2027 Audi RS5 Joins the Plug-In Party

The RS5 keeps its turbocharged V6, but augments it with a plug-in hybrid setup for big power.

Audi revealed the next generation of its RS models. With the current A5 jointly replacing its predecessor as well as the A4, the 2027 RS5 sedan and Avant represent a new era for the four-ringed brand's sportiest models, and not least because they're the first to roll with plug-in hybrid setups.

Audi is seemingly learning from Mercedes' AMG arm here: instead of downsizing from the existing 2.9-liter turbo V6, the RS engineers have pumped that engine up. Horsepower now sits at 503, while torque peaks at 443 pound-feet. An electric motor provides its own 174 hp and 339 lb-ft; the different power curves result in a combined system output of 630 hp and 608 lb-ft.

Like other Audi PHEVs, the electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox, with power being sent to both axles via standard quattro all-wheel drive. A limited-slip center differential allows for a broad power split between axles, ranging from 70-percent front bias to just 15-percent.

This trick center diff is a new design from Audi featuring preloading. This means the diff is always somewhat locked, keeping the axles coupled even when there's no torque to—in theory—improve turn-in and defeat understeer. There is also rear axle torque vectoring, too, capable of adjusting the side-to-side balance of torque in just 15 milliseconds.

Add it all up, and Audi says the RS5's steering responses are more precise, particularly off-throttle and during weight transfer.

It isn't all electronic trickery that makes the third-gen RS5 tick. There are good old-fashioned mechanical upgrades too: the body is 10-percent stiffer than lesser A5 and S5 models, for example. RS models gain their own unique twin-valve dampers along with new suspension bushings and joints. Big steel brakes are standard, but buyers can opt for four-corner carbon ceramic items if they so choose. No matter which, the RS5 also employs regenerative braking. Standard rolling stock is 20-inch wheels, but 21s are also available.

Performance is staggering: Audi quotes a sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and we suspect it'll be even quicker. On the flip side, the large 22.0-kilowatt-hour (net) battery pack should allow the RS5 to hum along for around 50 miles without needing to wake that fire-breathing V6.

Of course, the RS5 dials up the visual aggression to match the performance upgrade. More than 3 inches wider than its siblings, the RS5 features boxy fender flares, a gaping front grille, and two huge exhaust tips mounted slightly inboard. Audi's selectable LED lighting signatures are present here too, including a unique checkered-flag option for RS models. How appropriate. An Audi Sport package adds even more aggressive intake and diffuser designs, unlocks the exclusive Bedford Green metallic paint shown on the sedan here, adds a unique version of the 21-inch wheels, and includes the sport exhaust. Oh, and it bumps the speed limit to 177 mph.

Folks wanting even more can opt for the Carbon Camouflage pack, which requires the Sport package. This adds a smattering of forged carbon trim outside and in.

Speaking of the cabin, the RS5 models apply the expected levels of changes to the current A5's tech-heavy cockpit. The standard interior uses cloth and Dinamica seats (nice!), including massage capability in the front row. Buyers can opt for leather, too, of course—in red or gray—and that also unlocks ventilated front seating (heated seats are standard). A Nappa leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel includes additional RS-specific controls. The trio of screens (11.9-inch instrument cluster, 14.5-inch touchscreen, 10.9-inch passenger screen) can be further augmented with an available head-up display (HUD).

Note that all of this applies to the European RS5 models for now. We suspect much of what we see here will apply to the North American models, though trickier regulatory features like Audi's adaptive headlights may not. The RS5 sedan (er, liftback) will start from €106,200, or just shy of $125,000 USD at today's exchange rate. The RS5 Avant lists from €107,850. Both will go on sale in the Old World this summer.

AutoGuide's Take:

While the RS5 is now going to weigh around 5,200 pounds, the plug-in powertrain offers buyers the best of both worlds: serious thrust when having fun and efficiency as they're heading out of town for said fun. Audi seemingly learned from AMG by not ditching the rip-snorting V6, too, keeping an important touch-point for existing fans.

The RS5 looks great, especially in Avant form, and North America's recent appreciation for wagons, especially high-performance ones, could maybe—hopefully—bring the long-roof here. If the RS5 can deliver a driving experience as good as its looks, we're in for a treat.

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