Audi is preparing to close a legendary chapter in its performance history. The German automaker has confirmed it will discontinue its iconic turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine from its European lineup by mid-2027, as stricter Euro 7 emissions regulations come into force.
The decision signals the gradual end of one of Audi’s most celebrated engines, known for its distinctive sound, strong performance, and deep motorsport heritage.
End of the Road for the EA855
Internally known as the EA855, the 2.5-litre turbocharged inline-five has been a staple of Audi’s high-performance compact lineup. Currently powering models like the Audi RS3, the engine produces an impressive 294kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
Paired with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, the RS3 can sprint from 0–100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It’s performance figures like these that helped cement the five-cylinder’s reputation among enthusiasts.
However, despite its performance credentials, the engine will not comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards set to take effect in Europe from late 2026. As a result, production will end when the current RS3 reaches the end of its lifecycle in mid-2027.
The engine is currently hand-assembled in Győr, Hungary, adding to its exclusivity and enthusiast appeal.
A Final Run in Performance Models
While the engine’s future in Europe is limited, it still has a few appearances lined up. The five-cylinder will feature in the upcoming limited-edition Cupra Formentor VZ5 later this year, producing 287kW and 480Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds.
There are also rumours that Volkswagen may give the engine a celebratory send-off in a special edition Golf R for the model’s 25th anniversary in 2027.
Previously, the five-cylinder engine powered models like the Audi TT RS and RS Q3, both of which exited the Australian market in 2024.
Australia Could Keep It Longer
While Europe moves toward stricter emissions rules, Australia’s timeline is more relaxed. Euro 6d standards only recently came into effect for new models in December 2025 and won’t apply to all new vehicles until July 2028.
This means the five-cylinder RS3 could remain on sale in Australia until mid-2028, depending on production availability and demand.
Audi Australia has not yet confirmed how long the engine will remain available locally, but the extended timeline offers enthusiasts a final opportunity to own one of Audi’s most distinctive performance engines.
Audi’s Shift Toward Hybrid Performance
The retirement of the five-cylinder engine comes as Audi transitions toward hybrid and electrified performance models. The newly introduced RS5 Sportback and Avant mark a major shift, becoming Audi’s first RS models powered by plug-in hybrid technology.
The new RS5 uses a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, delivering 470kW and 870Nm. That’s significantly more powerful than the outgoing version, while also meeting Euro 7 emissions standards.
Audi has also softened its earlier commitment to go fully electric by 2033, instead adopting a “technology-agnostic” approach that includes petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
A Legacy That Defined Audi Performance
Audi’s five-cylinder story dates back to 1976 with the Audi 100 sedan, but it was the original Quattro launched in 1980 that made the engine iconic. The unique firing order and rally success helped define Audi’s performance identity.
As the industry shifts toward electrification, the five-cylinder’s departure marks more than just the end of an engine. It closes a chapter that shaped Audi’s performance legacy for nearly five decades.
And for enthusiasts, that distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack will soon become part of automotive history.
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