New Audi RS 5 Debuts as Plug-in Hybrid, Challenging BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63
The all-new Audi RS 5 arrives as a plug-in hybrid, boasting a new all-wheel-drive system and 639 horsepower, as it’s pitted against long-standing rivals, the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63.
Decoding the ‘RS’ Designation
The sophisticated naming strategy behind these cars may not be immediately apparent to everyone. Within Audi, where the legend grew from RS 2, then for many years the ultimate exponent of the brand’s sporting prowess under the RS 4 name, and now also called RS 5 in Avant version, the question arises: why?
It doesn’t matter. The important message isn’t in the numbers, but in the letters ‘RS’. These promising acronyms have existed since 1993, with a clear message: maximum offensive in the Audi Sport style. And as number five, oriented to the traditional challenge with other two giants of the genre, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and the BMW M3.
Hybrid Technology and Performance
This new edition of the top battle starts with very different game strategies. Until now, the propulsion systems had never been so distinct. And in large part, this is due to the RS 5, which is now truly opening up to exclusively electric mobility.
How can they do this? Don’t worry, there’s no need to! It can cover a little more than 80 kilometers. That is, it can, but it doesn’t have to. Because, above all, the Neckarsulm’s first plug-in hybrid has a goal: to offer a powerful acceleration capacity. The electric motor located in the transmission contributes 130 kW to the overall package. A contribution from Audi’s catalog.
However, most of the thrust is still generated at the front, in the well-known 2.9-liter V6, although with a good dose of novelties. Virtually nothing has been left untouched. ‘More than 70 percent of this engine is new,’ proudly explains Rolf Michl, head of Audi Sport.
What has changed exactly? For example, turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, a new injection system, a modified air intake, another combustion process to improve efficiency with partial loads and new water-cooled intercoolers for full load.
The result: 510 hp and 600 Nm. In combination with the RS-specific electric motor hybrid P2 technology, under the widened body by about 80 millimeters in the wheel arches, there are 639 hp and 825 Nm. Extremely attractive figures that promise a lot, if not for the considerable 2,370 kg weight of the vehicle, which are against the dynamics. Only the battery, with a gross capacity of 25.9 kWh, adds 170 kg to the rear axle. This allows the RS 5 to achieve a practically balanced weight distribution, 51:49, but leaves its weight-to-power ratio at 3.7