Audi Sport is using a plug-in hybrid for the first time in the RS 5. The combination of combustion engine and electric drive is designed to benefit both performance and everyday usability.
Audi RS 5 Sedan and Avant
Audi AG
Compared to the standard model, the new Audi RS 5, which is also available as an Avant station wagon, is around 9 cm wider at 1.95 m. The Matrix LED headlights are darkened, and the daytime running lights feature a checkered flag design. The three-dimensional Singleframe grille with honeycomb grille is flanked by air curtains. The RS 5, which is over 4.83 m long, comes with 20“ alloy wheels as standard or 21″ alloy wheels on request under the flared wheel arches. The rear features digital OLED taillights 2.0, an aerodynamically designed diffuser, and the RS-typical oval tailpipes of the sports exhaust system.
Five different designs are available for the interior. In addition to the Sports Seats Plus with honeycomb quilting, colored seat belts and RS logos as well as a black headliner are also included as standard. The cockpit features the freestanding panoramic display from the 11.9″ Virtual Cockpit with special RS displays and a 14.5″ touchscreen. The 10.9-inch passenger display is also standard. The optional head-up display projects relevant driving data such as engine speed, speed, the currently selected gear, and shift lights onto the windshield.
Audi RS 5 Combines V6 with Electric Motor
The RS 5 is now powered by a plug-in hybrid drive with a maximum system output of 470 kW (639 hp) and 825 Nm of torque. The all-wheel-drive model can be driven in EV or hybrid mode. The advanced 2.9-liter V6 TFSI delivers an output of 375 kW (510 hp). The charging system works with two exhaust gas turbochargers and variable turbine geometry, an advanced air intake system, and higher injection pressure. Water-cooled intercoolers keep the intake air temperature low even under high loads.
The electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed transmission and contributes 130 kW (177 hp) and 460 Nm of torque. The 400-volt system works with a 25.9 kWh battery that has been integrated flatly beneath the trunk. The battery is constantly charged to ensure performance. The pure electric range is said to be up to 84 km (EAER) and up to 87 km (EAER City). The rocker switches on the steering wheel can be used to adjust the recuperation in three stages. Charging is three-phase with up to 11 kW.
Automatic Locking Center Differential and Torque Vectoring
The automatic transmission is combined with an automatic locking center differential that distributes torque variably between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation. The basic locking torque, used for the first time, ensures that the axles are coupled even when no torque is transmitted by the differential. Steering response is improved as turning into corners is supported and initial understeer is minimized. The all-wheel drive with “Dynamic Torque Control” in the rear axle transmission also enables electromechanical torque vectoring. The system improves traction and acceleration. It features a water-cooled high-voltage actuator as a permanently excited synchronous machine with a power consumption of 8 kW and 40 Nm of torque, a mechanical superimposed gearbox, and a classic differential with a low locking value. The system is supported by the HCP1 dynamic handling control system.
The Audi RS 5 has five-link suspension at the front and rear. The new RS sports suspension with 2-valve dampers allows independent regulation of the damping during compression and rebound. The suspension can be adjusted accordingly by selecting the driving modes. With a more direct ratio of 13:1, the steering in the RS 5 is designed to be particularly responsive. The Audi Drive Select modes range from Comfort, Balanced, and Dynamic to RS Torque Rear, RS Sport, and RS Individual. A boost function can be activated for 10 seconds at the touch of a button. The Audi RS 5 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Braking is provided by RS steel brakes with 420 mm discs at the front and 400 mm discs at the rear, with even larger RS ceramic brakes available as an option. The Audi RS 5 will be available as a sedan from summer 2026, starting at €106,200, while the RS 5 Avant will start at €107,850.
This is a partly automated translation of this German article.
