Audi has revealed its brand-new Audi RS 5 high-performance saloon and estate, which for the first time will come with a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain as it prepares to do battle with the BMW M3.
Available as the Audi RS 5 Saloon and Audi RS 5 Avant (estate) from launch, they are the first cars from Audi Sport to get a PHEV set-up in an effort to improve economy and efficiency without sacrificing the high-octane performance the marque is renowned for.
Under the bonnet, the RS 5 features a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 generating 503bhp, plus a 25.9kWh battery pack, which adds a further 174bhp.
It all adds up to a tantalising 630bhp in total – well up from its RS 4 predecessor’s 444bhp - while torque is rated at a mammoth 825Nm to ensure immense pulling power under acceleration.
It allows the RS 5 to hit 0-62mph in 3.6secs and go on to a top speed of 176mph, while the addition of an electric motor means it will be possible to travel 52-miles on EV power alone. Not only that, the RS 5 is now capable of between 62-74mpg, while CO2 emissions are down to under 100g/km.
To handle the increase in pulling power, the new RS 5 features an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with a torque-converter and a new differential set-up.
Compared to the standard Audi A5, the RS 5 gets a stiffer body and a wider track, as well as sculpted body panels to assist with aerodynamics.
These modifications are among the litany of changes made to the enhance the already handsome donor model to give the RS 5 added kerb appeal.
This includes a mesh-pattern front grille, beefier wheelarches and 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels. However, it is at the rear where the clearest tell-tale sign of the RS 5’s performance attributes thanks to a pair of huge centrally orientated oval exhaust outlets sprouting from the specially designed diffuser.
Inside, the RS 5 gets carbon-fibre trim pieces and unique digital interfaces to reflect its Audi Sport origins, while the steering wheel gets a Boost button to unlock maximum power and torque for a ten-second period.
It’s a feature that has been included to reflect the new regulations being introduced to Formula 1 in 2026, where a driver-controlled button can activate maximum electrical power from the energy recovery system.
This is no coincidence as this year will see Audi Sport make its much-anticipated – and long-awaited – debut in the highest tier of motorsport with a view to matching and exceeding the success enjoyed by arch-rivals Mercedes over the past 15 years.
While Audi’s F1 endeavour is unlikely to enjoy immediate success, such is the complex nature of the sport, the manufacturer enters the premier series with an extraordinary racing pedigree having previously dominated disciplines as diverse as the World Rally Championship, World Endurance Championship (Le Mans 24 Hours), Formula E, touring cars and even the Dakar Rally.
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