German carmaker unveils its fastest hybrid yet

ACCELERATING over the horizon later this year from Audi Sport comes the German carmaker’s mighty new RS 5, its first-ever high-performance plug-in hybrid that can reach a top speed of 177mph.

The car’s new quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control is the world’s first electro-mechanical torque vectoring system in a production car.

Anyone familiar with any of the RS series of Audi cars will know that behind the wheel of an RS is another level driving experience.

Production of Audi RS cars began with the RS 2 Avant in 1994, preceded by a history of road versions of Audi racing cars going back to the 1980s.

The new Audi RS 5 is a superior driving beast but is also versatile in that, as Audi puts it, the car “covers day-to-day driving on electric power alone”.

And that in a nutshell is what I have always liked about the RS series, that any of the cars produced — well before the EV era — are quite happy to be used as daily drives.

That versatility is so important for motorists who have the means to afford an RS and the pleasure it will give them but also the fact it will do its day job splendidly.

As Audi CEO Gernot Döllner says about this new high performance plug-in hybrid: “The sophisticated technical interplay between combustion engine and electric power brings performance and efficiency together in a new way at Audi. Customers can experience both peak sportiness and every-day comfort.”

For the first time at Audi Sport with this car, the powertrain pairs a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 outputting 375 kW (510 PS) and a 130 kW electric motor.

They are joined by RS sport suspension with twin-valve shock absorbers, a new quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control, and world-first electro-mechanical torque vectoring at the rear.

UK sales begin mid-2026, says Audi, with full UK specification and pricing to follow.

The Audi RS 5 delivers motorsport performance for the road. It is around 90mm wider than the base-model A5 at the front and rear with flared fenders.

The three-dimensional Singleframe with a honey-comb grille and Air Curtains to control airflow dominate the front.

At the rear, the aerodynamic diffuser and the RS sport exhaust system’s matte oval tailpipes add to a sporty finish.

Both during the day and at night, the darkened Matrix LED headlights and their digital day- time-running-light signature has a checkered-flag design.

This high-performance plug-in EV is the first production RS model to feature a modular electrified powertrain.

At its heart are an improved 2.9-litre twin- turbo V6, an electric motor outputting 130 kW, the hybridized eight-speed gearbox, and a completely new rear transaxle with electro-mechanical torque vectoring – a world first in a production model.

An actuator, overdrive gears, and a differential combine to intelligently transfer torque between the rear wheels.

Put simply, says Audi, in this new car electro-mechanical torque vectoring is the “invisible maestro conducting an orchestra of performance and making sure customers experience driving fun and safety like never before”.

The accurate interplay between all suspension components defines the driving characteristics of the Audi RS 5.

The standouts: optimised and RS-specific front and rear axles, RS sport suspension with innovative twin-valve shock absorbers, RS-tuned steering, large 20in and 21in wheels shod in specifically tailored tyres, and powerful steel or ceramic brakes.

The twin-valve technology allows the shock absorbers to provide both a very comfortable ride and the sporty driving experience.

It noticeably reduces pitch and roll, and means the dampers respond very quickly to changing road conditions.

The optional Audi Sport package for the new RS 5 Avant and RS 5 Saloon adds exclusive elements like bespoke, dynamic front and rear bumpers as well as two-tone diamond-cut phantom black 21in wheels with matte accents.

An RS sport exhaust system and the raised top speed of 177mph ensure even more performance.

The exclusive interior features contrast stitching in Serpentine green for the first time. The package also offers a broad range of customisation options, including Bedford green metallic paint. RS ceramic brakes with bronze-coloured calipers and carbon camouflage elements complete the look.

The new Audi driving experience function is standard equipment. It enables users to view detailed analysis of the routes driven, displayed on the 14.5in MMI touch display.