The New Audi Q5 to Get a 400-Horsepower RS Model and Standard Quattro AWD

Audi Q5 (Credit: © Audi)

Audi has been working on revising its entire lineup, taking its legendary design and modernizing it just enough without making its models unrecognizable. One model that has yet to undergo this restyling is the Q5, and today, Autobilde.de has uncovered some details about the upcoming crossover, including a hot RS model.

The upcoming Audi Q5 RS is reported to come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder powerplant that tosses about 400 horsepower to all four wheels by way of Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. This powertrain will make use of a dual-clutch auto transmission that comes with paddle shifters. Reports indicate that this powertrain will sprint the compact crossover to 60 mph in under five seconds and up to the Germans’ favorite top speed of 155 mph.

While many of you are wondering whether the market really needs another hot luxury crossover, keep in mind that the compact crossover realm isn’t too overrun with these models, as the GLC-Class from Mercedes doesn’t have a performance version, nor does the X3, although the latter is reportedly getting an M variant. The only true performance compact luxury crossover is the Macan Turbo, and that is in a league all its own. The GLA45 is another performance compact crossover, but it is nearly small enough to be a subcompact crossover.

According to the report, the next-gen Q5 will also feature a plug-in hybrid version that will have up to 252 horsepower at its disposal and will travel around 40 miles on a single charge.

Other reports point toward a smattering of gasoline and diesel engines to round out the range. The only change of note in these more “normal” powertrains is the elimination of front-wheel drive, as all Q5s will supposedly come standard with quattro in the new generation.

We’ll learn more in the near future, as the next-generation Q5 will reportedly debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, which kicks off in October. Stay tuned for all the latest details.