New Audi RS 5 arrives in SA with 470kW plug-in hybrid power - TimesLIVE

The new Audi RS 5 has arrived in Mzansi, marking the first time the high-performance model has been offered with plug-in hybrid power.

Available in Sedan and Avant body styles, it combines a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an electric motor.

The new RS 5 has a broader appearance than the standard A5 on which it is based. Its body is 40mm wider on either side at both the front and rear, giving it a more substantial stance.

20-inch Audi Sport five-Y-spoke alloy wheels are fitted as standard equipment. At the front, a distinctive Singleframe radiator grille is flanked by larger air intakes, while the rear features centrally positioned matte oval exhaust outlets. A vertically positioned red reflector in the rear diffuser provides a reference to the model’s motorsport heritage.

The sedan has a conventional three-box profile, while the avant combines the same styling with an estate body shape.

The lighting system comprises darkened Matrix LED headlamp clusters with dynamic light sequencing and RS-specific signatures, as well as LED Pro taillamps with dynamic turn signals.

The RS 5 Avant will delight wagon fans. Customers can opt for 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in platinum grey matte, black metallic or neodymium gold matte finishes. Other options include gloss carbon and matte carbon camouflage styling packages. The latter uses individual carbon-fibre fragments embedded in a composite structure, giving each component a unique finish.

Available exterior colours include progressive red, ascari blue, daytona grey, plateau grey and mythos black. Bedford green is reserved for models fitted with the optional Audi Sport package, which also includes more aggressive bumper designs and raises the electronically limited top speed to 285km/h.

One of the RS 5’s key engineering developments is its quattro drivetrain, which incorporates Dynamic Torque Control. The system actively distributes torque between the rear wheels, adjusting how much power each receives according to driving conditions and driver inputs. This is intended to improve traction, stability and agility when cornering.

The drivetrain is paired with an RS-specific sport suspension featuring twin-valve shock absorbers. These allow the suspension to adapt to different driving conditions in real time, balancing body control during more demanding driving with comfort during everyday use.

The RS 5’s plug-in hybrid powertrain produces a combined system output of 470kW and 825Nm. Audi drive select allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s characteristics through different driving modes, including Balanced, Dynamic and RS Sport. An additional RS Torque Rear mode is also available. However, Audi specifies that this mode is intended exclusively for closed-course use, as it allows significant power oversteer.

The RS 5’s plug-in hybrid powertrain combines a 2.9l twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined system output of 470kW and 825Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Audi claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. This increases to 285km/h with the optional Audi Sport package.

The hybrid system uses a lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 22kWh, providing an electric driving range of between 78km and 84km. It can be charged using an AC supply at up to 11kW, while energy recuperation technology also allows the battery to recharge while driving.

The regenerative braking system recovers energy during deceleration and when the driver lifts off the accelerator. Drivers can adjust the level of regeneration in three stages using the steering-wheel paddles when travelling in electric mode. An automatic recuperation function can also be activated through the MMI infotainment system.

The 2.9l twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine is paired with an electric motor. Two main operating modes are available: EV and Hybrid. The former uses electric power alone, while Hybrid mode manages the petrol engine and electric motor according to driving conditions. Drivers can also use a digital slider to select their preferred battery charge level.

A boost function provides access to maximum system output for up to 10 seconds at the push of a button mounted at the bottom of the left steering-wheel spoke. When activated, the transmission automatically selects the appropriate gear for acceleration, while a countdown in the driver’s display indicates how much boost time remains.

The function can be activated in any drive select mode, including EV mode, when the V6 engine starts to deliver the full system output. The exhaust valves also open to produce a more pronounced engine sound.

The RS 5’s cabin combines performance-oriented design with a range of comfort and technology features.

Standard equipment includes RS sport seats plus, upholstered in perforated leather with honeycomb detailing, Nappa leather elements and contrasting stitching. Dinamica microfibre surfaces, Anthracite brushed aluminium inlays and illuminated RS accents complete the interior detailing.

The RS sport steering wheel is flattened at the top and bottom and incorporates multifunction controls and shift paddles. The front seats are electrically adjustable and include heating, ventilation and massage functions. Other standard comfort features include three-zone automatic climate control and the ambient lighting package pro.

The digital interface comprises Audi virtual cockpit plus and the MMI experience plus infotainment system. The driver’s display features RS-specific graphics, including engine revs, speed and a shift light. It can also display performance information such as G-forces, tyre temperatures and pressures, lap times and drivetrain data.

The RS sport steering wheel is flattened at the top and bottom and incorporates multifunction controls and shift paddles. Audi’s driving experience function allows drivers to record and analyse their performance on a circuit. It monitors inputs such as accelerator and brake pedal use, oversteer and understeer, as well as lateral and longitudinal acceleration.

Lap and sector times can be recorded, saved and compared between sessions. The system can also automatically create track profiles, including for circuits that have not previously been recorded.

An optional dashcam integrated into the rear-view mirror can record driving footage, while a standard head-up display projects key information into the driver’s field of vision. The front passenger also gets a dedicated MMI display.

Audio is handled by a standard Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system. Other standard features include:

Pricing starts at R2,430,000. An optional Technology package pro adds:

A panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency is also available as a no-cost option. It comprises nine individually controlled segments, allowing occupants to adjust the amount of light entering the cabin.

Both models come standard with a five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.