The new Audi RS 5 is the first RS production model from Audi Sport to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain solution. The car comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor and also features a newly developed quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control. Along with the changes in the powertrain, the car also comes with new suspension parts, new exterior design, and new digital features. The Audi RS 5 will be available in both Sedan and Avant variants.
What characterizes the hybrid powertrain of the RS 5?
The RS 5 comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 503 hp of power, along with a 130 kW electric motor. The total system output is 630 hp. The power is transmitted through a hybridized eight-speed transmission system.
This is the first modular electrified RS powertrain. The electric motor assists the combustion engine in terms of performance and also allows limited electric-only operation for low-speed use. This is done to achieve better efficiency than the non-electrified RS 5 models.
How does the new quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control function?
The RS 5 features a new quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control. This system features an electromechanical torque vectoring rear differential, which is the first of its kind in a production car in the company’s lineup, according to Audi.
The system features a preloaded center differential that controls longitudinal torque distribution between the front and rear axles. The rear axle features an actuator, overdrive ratios, and a differential that controls torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels. The control computer re-computes torque distribution every 5 milliseconds (200 Hz), which enables the system to make split-second decisions.
Which suspension and braking systems are available?
The RS 5 comes with RS front and rear axles and an RS sport suspension system with twin-valve shock absorbers. The twin-valve system enables separate control of the compression and rebound damping forces, which are expected to provide a balance between comfort and minimized body roll when the vehicle is subjected to higher loads.
The car comes with 20-inch or optional 21-inch wheels and performance tires. The braking system includes steel brakes as standard, with optional RS ceramic brakes. The steering system has also been adapted for the RS 5 variant.
How does the exterior and interior of the car differ from the standard A5?
In contrast to the basic A5, the RS 5 is about nine centimeters wider at the front and rear, with flared fenders. Exterior design features include a three-dimensional Singleframe grille with a honeycomb pattern, air curtains for airflow management, a rear diffuser, and oval exhaust outlets.
Lighting is provided by darkened Matrix LED headlights with a digital daytime running light signature that takes the form of a checkered flag pattern.
Interior design features include the Audi Sport package, which adds its own trim elements, such as contrast stitching in Serpentine green and brass. Other trim options include special paint schemes and wheel designs.
What digital functions are available?
The RS 5 comes with the Audi driving experience function as standard. Using the 14.5-inch MMI touch display, drivers can view route information and performance data. On racing circuits, the system enables the recording and storage of sector times. When RS torque rear mode is enabled, the system is capable of showing additional information such as drift angles.
Pricing, Availability, and Production
The RS 5 Sedan starts at the equivalent of USD 125,000 while the RS 5 Avant begins at the equivalent of USD 127,000 in Germany. Both models offer a combined system output of 630 hp.
The RS 5 will be produced in Neckarsulm, Germany. The opening of order books for European markets is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with the first deliveries set to follow in summer 2026.
