New Audi Trademark Filing Hints at a Long-Awaited RS Q5 Performance Model

[Source: European Union Intellectual Property Office]

While the Audi RS 6 Avant dominates the wagon scene and the RS Q8 sits atop the SUV throne, the mid-sized Q5, Audi’s global bestseller, has never received the full “RS” treatment. That may be about to change.

A recent trademark filing with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has officially confirmed that Audi has secured the RS Q5 nameplate. While a trademark isn’t a guarantee of production, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the all-new, third-generation 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 recently making their global debut, the stage is set for a high-performance finale for the internal combustion era.

What to Expect Under the Hood

If the RS Q5 moves from trademark filing to production model, expect it to borrow heavily from the upcoming RS 5. This likely means the same sophisticated Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. We would expect it to pack the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, potentially pushing output north of 630 horsepower. Deal with that Porsche Macan GTS.

Of course, this hybrid setup wouldn’t just be about power. The RS Q5 could be equipped with the same quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. How crazy fun would an Audi SUV be with RS Torque Rear mode to allow for some controlled drifting?  

Aggressive RS Styling

Visually, an RS Q5 would trade the subtle high-performance look of the SQ5 for something much more muscular. Take a look at the RS Q8 and scale it back a bit. But figure on the same signature RS oval exhaust tips, more aggressive Singleframe grille and massive air intakes, larger wheels and brakes and so on. The RS Q5 would take the SQ5 from “sporty crossover” to “track-ready SUV.”

Of course, at this point this is all rumor and conjecture. And even if Audi did make an RS Q5, there is no promise that they would offer it in America. Afterall, they don’t seem to be willing to ship us the RS 5 Avant. If nothing else, the RS Q5 trademark gives us something else to dream about.