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Audi RS 5 Goes Hybrid: Power Meets Electric Range
11 Jul
Summary
- New RS 5 Avant combines V6 with electric motor for 639hp.
- Offers up to 50 miles of all-electric driving range.
- Engineers focused on disguising the car's increased weight.
The Audi RS 5 estate now features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, marking a significant shift for the performance division. This new iteration pairs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with a 130kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 639hp and launching the car from 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds. A notable advancement is its ability to travel up to 50 miles on electric power alone, enabling emission-free daily commutes.
Audi's engineers focused on mitigating the impact of the car's increased weight, implementing advanced chassis technologies. Revised suspension, adaptive dampers, and an electromechanical torque-vectoring system work to mask the substantial mass. This allows the RS 5 to handle corners with remarkable agility, defying its 2,370kg weight and offering driver-selectable modes, including a rear-bias setting for drifting on circuits.
The cabin integrates a new MMI Panorama digital cockpit with extensive screen real estate, including a 11.9-inch driver display and a 14.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen. While the technology enhances the driving experience, the complexity of numerous configurable modes could be overwhelming for some. Despite a slight reduction in luggage capacity due to the hybrid hardware, the RS 5 Avant retains its practicality as an everyday supercar.
