Header: Courtesy of Audi
The new Audi RS 5 is Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with real RS DNA and the highly tuned hybrid technology to match. Whether carving canyons, running highway marathons or gliding through town on electric power, the RS 5 masters any situation with agility and impressive precision. It covers an extremely wide spread of driving dynamics, from comfortable everyday companion to potent performer.
“The A5 model series’ new pinnacle is our first high-performance plug-in hybrid. Our newly developed Quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control is the world’s first electro-mechanical torque-vectoring system in a production car. The sophisticated technical interplay between combustion engines and electric power brings performance and efficiency together in a new way at Audi. Customers can experience both peak sportiness and everyday comfort.”
Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO
A wider stance built for performance
The Audi RS 5 delivers motorsport performance for the road. Measuring around nine centimetres wider than the base-model A5 at both ends with flared fenders, it has a muscular stance. The three-dimensional single frame with a honeycomb grille and air curtains to control airflow dominates the front. At the rear, the aerodynamic diffuser and the RS sport exhaust system’s matte oval tailpipes ensure a sporty finish. Both during the day and at night, the darkened Matrix LED headlights and their digital daytime-running-light signature in a chequered-flag design reinforce the car’s purposeful appearance.
A world-first hybrid
The high-performance PHEV is the first production RS model to feature a modular electrified powertrain: quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. At its heart are an improved 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, an electric motor outputting 130 kW, the hybridised eight-speed gearbox, and a completely new rear transaxle with electromechanical torque vectoring – a world first in a production model.
“The RS 5 and its innovative drive concept mark the beginning of a new era for our RS models. They bring a new level of dynamics to the driving characteristics our customers love and further improve day-to-day use value thanks to all-electric driving and innovative technologies. A new interpretation of the true RS experience.”
Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport
Supportive performance
An actuator, overdrive gears and a differential combine to intelligently transfer torque between the rear wheels. They do so almost fully variably and depend on the driving situation. A control unit recalculates optimal torque distribution between the rear wheels every 5 milliseconds, a frequency of 200 Hz. The torque vectoring system then immediately and precisely implements it. Put simply, electromechanical torque vectoring is the invisible maestro conducting an orchestra of performance and making sure customers experience driving fun and safety like never before.
The accurate interplay between all suspension components defines the driving characteristics of the Audi RS 5. The standouts: optimised and RS-specific front and rear axles, RS sport suspension with innovative twin-valve shock absorbers, RS-tuned steering, large 20-inch and 21-inch wheels shod in specifically tailored tyres, and powerful steel or ceramic brakes. The twin-valve technology allows the shock absorbers to provide both a very comfortable ride and an extremely sporty driving experience. It noticeably reduces pitch and roll, and means the dampers respond very quickly to changing road conditions.
Exclusive interior
The optional Audi Sport package for the new RS 5 Avant and RS 5 Sedan is the epitome of sportiness. It adds exclusive elements like bespoke, dynamic front and rear bumpers as well as two-tone diamond-cut phantom black 21-inch wheels with matte accents. An RS sport exhaust system and the raised top speed of 285 km/h ensure even more performance. The exclusive interior features contrast stitching in serpentine green and brass for the first time. The package also offers a broad range of customisation options, including Bedford green metallic paint. RS ceramic brakes with bronze-coloured callipers and carbon camouflage elements complete the look.
Detailed car analysis
The new Audi driving experience function is standard equipment. It enables users to view a detailed analysis of the routes driven, displayed on the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. At the racetrack, they can also analyse and store sector times. When using the drive select mode RS torque rear, the system also offers statistics such as the drift angle achieved.
In Germany, the Audi RS 5 Sedan with 470 kW of system output is available at a starting price of 106.200 euros, while the RS 5 Avant starts at 107.850 euros.
