The development of a range-topping RS Q5 has been the subject of many reports, as some were expecting it as early as 2008, when the first generation broke cover.
Further rumors have fueled the ‘imminent’ arrival of the hot model, but here we are, 12 years later, and an RS variant of the premium compact crossover is still nowhere in sight – or is it?
A spokesman for Audi’s mid-size SUV product range in Germany, Michael Crusius, was asked about such a model at the presentation of the facelifted Q5 earlier this week, but was not willing to divulge any details.
“It remains exciting to see, but this is a topic that we cannot delve into”, Crusius said, quoted by CarSales. The Audi rep explained that this was “one of the few questions we will not be able to answer to today”.
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So, unsurprisingly, Cruisius answered with the typical “we do not comment on speculation / possible future products” answer – but he didn’t rule it out either. So, could an RS Q5 be finally happening? Your guess is as good as ours, though we wouldn’t hold our breath for it.
If it is indeed in the making, it would take on the likes of the BMW X3 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 with similar power and performance. In all likelihood, Audi Sport would also launch it in the Q5 Sportback body style too, which would place it in the same niche as the X4 M and GLC 63 Coupe.
Power would, in all likelihood, come from the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 TFSI from the RS5, where it develops 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, and would come paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
Meanwhile, the 2021 SQ5 remains the range-topping version, which does the 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds thanks to a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 349 HP (354 PS / 260 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.
Note: 2021 Audi Q5 pictured
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