Audi RS 5 PHEV Meets BMW i3 Neue Klasse in Wild CGI Performance Duel

Digital car artists rarely stick to factory specifications for long. A new virtual project from automotive designer lung Anissa, known online as “anissadothings,” turns attention toward two recently introduced German performance models and imagines how far each could be pushed with custom tuning.

The matchup pairs Audi’s latest RS 5 Sedan with BMW’s new i3, though neither appears in standard form. The creator places the two compact executive performance cars side by side after extensive visual modifications, creating an unusual comparison between a combustion-based plug-in hybrid and an electric newcomer.

Audi’s side of the story stretches back to July 2024. At the time, company leadership reshuffled naming conventions by assigning even numbers to e-tron electric models and odd numbers to combustion-powered vehicles. As part of that plan, the third-generation A4, A5, S5, RS 5 Sedan, and RS 5 Avant effectively replaced the outgoing A4 family. The coupe and cabriolet disappeared from the lineup, leaving the Sportback as the remaining member of the A5 range. Audi later expanded the family with the A5L sedan for China and the A5L Avant station wagon. Then, in February 2026, the fifth-generation RS 5 arrived globally in liftback and Avant form.

Power comes from an updated 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 working together with an electric motor and battery pack. Combined output sits near 630 horsepower, while torque reaches 609 lb-ft.

BMW’s path looks more straightforward. The i3 serves as the first production representative of the Neue Klasse design philosophy and rides on a dedicated electric vehicle architecture. The model debuted in March 2026, only weeks after the new RS 5. Although BMW has not introduced an M version, the company has repeatedly hinted at performance levels associated with traditional supercars.

For the Audi interpretation, the artist applies a Satin Dark Blue finish accented by red details on the brake calipers and seatbelts. A dramatic widebody conversion changes the proportions considerably. Inside, a full roll cage reinforces the track-focused character. Large round exhaust outlets remain visible at the rear, a reminder of the V6 powertrain beneath the sheet metal. Brushed Aluminum HRE Wheels FF10 complete the package.

The BMW receives its own imagined “M CSL” identity. Finished in Pearl White Satin, the electric sedan gains blue highlights and contrasting black trim pieces. Pale gold Brixton Forged Y-spoke wheels sit at each corner, while the front end adopts yellow LED lighting and a CSL-inspired hood treatment.

Neither machine exists outside the digital world. Still, the contrasting approaches make for an interesting visual battle between Audi’s latest plug-in hybrid performance sedan and BMW’s emerging electric direction.

BMW i3 M CSL vs Audi RS 5 Sedan Renderings