Signifying the beginning of a new era for RS models, the new-generation RS5 is Audi’s first performance-focused plug-in hybrid … and it packs a punch!
Just like its forebear, the latest Audi RS5, available in Sedan and Avant formats, is equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. However, not only has the new RS5’s received a boost in power (up 44 kW over the previous model’s 331 kW), unlike its predecessor, the new iteration’s internal combustion engine (ICE) is coupled with a 130 kW/460 N.m electric motor.
Now powered by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which incorporates a 25.9 kWh (gross) battery pack providing an all-electric operating range of over 80 km, the RS5 is endowed with a healthy 470 kW and 825 N.m of twisting force. Compared to the model it replaces, that’s increases of 139 kW and 225 N.m!
The RS 5 and its innovative drive concept mark the beginning of a new era for our RS models
According to the Ingolstadt marque, the new RS5 sprints to the three-figure marker from a standstill in just 3.6 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h — the latter lifted to 285 km/h when specifying the optional Audi Sport package.
The new RS5’s new-energy heart is coupled with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The automatic unit delivers power and torque to all four corners — you know, the German marque’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, replete with Dynamic Torque Control electro mechanical torque vectoring. A limited-slip centre differential is also present.
The latest RS5 is brought to a halt by a set of RS steel brake discs measuring 420 mm and 400 mm, front and rear, respectively. However, a RS carbon-ceramic setup with 440 mm front/410 mm rear discs is also available as an option.
The new Audi RS5 has yet to be officially confirmed for Mzansi. However, a fair bet would be that the pinnacle new A5 will make its way to our market in the future. We’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed!