The leap to electrification has now reached the German brand's sportiest division. With the launch of the new Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid, Audi Sport It debuts its first high-performance PHEV model, a move that opens a new chapter for mid-size RS models and puts this car in the spotlight for any sports sedan enthusiast.
This new RS 5 takes over from the discontinued RS 4 Avant and the previous RS 5 SportbackAnd it does so with a dual offering: there will be a Sedan version and an Avant family variant. In both cases, the recipe combines a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric system capable of offering real autonomy in zero emissions mode sufficient for everyday use, but without sacrificing performance worthy of a benchmark sports car.
Audi RS 5 PHEV: RS design taken a step further…
Aesthetically, the new RS 5 leaves no doubt about its intentions. The bodywork has widened by about 4 cm on each side Compared to a conventional A5, this translates into very pronounced wheel arches, a lower stance, and a distinctly muscular appearance. This increased width isn't just for looks: it allows for more interior space. wider tracks and tires up to 21 inches, key to managing the extra power.
The front is dominated by a large Singleframe grill with a honeycomb pattern, finished in black and flanked by enormous air intakes. In some trims, a ventilation outlet appears in the front wheel arch, reminiscent of classics from the brand such as the legendary Audi Ur-quattroThe lighting signature is entrusted to headlights. MatrixLEDs with a sharp design, configurable light signatures, and even motifs reminiscent of a checkered flag.
The rear end doesn't go unnoticed either. Depending on the configuration, it can incorporate a very prominent rear diffuser, F1-style brake lights, integrated trunk lid spoiler on the Sedan or roof spoiler on the Avant, in addition to the inevitable RS oval exhaust outletsIn the higher trim levels, the exhaust outlets are positioned more centrally and higher, forming part of a sports exhaust system developed specifically for this model.
A sporty, digital interior with RS flair…
The cabin of the new Audi RS 5 revolutionizes the concept of interior design sporty performance through the innovative "Digital Stage". This system integrates a dashboard Virtual cockpit of 11,9 inches next to a touch screen A 14,5-inch high-resolution central display. In addition, the passenger enjoys their own 10,9-inch screen, solidifying a premium technological experience that defines today's vehicles. sports cars of the German brand.
Connectivity and the infotainment These are complemented by advanced telemetry functions designed for track use. The system allows real-time visualization of data on g-forcestire pressure and drift angles, optimizing the performance of the hybrid engineOptionally, the Head-Up Display projects key information onto the windshield, allowing the driver to maintain full concentration while managing the powerful engine. driving modes LOL.
Regarding comfort, the sport seats They offer sustainable materials like Dinamica microfiber and multiple electric settings with massage. Although it's a high-performance vehicle, the versatility of the Audi RS Avant 5 and the sedan version guarantee a trunk capacity Functional for everyday use. The flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel allows for immediate activation of the Boost function, perfectly balancing ergonomic luxury with the spirit of a sports saloon.
Equipment, Audi Sport package and customization options…
For the Spanish market and other European countries, Audi has configured a very comprehensive equipment package from the outset. In Spain, the Audi Sport package It is included as standard in a large part of the RS 5 range, grouping design, equipment and performance elements that are usually of great interest to those looking for a sports car without too many compromises.
Among the elements that this package can include are specific bumpers with even larger air intakesa more aggressive rear diffuser, RS sports exhaust system with matte black exhaust tips, 21-inch wheels with exclusive designs and a Maximum speed increased to 285 km/hAs for colors, one of the most striking shades is... metallic Bedford green, reserved for this model in combination with glossy black exterior details.
Inside, the package may include Dinamica upholstery in black with brass detailsContrasting stitching in shades like Serpentine green and various decorative appliqués. In addition, a optional Carbon Camouflage package It incorporates parts in a unique forged carbon fiber on the front fenders, side skirts, part of the rear panel, mirror housings and certain interior inserts, giving a more radical touch without losing the practicality of a sedan or a five-seater family car.
Audi Sport's first PHEV: biturbo V6 and 400-volt system…
The new Audi RS 5 marks a historic milestone by becoming the first plug-in hybrid from the brand's sports division. Unlike its competitors, it maintains a powerful V6 biturbo engine The 2,9-liter engine has been extensively revised with a Miller cycle and optimized turbochargers. This gem of thermal engineering delivers 510 hp on its own, ensuring that its high-performance DNA remains intact while adapting to the new efficiency and sustainability demands of today's automotive market.
The true magic lies in its hybrid systemwhich integrates a 177 hp electric motor into the eight-speed gearbox. Together they generate a combined output of 639 hp and 825 Nm of torque, figures that guarantee acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3,6 seconds. Thanks to its 400-volt architecture, this model offers immediate response and maximum speed of 285 km/h, positioning itself as an absolute benchmark within the segment of luxury sports sedans.
For everyday use, its 25,9 kWh battery stands out, allowing for a electric autonomy up to 84 kilometers in mixed cycle mode. This technical capability gives it a competitive advantage. Zero emissions labelFacilitating access to restricted urban areas without sacrificing performance. With a 20% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor, the new RS 5 demonstrates that energy efficiency and extreme sportiness can coexist in a vehicle designed to thrill on every corner.
