Bottom Line Up Front
Audi has unveiled the new RS5, its first performance plug‑in hybrid, packing 630 bhp, weighing 2,370 kg, and hitting UK showrooms from June.
Audi RS5 Plug‑In Hybrid – Price, Launch Date and 630 bhp Performance
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Image: Audi RS5 Plug‑In Hybrid – Price, Launch Date and 630 bhp Performance – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The RS5 drops the old naming trick and goes full‑throttle with a lower, wider stance. It sits on 20‑ or 21‑inch wheels and features a bold black‑mask grille, chequered‑flag brake lights, and massive in‑board tailpipes that let a fist pass through. Designer Wolf Seebers says the look is aggressive yet restrained, aiming to stand out from the standard A5 while keeping a nod to motorsport.
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Performance & Mileage
Under the skin sits a tweaked 2.9‑litre twin‑turbo V6 (the same block as the RS4) using a Miller cycle for better efficiency, plus a 174 bhp electric motor on the gearbox and a 22 kWh usable battery. Combined output is 630 bhp, 0‑62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph. The plug‑in system gives about 50 miles of electric‑only range, making it a plausible company car despite the weight.
A new Dynamic Torque Control system with an electromechanical rear differential and a locking centre diff eliminates the understeer that plagued earlier RS models. An ‘RS Torque Rear’ mode adds a drift‑like feel for the enthusiast.
Price & Rivals
Pricing starts at £89,400 for the base Avant, £95,400 for the Carbon Black edition, and £107,400 for the Performance Vorsprung with extra tech and a 177 mph top speed. Competitors include the BMW M3 and Mercedes‑AMG C63, both of which now offer rear‑biased all‑wheel‑drive systems.
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| Engine | 2.9 L twin‑turbo V6 + 174 bhp electric motor |
|---|---|
| Mileage (electric‑only) | ≈ 50 miles (≈ 80 km) |
| Price (UK) | £89,400 – £107,400 |
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FAQ
- What is the electric‑only range of the Audi RS5 PHEV? About 50 miles (≈ 80 km) on a full charge.
- How fast does the RS5 go from 0‑62 mph? It accelerates in roughly 3.6 seconds.
- Is the RS5 worth buying compared with the BMW M3? If you want a hybrid powertrain, torque‑vectoring rear diff and a distinctive RS badge, the RS5 offers a unique blend of performance and limited‑run electric capability that the M3 does not.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of Audi’s first hot‑PHEV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
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