Audi has officially unveiled the RS5, marking the first high-performance plug-in hybrid in the A5 series.
Packing a combined 639hp, the new RS5 pairs a reworked 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 177hp electric motor, offering up to 54 miles of electric-only driving while cutting fuel use by around 20% under heavy load.
This makes it not just powerful but remarkably versatile for UK roads, combining daily usability with track-capable performance.
Visually, the RS5 is unmistakable. The car gains 40mm wider arches front and rear, a massive single-piece grille, and a rear diffuser framing twin 70mm oval exhausts.
Gloss black highlights are standard, though buyers can opt for Audi’s ‘carbon camouflage’ trim.
Functional aerodynamic features, including wing vents and front bumper vanes, channel air efficiently, while the overall stance remains squat and aggressive in person, despite appearing almost cartoonish in photos.
Underpinning the car’s performance is a sophisticated drivetrain. The electric motor feeds into the eight-speed automatic gearbox and works with a new electromechanical torque vectoring system, delivering precise handling and torque distribution in milliseconds.
The suspension features independent twin-valve dampers adjustable through multiple driving modes, while braking is handled by 420mm front and 400mm rear discs, with optional ceramics available.
The RS5 tips the scales at 2.35 tonnes for the saloon and 2.37 tonnes for the Avant, yet the combination of tech, torque, and weight management ensures it drives with surprising agility.
Inside, the cabin blends sport and tech. Deeply bolstered sports seats, a flat-top steering wheel, and Audi Sport honeycomb stitching set the tone, while the 14.5-inch infotainment screen provides full telemetry, regenerative braking control, and even lap timing.
Audi boss Gernot Döllner emphasises that the RS5’s plug-in hybrid setup delivers “peak sportiness and everyday comfort,” a balance that appeals to performance enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.
Pricing starts at £89,400 for the saloon and £91,300 for the Avant, with the Audi Sport package adding further options.
Orders open this summer, placing the RS5 squarely against the BMW M3 Competition Touring and the now-retired Mercedes C 63 in the high-performance UK market.
