New Audi RS 5 arrives with 630bhp and serious heavyweight performance

This is the all-new Audi RS 5, the first of a new generation of RS models designed to rival high-performance offerings from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. Following a similar path to the BMW M5, the new Audi RS 5 adopts a plug-in hybrid powertrain in pursuit of improved efficiency and significantly higher performance.

The RS 5 will launch in both Saloon and Avant forms and is expected to arrive across the EU within the next few months. Pricing is set to start from around €105,000 for the Saloon and €107,000 for the Avant, positioning both just below the BMW M3 Saloon and Touring.

At the heart of this new era for Audi RS models is a high-performance plug-in hybrid system. It combines a heavily revised version of the twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine from the previous Audi RS 4 with an electric motor and a 25.9kWh battery pack.

The set-up shares similarities with hybrid-powered Porsche Panamera models, although outputs are significantly higher and packaged within Audi’s more compact PPC platform. Combined output stands at 630bhp and 825Nm of torque. The V6 alone produces 503bhp, while the electric motor contributes an additional 174bhp and 460Nm.

The engine has undergone major revisions to increase power over its 444bhp predecessor while remaining compliant with Euro 7 emissions regulations. Updates include twin-scroll turbochargers, a new fuel injection system and water-to-air intercoolers.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox using a traditional torque-converter layout rather than a dual-clutch system. A newly developed centre differential can vary torque distribution between 70:30 and 15:85 front-to-rear.

The rear axle also receives a new differential system incorporating a small electric motor capable of torque vectoring and fully locking the rear differential for enhanced agility and traction.

Audi claims a 0–100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds, making the RS 5 half a second faster than the previous-generation RS 4 Avant. Top speed reaches up to 283 km/h with the optional Audi Sport Package.

However, performance is only part of the story. Audi quotes an electric-only driving range of approximately 84 km, while combined fuel economy under current testing standards is rated between 3.8 and 4.5 L/100 km, with CO₂ emissions ranging from 86 to 102g/km.

Audi has made significant efforts to distinguish the RS 5 from the standard A5. The body structure is substantially stiffer, while overall width has increased by 90mm. Almost every exterior body panel is unique, with only the bonnet, front door skins, roof and tailgate shared with the regular model.

The chassis uses coil springs with dual-valve dampers capable of independently controlling rebound and compression, giving engineers a much wider operating range for both comfort and handling characteristics.

Notably absent, however, are certain high-end chassis systems such as rear-wheel steering, cross-linked hydraulic dampers and air suspension. This is particularly interesting given the RS 5’s considerable weight, officially rated at 2,355kg for the Saloon and 2,370kg for the Avant.

To manage this mass, Audi fits 420mm front and 400mm rear steel brakes as standard, while optional ceramic brakes increase disc sizes to 440mm at the front and 420mm at the rear. This matches the largest brake set-up currently fitted to any production vehicle, including the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Visually, the new RS 5 adopts a much more aggressive design. The three-dimensional grille features an intricate mesh pattern and a black mask linking it to the outer air intakes. Flared wheel arches house 20-inch wheels as standard, although optional 21-inch wheels are expected to be particularly popular.

At the rear, both Saloon and Avant versions feature oversized diffusers and large oval exhaust outlets positioned closer to the centre of the bumper due to the complex exhaust system packaging.

Models equipped with the optional Audi Sport Package receive additional forged carbon-fibre trim, revised front bumper inserts and forged 21-inch wheels. Saloon versions also gain a subtle rear lip spoiler.

Inside, Audi continues with its latest screen-focused cabin design, complemented by new sports seats and carbon-fibre trim. The digital interfaces feature dedicated Audi Sport graphics, while the steering wheel includes a Boost button that unlocks maximum power and torque for 10 seconds regardless of drive mode selection.

The RS 5’s traditional rivals remain the Mercedes-AMG C 63, BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, although all three competitors are entering periods of transition. BMW’s next-generation M3 is expected to adopt mild-hybrid technology while retaining its core formula, and will also be available in both estate and fully electric forms.

Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, is expected to continue producing the current Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models until Euro 7 regulations effectively force them out of production.

Mercedes-AMG’s experience may offer the clearest indication of how buyers could respond to Audi’s new direction. The latest C 63’s shift to a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid set-up was poorly received, leading Mercedes-AMG to discontinue the model in favour of a new mild-hybrid C 53 with a six-cylinder engine.

Audi’s approach differs significantly. The RS 5 retains its V6 engine while using electrification to enhance the overall package rather than redefine it entirely. BMW followed a similar strategy with the latest M5 by retaining its V8 engine, a move that has proven commercially successful.