Energy management and recharging…
The battery is installed under the trunk floor and not only powers the main drive motor. It also supplies up to 8 kW additional to a small permanent magnet synchronous motor responsible for managing torque vectoring on the rear axle. This dual function requires careful energy and temperature management, especially in sporty driving.
Top-ups are done exclusively at alternating current (AC), without DC fast charging option. The onboard charger supports up to 11 kW, which allows recovery from 0 to 100% in around 2,5h at a suitable home or wall-mounted charging point. For daily use in Spain or other European countries, this charging power is sufficient for complete overnight recharges.
The electronic control system prevents the battery from completely draining. In modes such as RS Sport or RS Torque Rearthe car automatically maintains a High load level, close to 90%, with the aim of ensuring the maximum response of the hybrid system when full potential is required on the track or on very demanding sections.
A new generation of quattro all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Control…
The new Audi RS 5 revolutionizes the all-wheel drive through a state-of-the-art self-locking center differential. This advanced system allows for highly flexible torque distribution between both axles, varying from maximum stability to dynamic rear-wheel-drive behavior. Thanks to this technology, the vehicle adapts instantly to any surface, optimizing grip and safety in all weather conditions and on slippery surfaces.
The great innovation lies in the Dynamic Torque ControlAn electromechanical torque vectoring system located on the rear axle. Unlike conventional mechanisms, it uses a dedicated electric motor to distribute power between the wheels with millimeter precision. This cutting-edge engineering allows for torque differences of up to 2.000 Nm, radically improving cornering agility and transforming the driving experience of this vehicle. sports saloon high performance.
Finally, the electronic management system calculates the optimal power distribution every few milliseconds to guarantee a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Users can select different settings. driving modes prioritizing everything from energy efficiency to maximum track performance. This technological deployment not only increases cornering speed but also offers superior straight-line stability, solidifying the model as a benchmark in driving dynamics.
RS-specific chassis: suspension, brakes and steering…
The chassis of the new Audi RS 5 premieres a sports suspension A five-link suspension that redefines on-road precision. Thanks to a reinforced architecture, the body increases its torsional rigidity by 10%, incorporating steering knuckles with greater negative camber and specific bushings. This technical package, designed to optimize cornering, ensures pinpoint handling and superior stability, solidifying the model as a benchmark in driving dynamics within the high-performance sedans.
To balance comfort and firmness, dual-valve shock absorbers have been installed that independently manage extension and compression. power steering It now features a more direct 13:1 gear ratio, allowing for surprising agility without sacrificing stability on the highway. This mechanical configuration adapts to different driving styles, ensuring that the driver always maintains complete control over the road, regardless of the demands of the road or the speed.
The braking system has been oversized to manage the weight of the hybrid system, offering carbon ceramic brakes Optional features reduce unsprung mass by 30 kg. Standard equipment includes large-diameter steel discs and alloy wheels 20-inch wheels, with optional 21-inch forged variants in exclusive designs. These components not only improve fatigue resistance under heavy use, but also enhance the aggressive aesthetics and maximum grip of this iconic wheel. sports car.
Dimensions, positioning and rivals…
With this model, Audi is reorganizing its range of sports sedans. The new naming strategy means that The combustion engine A4s will be renamed A5The RS 5 is positioned as the direct successor to both the previous RS 4 Avant and the RS 5 Sportback. The body reaches approximately 4,9 meters in length, with a significantly greater width than its predecessors, and a wheelbase of around 2,90 meterswhich favors both stability and interior space.
In the European market, its main rivals are the Mercedes-AMG C 63 SE Performance, also a plug-in hybrid but with a smaller displacement four-cylinder engine and a smaller battery, and the BMW M3which continues to rely on a six-cylinder engine without electrification. In contrast, the RS 5 seeks an intermediate position: It maintains a six-cylinder engineIt adds a 25,9 kWh battery with a reasonable electric range and offers a comparable level of power and technology, with a particular focus on all-wheel drive and torque vectoring.
Prices announced and commercial launch in Spain and Europe…
In the German market, the RS 5 is offered from a little over 106.000 euros in the sedan version and around 107.850 euros for the RS 5 AvantIn Spain, where the standard equipment is more generous thanks to the Audi Sport package, Starting prices are around 125.750 euros for the RS 5 Sedan y 127.925 euros for the RS 5 Avant.
Series production will take place at the Volkswagen Group plant in Neckarsulm (Germany), a traditional stronghold for many RS models. For Europe, the brand anticipates Open orders during the first quarter of 2026with a schedule that places the first customer units in the summer of the same yearFrom then on, the RS 5 will become the flagship of the A5 range in terms of sportiness, at least until the arrival of hypothetical even more extreme variants.
With the arrival of the Audi RS 5 plug-in hybrid, the Audi Sport division is fully embracing the electrification of its high-performance models. The new PHEV combines a highly evolved twin-turbo V6 engine, a 400-volt electrical system and a completely revised quattro all-wheel-drive system, all wrapped in a sedan or station wagon with a distinctive design and a digitally advanced interior packed with technology. For those looking in Spain or the rest of Europe for a car capable of offering Supercar performance, Zero Emissions label and some practicality for everyday useThis RS 5 positions itself as one of the most complete alternatives within the premium sports sedan segment.
Source - Audi
Images | Audi
