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Audi wants you to know that the new RS5 is the quickest and most powerful ever, but the new model’s almost-2.4-tonne weight is a touchy issue.
The 2026 Audi RS5 launched with the fanfare typical of a new performance hero car.
The new RS5, which takes the place of the previous RS4 sedan and wagon, is a 470kW monster that claims to be able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds.
To achieve that level of performance, Audi has augmented an uprated version of the RS4’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a plug-in hybrid system – technology that boosts both power and weight.
The kerb weight for the RS5 Avant comes in at a substantial 2370kg, making it heavier than a dual-cab 4x4 Ford Ranger Sport with a 3.0-litre V6, at 2353kg. The RS5 sedan is more of a weight-watcher’s option, at 2355kg.
Even an SQ7, the heaviest version of the Q7 seven-seat SUV range, comes with a lower kerb weight of 2265kg in Europe.
According to Audi’s official specification data, the previous-generation RS4 Avant tipped the scales at 1745kg, meaning the new model weighs more empty than the previous car could carry when fully loaded (with a 2350kg gross vehicle mass).
The 625kg weight difference comes, in part, from the new, stronger structure of the RS5.
In its lightest form, the 110kW front-wheel drive A5 sedan that forms the RS5's basis is now a 1695kg proposition.
The S5 Avant, which features a similar set of mechanical specifications, including a turbo V6 (albeit single-turbo, not twin-turbo) and all-wheel drive, minus the PHEV hardware, is still a sub-two-tonne proposition, but weighs 1965kg.
While there are other specification differences, much of the 405kg difference between an S5 wagon and its RS5 counterpart largely comes down, unsurprisingly, to the plug-in hybrid system.
Audi doesn't give specific weights for the battery and electric motors used in the RS5, but the brand isn't alone in the sudden weight-gain stakes.
The plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance undercuts the new Audi range, at 2165kg, but with a 6.1kWh battery instead of the RS5’s larger 25.9kWh unit.
Before the all-wheel-drive 2.0-litre four-cylinder PHEV C63 arrived, however, its rear-wheel-drive twin-turbo V8 predecessor weighed 1775kg as a four-door sedan.
BMW is yet to add plug-in tech to the RS5-rivalling M3, but the larger M5 shows what could happen.
Before the previous-generation F90 M5 was discontinued, it claimed a kerb weight of 1895kg; the new G90 M5 sedan now carries a kerb weight of 2435kg, with an 18.6kWh (usable capacity) battery on board.
Audi’s bigger-battery advantage comes back in electric-only range, although for performance applications, that isn't usually the most important metric.
The Audi is rated an EV-only range of up to 86km for the sedan and 87km for the wagon.
BMW gives an estimated range of 67km for the M5 sedan and 61km for the M5 Touring wagon, and Mercedes-Benz touts an electric range of 11km.
On the flip side, the RS5 claims the slowest zero to 100km/h time at 3.6 seconds, the M5 claims 3.6 seconds for the wagon and 3.5sec for the sedan, and the C63 is claimed to hit triple figures in 3.4 seconds.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
