Evidence: new Audi RS5 becomes plug-in hybrid

The most powerful AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz C-class no longer has a biturbo 4.0 V8, but a combustion engine with no less than four fewer burners. Like every other C-class, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance also has a four-cylinder, but one that, together with plug-in hybrid hardware, is good for a system power of 680 hp and 1,020 Nm. Mercedes-Benz is not the only car manufacturer that installs a plug-in hybrid powertrain in its sporty models. Audi’s RS models also have to suffer.

Look closely: this normal A5 Avant has a fuel filler flap at the rear right.

On these spy plates we see the brand new Audi RS5 Avant. Wait a minute, RS5 Avant? Certainly. Audi will transfer the A4 models to the A5 series during the upcoming generation change to make way for a fully electric A4 e-tron line. The A4 Limousine and A4 Avant will soon be successively the A5 Limousine and A5 Avant. This means that the new RS4 Avant will eventually be known as the RS5 Avant. In these photos we see what is clearly the new RS5 Avant. The heavy wheels, the big brakes that are hidden behind them, but especially the sturdy front and rear fenders reveal that this is not just any A5 Avant.

The most interesting element is the rear left flap. Previously photographed test specimens of the new A5 that were clearly not RS, have the right rear flap where the fuel tank filler opening is hidden. The rear left flap does not cover a second fuel tank, but a charging connection. This means that this RS5 Avant has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The big question remains whether Audi will stick with the 2.5 five-cylinder engine or whether it will exchange it for a smaller power source with one fewer cylinder. In any case: the new RS5 Avant will undoubtedly have a mountain of horsepower that approaches that of the C 63 SE Performance. We will see at a later stage how much vehicle weight and driving pleasure suffer from the introduction of a heavy drivetrain.