The Audi RS5 Hybrid is a beast of a wagon, packing a whopping 630bhp from its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 130kW electric motor. But is it too much of a good thing? First off, let's talk about the numbers. The RS5 Hybrid is significantly heavier than its non-hybrid predecessor, tipping the scales at 2,355kg for the saloon and 2,370kg for the Avant. But that's not surprising, given the addition of a 25.9kWh battery, a 400V system, and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. But what really sets the RS5 Hybrid apart is its tech. Audi's electro-mechanical torque vectoring on the back axle ensures rapid and precise distribution of torque between the rear wheels, making it perfect for aggressive driving. And with a next-gen centre diff, the car's torque is always preloaded, reducing understeer and increasing precision. Inside, the RS5 Hybrid is as per the refreshed A5, but with an extra ...
The Audi RS5 Hybrid is a beast of a wagon, packing a whopping 630bhp from its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and 130kW electric motor. But is it too much of a good thing?
First off, let’s talk about the numbers. The RS5 Hybrid is significantly heavier than its non-hybrid predecessor, tipping the scales at 2,355kg for the saloon and 2,370kg for the Avant. But that’s not surprising, given the addition of a 25.9kWh battery, a 400V system, and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox.
But what really sets the RS5 Hybrid apart is its tech. Audi’s electro-mechanical torque vectoring on the back axle ensures rapid and precise distribution of torque between the rear wheels, making it perfect for aggressive driving. And with a next-gen centre diff, the car’s torque is always preloaded, reducing understeer and increasing precision.
Inside, the RS5 Hybrid is as per the refreshed A5, but with an extra dose of RS-ery. You get a specially configured virtual cockpit, sports seats, fancy material choices, and a “driving experience” feature that allows analysis of your driving inputs and lap times. Just be careful not to get too caught up in the data – it’s easy to get lost in the numbers.
But what about the driving experience itself? The RS5 Hybrid is a rocket ship, accelerating from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. And with its electric motor providing an additional 130kW of power, it’s no wonder the top speed is a respectable 177mph.
Of course, there’s a catch. The RS5 Hybrid is not just about raw power – it’s also about efficiency. Audi claims that the car can achieve an electric-only range of up to 52 miles, and the company says that the hybrid system “ensures the RS5 feels like an RS-model”.
So is the Audi RS5 Hybrid a success? In short, yes. It’s a beast of a wagon that’s sure to turn heads on the road. But it’s not without its flaws. The car’s weight and size make it less agile than its non-hybrid predecessor, and the hybrid system can feel a bit gimmicky at times.
Overall, the Audi RS5 Hybrid is a unique beast that’s sure to appeal to fans of high-performance wagons. Just be prepared for a hefty price tag – the saloon starts at €106,200, while the Avant starts at €107,850.
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