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Audi Never Considered A Four-Cylinder RS5: 'Not For A Single Second'

Audi wanted to use its twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 from the beginning.

Audi RS5 Sedan

Photo by: Audi

Anthony Alaniz

By: Anthony Alaniz

Mar 3, at 1:00pm ET

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The Breakdown:

Audi never considered downsizing the RS5’s engine.
The automaker considered a non-plug-in hybrid version early in the RS5’s development but decided against it.
The non-plug-in hybrid version still weighed quite a lot.

The new Audi RS5 debuted a few weeks ago, and from the jump, we were certain it would keep its V6 engine—which it did. As some automakers downsized the engines in their performance models, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi never even considered a four-cylinder engine for the RS5.

Rolf Michl, Audi Sport's managing director, told Edmunds that the company didn't think of downsizing the RS5's engine "for a single second." The automaker did consider a non-plug-in hybrid RS5 early in development but decided against it after driving plug-in prototypes.

2026 Audi RS5

2026 Audi RS5

Photo by: Audi

According to Steffen Bamberger, Audi’s head of research and development, the weight savings weren’t big enough to warrant the limitations of a hybrid-electric version. Bamberger told the publication that "a six-mile range was not a realistic offer for the customer," given that the HEV system can weigh up to 330 pounds.

Audi also has no plans to offer a non-hybrid version in the United States. Developing a newpowertrain for a single market is "a big challenge," said Michl.

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The RS5 features a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor. The total system produces 630 horsepower and 608 pound-feet of torque while weighing 5,225 pounds, 1,378 more than its predecessor. Audi claims the car will sprint from zero to 62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds.

Gallery: 2026 Audi RS5 Avant

2026 Audi RS5 Avant

Source: Audi

Motor1’s Take: It’s nice Audi didn’t follow Mercedes-Benz's lead and shrink the RS5’s engine. That’s not what enthusiasts want, but they are also averse to electrification and the bloat it brings. The RS5 is heavy and powerful, just like its competitors.

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Source: Edmunds

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