The Audi RS 5 has always been the RS model to look forward to, and it’s finally here. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what it’ll cost you in South Africa, it’s worth understanding where it sits in the hierarchy.
This is the middle child of the RS family and a step-up from the S5. It’s the more usable, everyday alternative to the full-blown RS 6 and RS 7. This time around, in its third generation, it brings a plug-in hybrid setup for the first time.
The new RS 5 is offered in sedan and Avant body styles, and both share the same hardware: a 2.9-litre twin-turbopetrol V6 engine paired with an e-motor for a combined power output of 470kW and 825Nm. Performance is not something to sleep on. Audi claims 3.6 seconds for both, with the top speed electronically limited to 250km/h, or 285km/h if you tick the optional Audi Sport package. Both shuffle through an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission that drives all four wheels via the quattro AWD system.
The plug-in hybrid side is the part that changes the RS 5’s character. A 22kWh battery gives up to 84km of electric driving before the V6 takes over, and 11kW AC charging means a full top-up at home is easy to live with.
Another aspect that changes the RS 5’s demeanour is the new Dynamic Torque Control that actively distributes power between the two rear wheels to improve cornering, traction and stability. In essence, the new RS 5 turns more sharply and puts its power down more effectively, particularly when accelerating out of corners.
Both RS 5 variants are stunning pieces of kit. The bodykit is 40mm wider than a standard A5’s, and the face gets the Singleframe grille, RS-specific bumpers and larger intakes. At the back, centrally positioned exhaust outlets end in matte oval tailpipes. Standard features include gloss black RS detailing, black mirror housings, the RS sport exhaust, 20-inch alloys in Platinum Grey, darkened Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights.
Inside, the cockpit is driver-focused. You get RS sports seats in perforated leather with honeycomb detailing, fine Nappa leather elements, contrasting stitching and Dinamica microfibre surfaces, plus illuminated RS accents, a flat-top, flat-bottom RS sport steering wheel, a large panoramic roof, head-up display, MMI front passenger display, B&O 3D sound system, and a digital key. The options list runs long from there.
Audi has priced the RS 5 Sedan at R2,430,000 and the Avant at R2,470,000. That’s only R40,000 extra for the added practicality, which looks like decent value. Both should give the Mercedes-AMG C63 and BMW M3 sleepless nights. What’s left is to drive both and find out whether the spec sheet translates into great cars against the rivals from Munich and Stuttgart. We’ll be sampling both soon, so watch this space.
