New Audi RS Q5 on the horizon

The second half of this year will see the new Audi RS Q5 launch as the Bavarian brand’s RS line-up extends. The range-topping version of the imminent second-generation Q5 is expected to produce over 450bhp.

The performance SUV is planned to share the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with the new RS 4 and RS 5, which are due out this year, plus a dual clutch S tronic gearbox and Torsen torque-sensing four-wheel drive system.

Audi Chairman, Rupert Stadler, commented on the impending RS Q5, saying: ‘We’ve identified increasing demand for performance-based SUVs in all of our key global markets. When we launched the RS Q3 we expected it to do well, but the sales have topped our expectations. We think we can build on this with a larger and more powerful model’.

The Audi RS Q5 will be assembled at the marque’s new manufacturing plant in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico, alongside other Q5 models.