For years, the formula was simple.
If you wanted a fast, practical performance saloon or estate, you bought a BMW M3. If you wanted something a little more composed and understated, you looked at an RS product.
But 2026 changes the script.
The new Audi RS5 isn’t just a facelifted evolution of the old RS4. It’s Audi’s first plug-in hybrid RS model, pushing out 630bhp, rear-biased torque vectoring, and a clear message: We’re not here to follow the M3 anymore.
So the question is simple — has Audi finally built something that can properly dethrone the now all-wheel-drive BMW M3 xDrive?
Let’s get into it.
The Big Shift: Why the 2026 RS5 Is a Different Kind of RS Car
At the heart of the new RS5 is a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 paired with a 174bhp electric motor and a roughly 22–25kWh battery pack.
Combined output? 630bhp and 825Nm.
That’s not incremental. That’s a leap.
Audi claims:
- 0–62mph in 3.6 seconds
- Up to 177mph with the right package
- Around 50 miles of electric-only range
- Official efficiency figures north of 60mpg (test-cycle)
On paper, it looks like overkill. In reality, it’s strategy.
Hybrid torque fills every gap. Rolling acceleration is immediate. Real-world overtakes? Effortless.
But there’s a catch. The RS5 Avant weighs around 2,370kg. And physics still matters.
BMW M3 xDrive: The “No-Brainer” Performance Saloon
The current UK-spec M3 is no longer a rear-wheel-drive purist special. It’s xDrive-only.
And honestly? That’s not a bad thing.
Under the bonnet sits BMW’s S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six:
- 503bhp (523bhp in LCI models)
- 479lb ft
- 0–62mph in 3.5 seconds
- Rear-biased AWD with selectable modes
- Switchable 2WD setting for when you’re feeling brave
The genius of the M3 xDrive isn’t just speed — it’s deployment.
Put your foot down on a damp UK B-road and it just hooks up and goes. No flickering traction light. No wasted motion. Just forward thrust.
Yes, it’s gained weight. Yes, it uses a torque-converter auto instead of a DCT and Yes, the grille was controversial. But as a daily weapon? It’s brutally effective.
Hybrid V6 vs Straight-Six: Which Feels Better?
This is where the debate gets interesting.
| Feature |
Audi RS5 (B10) |
BMW M3 Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Engine |
2.9L V6 PHEV |
3.0L I6 Twin-Turbo |
| Horsepower |
639 hp |
523 hp |
| Body Style |
Avant / Sedan |
Touring / Sedan |
| Vibe |
The All-Weather King |
The Purist's Choice |
RS5: Clinical Force
The hybrid system transforms how the RS5 delivers speed.
There’s no waiting. No “build-up.” Just torque. Instantly.
Audi has also introduced advanced rear torque vectoring and claims to have effectively cured the historic RS understeer trait.
If true, this could be the most dynamic RS car yet.
But at over 2.3 tonnes, it will always feel substantial. Planted, yes. Agile? That remains to be tested properly.
M3 xDrive: Controlled Chaos
The M3, by contrast, still feels mechanical.
The S58 engine is wide-band, responsive, and deceptively linear. In 4WD Sport mode, the car feels rear-led and adjustable. It doesn’t feel like a safety-first AWD system — it feels like traction enhancement.
Switch to 2WD mode and it’ll happily remind you it’s still an M car.
The difference in philosophy is clear:
- RS5 = composed, planted, devastatingly quick
- M3 = interactive, adjustable, surprisingly usable
Design and Road Presence: Who Owns the Street?
The RS5 Avant looks like it means business.
- Black-mask front grille
- Massive inboard exhausts
- 20” standard wheels, 21” optional
- Wider stance than the A5 donor car
- Dramatic rear diffuser
From the rear three-quarter angle, it looks almost sumo-like in stance.
The M3, meanwhile, has matured.
The controversial grille? Most of us are used to it now. The Touring version adds serious desirability. And in CS trim, it becomes genuinely aggressive.
Where Audi looks like a heavyweight, BMW looks like a sharpened tool.
Interior Reality: Screens Everywhere
Both cars lean heavily into digital interfaces.
The M3 uses BMW’s curved display and iDrive 8 setup. It’s powerful, but deep menus and drive-mode overload can frustrate.
The RS5 embraces Audi’s screen-heavy future. Gloss black trim is everywhere. Physical controls are minimal.
The upside? Modern, clean layouts.
The downside? Fingerprints. Software reliance. Menu diving.
For a daily driver, ergonomics still matter more than screen size.
Running Costs: The Quiet Advantage for Audi?
Here’s where things get interesting.
The RS5’s plug-in hybrid system could make it:
- More tax-efficient
- More attractive to company car buyers
- Cheaper for short commutes
- Surprisingly efficient in mixed use
The M3, realistically, will average high teens to low 20s mpg in enthusiastic driving.
But here’s the counterpoint:
Hybrid complexity vs long-term mechanical simplicity.
Time will tell which ages better.
Pricing: How Close Are They Really?
In the UK:
- RS5 starts just under £90k
- M3 Competition starts north of £91k
- Option either car properly and £100k+ is easy
Add ceramic brakes, carbon trim, performance packs — and both climb fast.
This is six-figure territory now.
If You’re Buying One in 2026, You’ll Probably Modify It
No matter which camp you’re in, most owners don’t leave these cars stock. As specialists in BMW M & Audi RS modifications, here is what we expect.
Common First Upgrades:
- Wheels & stance optimisation (the factory fitment is safe)
- Carbon fibre aero additions
- Lowering springs or performance suspension
- Exterior detailing upgrades
- Exhaust refinements (especially for the M3)
The RS5’s forged carbon options hint at aggressive builds. The M3’s aftermarket ecosystem is already enormous.
Both are strong foundations.
So… Has the RS5 Finally Beaten the M3?
Not quite.
But it’s closer than ever.
Buy the RS5 if you want:
- Effortless pace
- Hybrid torque shove
- Modern efficiency logic
- A planted, tech-forward daily
Buy the M3 xDrive if you want:
- Rear-led adjustability
- A proven enthusiast platform
- Incredible real-world traction
- A more mechanical driving feel
The truth? The RS5 is Audi’s most serious attempt yet at dethroning the M3. But the M3 has evolved too.
And in 2026, the winner might come down to one simple question:
Do you want hybrid force…
Or straight-six theatre?
FAQs
Is the 2026 Audi RS5 a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. It pairs a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a combined 630bhp output.
How fast is the new RS5?
Audi claims 0–62mph in 3.6 seconds and up to 177mph.
Is the BMW M3 now all-wheel drive only in the UK?
Yes. Current UK-spec models are xDrive-only, though they retain rear-biased and 2WD selectable modes.
Which is faster: RS5 or M3 xDrive?
On paper, they are nearly identical to 62mph. Real-world performance depends on conditions and traction.
Which is better for daily driving?
The RS5 may offer better efficiency and refinement. The M3 offers stronger engagement and traction confidence.
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