Audi RS 5: a 639 hp hybrid that impresses with its handling despite the weight. The Audi RS 5 is the first hybrid in the RS lineup, and it stands out not just for its power, but also for its sophisticated engineering. Despite a weight of 2.4 tons, the model delivers unexpected agility in corners thanks to an innovative rear axle.
639 horsepower, quattro all-wheel drive, and an almost 2.4-ton weight—the new Audi RS 5 PHEV immediately announces itself as the most radical member of the RS family. But it's not just the figures that make it stand out: Audi engineers have developed a unique rear-axle torque vectoring system for this model, changing the perception of how heavy hybrids behave on the road.
Unlike its predecessors, the new RS 5 is now a plug-in hybrid for the first time and is offered not only as a coupe, but also as a sedan and a wagon. This shift allowed Audi to combine a powerful hybrid setup with signature RS dynamics, but it also led to a significant increase in weight. While this usually has a negative impact on handling, Audi found a way to compensate for that drawback.
The key to its unexpected agility is a completely new rear axle with a Dynamic Torque Control system. It uses electromechanical vectoring: a dedicated 400-volt electric motor with permanent magnets and water cooling (8 kW and 40 Nm) instantly redistributes torque between the rear wheels via a special transmission and differential. The system can transfer up to 2000 Nm difference between the half-shafts in just 15 milliseconds, ensuring rapid response to changes in grip and trajectory.
Unlike classic torque splitters, which operate only under load, Audi's electromechanical system allows for torque distribution even during braking or coasting. This provides increased stability and enables the car to remain predictable even on challenging track sections. Combined with the RS adaptive sport suspension and dual-valve dampers, the RS 5 confidently holds its line and can easily transition into a controlled drift at the driver's discretion.
According to Auto Bild, Audi engineers specifically designed this rear axle exclusively for the RS 5—no other A5 version received such technology. This solution not only concealed excessive weight but also made sporty handling accessible to most drivers, regardless of experience.
Interestingly, the trend toward increasingly complex hybrid systems and the adoption of new technologies in sports cars is becoming more evident. For example, a recent Spanish hybrid SUV also surprised with its combination of power and range: The Ebro S900 PHEV covered 1,500 km across Morocco in three days, showcasing the capabilities of modern PHEVs in real-world conditions.
As a result, the Audi RS 5 demonstrates that even a heavy hybrid can truly be an exciting and technologically advanced sports car. The price starts at €125,900 in Spain, but for this amount, buyers get not only power but also an engineering solution that changes the driving experience.
