New Audi RS 5 gets power boost with limited-run ABT RS5-R

The folks at ABT has handed the new Audi RS 5 a boost in power and torque, with the German tuning company revealing the RS5-R. Only 130 examples of the Avant and Sedan will be built.

Audi ABT RS5-R Avant front

Image: ABT

The new Audi RS 5 Sedan and Avant made their official global debut in February 2026. Touted as the German marque’s the first high-performance plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the box-fresh model proved so popular that it’s been sold out for 2026 amid strong demand. As a reminder, the RS 5’s PHEV powertrain comprises a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and single electric motor, the latter fed by a 22 kWh battery pack. The new-energy setup produces combined power and torque outputs of 470 kW and 825 N.m – good for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.6 seconds and 285 km/h top speed (when specified with the Audi Sport Package). Power is delivered to the road via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

New Audi RS 5 gets power boost from ABT

For RS 5 enthusiasts seeking more power, the folks at ABT have the answer…and it comes in the shape of the RS5-R. Based on the new RS 5, the RS5-R is available in both Sedan and Avant body styles. Only 130 examples of each will be built. Specified with the German company’s Power S performance upgrade, the ABT-tuned RS 5 produces 529 kW and 905 N.m of torque. However, a more powerful package is on the way. Indeed, if you are willing to wait until the second quarter of 2027, ABT will offer customers the Power R upgrade, which unlocks 588 kW. The Power R kit also includes an ABT-Akrapovič exhaust system. The Power S and Power R upgrades cost €4 000 and €9 100, or R74 122 and R168 629 at the current Rand-Euro exchange rate, respectively.

Audi ABT RS5-R Avant rear

Image: ABT

ABT RS5-R gets aerodynamic and suspension upgrades

Aerodynamic upgrades are also available. The latter includes a front spoiler with aero blades, wheel-arch louvres, and a revised rear diffuser. The Avant features an additional rear wing, replete with aero blades. All of the aforementioned items are finished in carbon gloss or carbon camouflage. The RS5-R also gains updated suspension for improved handling. Sited behind ABT EVO Performance 22-inch forged wheels, the 420 mm front/400 mm rear RS steel brakes from the donor car remain unchanged.

ABT RS5-R pricing

A complete RS5-R is priced from €184 020, which, at the current Rand-Euro exchange rate, translates to R3 431 000. Audi South Africa has yet to reveal local pricing for the new RS 5 Avant and Sedan, but for reference, the former and latter are priced from €107 850 (around R2 011 000) and €106 200 (around R1 980 000) in Germany, respectively. 

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The post New Audi RS 5 gets power boost with limited-run ABT RS5-R appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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