Audi Sport’s Secret Project Spied: The First-Ever RS Q5 Is a Wide-Body, 600+ HP Beast

Earlier this week we reported that Audi filed a trademark to secure the RS Q5 nameplate. At the time, we speculated that it was because the brand was finally going to give the popular Q5 the full “RS” treatment. Well, speculate no more, because here in the metal is the RS Q5 test mule at the Nürburgring.

A causal observer may brush this vehicle off as nothing more than the already existing Audi SQ5. But if you take a closer look, you will notice that this test mule is more muscular than the SQ5. Look at those flared fenders, the cross-drilled brake rotors and two oval exhaust tips. Friends, this is the long-awaited Audi RS Q5.

What to Expect

As we reported earlier this week, we expect the RS Q5 to be basically an RS 5 under the skin. That means a compact luxury SUV packing a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, potentially pushing out over 630 horsepower. Pair that with the other goodies such as quattro with Dynamic Torque Control and you have a vehicle capable of putting a massive smile on your face. 

Of course, the RS Q5 will not be shy in announcing to the world the performance that lurks within. We can already see that it will be more imposing thanks to those widened fenders. It will also get the RS oval exhaust tips, a more aggressive Singleframe grille and massive air intakes. When the RS Q5 rolls down the road, there will be no question that you are looking at the top of the Q5 food chain.

Seeing this test mule takes that RS Q5 trademark filing from dream to reality. We are now much more confident that Audi will indeed give us the super SUV that we have been hoping for. Stay tuned to quattro News as we will be sure to bring you all the details the moment they become available.