The Audi RS Q5 May Have A Future

• Audi was on a tear last year, unleashing no fewer than five new RS models

• It would be powered by the RS 5’s twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6.

• It could potentially become the best-selling Audi RS vehicle in North America.

We were lucky enough to be among the first auto journalists to see the new Audi RS Q3, RS Q3 Sportback, RS 6, RS 7, and RS Q8 in the same building last year. Truth be told, not one of the 20 or journalists present asked about an RS Q5 – we were quite overwhelmed with what was on hand. Admittedly, we’ve often wondered why Audi RS has not sprinkled its magic on the popular Q5. From what we’ve read, it might not be that far off.

Australia’s carsales.com was participating in the virtual reveal of the soon-to-arrive facelifted Audi Q5 when Michael Crusius, a spokesman for Audi’s midsize SUV product range in Germany, said that the RS Q5 shouldn’t be ruled following what we assume was a question about the possibility that such a vehicle will be offered. He completed with the fact this was a topic into which they would not delve into at that time.

This leads everyone to speculate that the Audi RS Q5 might have a future. Odds are that it would feature the RS 5’s 444 horsepower twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, which is also found in the Porsche Macan Turbo, however with 10 fewer horsepower. This output would put it at a disadvantage against the 473-horsepower BMW X3 M (and X4 M), never mind the competition versions with an extra 30 horsepower. Likewise, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63’s 469 horsepower, and the GLC 63 S’ 503 ponies would clean up every time.

Now, we’re not saying Audi should put off an RS Q5 because it would be “underpowered” compared to its competition! We’re certain Audi RS can work its magic and not only make the RS Q5 incredibly fast, but the best-selling Audi RS product in the world.

Audi has confirmed that they will introduce a Sportback version of the Q5 next year, to match the GLC Coupé and the X4. Somehow, it all seems to lineup nicely – a new Q5 Sportback and the RS Q5 Sportback revealed at the same time (as Audi did for the RS Q3…)