. The hood, front fenders and headlights appear unchanged. At the rear there is a new bumper and diffuser combination; the left side of the tailgate is expected to wear an RS badge.

Interior, chassis and equipment

Inside, Audi appears to retain the Q5 family layout with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen, though reports indicate different start screens and submenu structures for the RS models. The passenger display is expected to remain available. RS-specific trim is likely, including an exclusive steering wheel, front seats with added side bolstering and integrated headrests, and additional RS badging throughout the cabin.

Under the skin the RS Q5 models are expected to receive upgraded brakes and revised suspension to manage increased power and handling demands. Photographic evidence and published details do not indicate major changes to the basic architecture beyond these chassis and stopping improvements.

Powertrain, performance figures and timing

Engineering sources and the RS 5 family specification suggest the RS Q5 and RS Q5 Sportback will use the same hybridised powertrain as the RS 5 Sedan and RS 5 Avant. That system pairs a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with an electric motor powered by a 25.9 kWh battery, an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi's RS 5 family is quoted with a combined 630 hp (639 ps/470 kW) and 608 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque, with a 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) time of 3.6 seconds. The internal combustion engine delivers 503 hp (510 ps/375 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm), while the electric motor produces 174 hp (177 ps/130 kW) and 339 lb-ft (460 Nm). The RS Q5 models are expected to post similar figures and to offer electric-only driving for a few tens of miles, per existing RS 5 claims.

Audi is likely to unveil the RS Q5 range within months, with a U.S. launch anticipated for the 2027 model year.

The current 2026 Q5 and SQ5 and their Sportback counterparts carry these U.S. starting prices:

• 2026 Audi Q5: $52,800
• 2026 Audi SQ5: $65,400
• 2026 Audi Q5 Sportback: $55,100
• 2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback: $66,800