Audi is finally bringing its new RS5 to bear against mid-size high-performance rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The new RS5 is the joint successor to the Audi RS4 Avant and the previous-generation RS5 Sportback/Coupe, since the A4 nameplate has been canned (for now). As a result, the RS5 is now no longer a Coupe or Sportback, but a Sedan or Avant.
The latest model marks the first ever high-performance plug-in hybrid in the Audi family, though this certainly isn’t the first time that Audi has electrified its hallowed “RS” badge.
Aft of its gaping black front grille lies what Audi is calling an “improved” iteration of its twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine, now putting out 375kW (503bhp) and 600Nm of torque.
That’s a massive 44kW (59bhp) bump in output from the previous-generation V6, and it’s down to a number of innovations from its Audi Sport team – including a modified Miller cycle that allows the intake valves to close earlier and increase the engine’s efficiency. The new engine also sports a new intake system built from the ground-up and new water-to-air intercoolers.
Working in tandem with the V6 is a new electric motor providing 130kW and 460Nm of torque on its own, and integrated into the car’s all-new hybridised 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Feeding it is a 25.9kWh battery (gross), which can support AC outlets at up 11kW for a full recharge in 2.5 hours. If you live about 40km from your nearest track, you could drive to and from track days on electric power alone, since Audi claims the RS5 has an all-electric range of up to 84km.
IMPRESSIVE FIGURES
Total system output is whopping 630bhp and 825Nm of torque. By way of that new gearbox and an updated quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS5 will rocket to 100km/h from rest in just 3.6 seconds. That’s despite the fact that the RS5 Sedan and Avant both tip the scales at north of 2.3 tonnes unladen.
In a straight line, the RS5 is ahead of the BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive, but still behind the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, which shreds the century sprint in 3.4 seconds.
While the most traditional of petrolheads may bemoan the loss of yet another “pure” performance car to electrification, the RS5’s plug-in hybrid setup has allowed Audi to achieve unprecedented performance.
The latest RS5 is claimed to be the first production model in the world to boast a rear transaxle with electro-mechanical torque vectoring – a system Audi dubs “quattro all-wheel-drive with Dynamic Torque Control”.
An actuator, overdrive gears, and a differential on the rear axle all work together to intelligently transfer torque between the car’s rear wheels – and they do this almost fully variably, in response to any given driving situation.
In fact, Audi has a staggering figure to illustrate their power. A control unit onboard the RS5- labelled the driving dynamics controller (with an internal ‘HCP1’ code) – is claimed to be able to recalculate the optimal torque distribution between the rear wheels every five milliseconds.
Audi also revised the car’s chassis thoroughly, with an updated front axle and a completely reworked rear one. There’s also a new RS Sport suspension with twin-valve shock absorbers, RS-tuned steering, and standard 20-inch wheels with specifically tailored tyres.
Interestingly, the RS5 is now going down the brake-by-wire route too, with the car’s braking system primarily using regenerative braking, and then turning to the mechanical brakes only when more braking force is needed.
Steel discs are standard, with 21-inch RS ceramic brakes that shave 30 kilos off the car’s total weight optionally available.
DISTINCTIVE LOOKS
Separating the RS5 from your run-of-the-mill A5 won’t be too difficult as it is one of the least understated designs we’ve seen from Audi in recent times.
The RS5 is 40mm wider, in no small part due to those swollen wheel arches. Its signature ‘Singleframe’ grille has also been enlarged and given the black gloss treatment, with a three-dimensional honeycomb pattern up front, as well as a ‘dark mask’ that stretches into the side air curtains.
The rear-end is aggressive too, thanks to a strong rear diffuser with functional vertical fins, as well as a gaping twin exhausts with matte oval tips. The Sedan even has a subtle ducktail spoiler.
Inside, would-be customers have five distinct interior designs to choose from.
The RS5’s MMI system will come with specific displays, including “sporty dials” tailored to the car that display engine revolutions, speed, and a shift light.
Performance data including G-force, temperatures and pressures for individual tyres, lap times, as well as detailed information on the car’s drivetrain, power, and acceleration can also be accessed.
Like the outgoing RS5, the new Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant will be built at Audi Sport’s headquarters in Neckarsulm. Germany, with orders for European buyers set to open in the first quarter of 2026, and deliveries expected to commence from mid-year. The models are expected to reach Singapore in 2026.
This story was first published on Sgcarmart.
