Discussion:2027 Audi RS 5 Hybrid, 630 HP, 177 MPH, 50 Miles of Electric Driving

[G. David Felt]

Audi is well known for their luxury auto's as well as their performance RS line. The RS5 High Performance Hybrid is a first and one has to wonder do they deliver on that performance or not?

Key Specifications

Let's start by first looking at the basic points of what this RS has:

• Power
  • V6 Twin-Turbo 2.9L & electric motor
  • 470 kW or 630 HP combined
    • Top Speed of 285 km / h or 177 mph
  • 825 Nm or 608 lb-ft of torque combined
  • 8 speed tiptronic transmission
• World-first quattro with Dynamic Torque Control in the rear transaxle
• RS Style
  • Wider body work
  • Darkened Matrix LED headlights
  • RS Sport Exhaust
  • RS Interior
• Plug-in Hybrid
  • 11 kW charging controller
    • 100% charged in 2 1/2 hrs
  • 25.9 kWh battery pack
  • 400V electrical system
  • Pure electric range of combined 84 kilometers or 52 miles
• Intelligent energy recovery

Audi has stated that their first high performance plugin hybrid auto the RS5 will come in two formats, a 4-door sedan or a shooting brake in Europe or what Americans call a station wagon. These canyon carving, highway running marathon inspired cars deliver performance with 21st century new magic.

The RS5 comes with a feature once reserved for electric three or four motor EVs. The Dynamic Torque Control allows electromechanical torque vectoring in the rear of these cars. This feature allows shifting torque between the rear wheels in milliseconds resulting in exceptionally agile, composed, and effortless driving according to their press release.

From a checkered-flag inspired design for the digital day-time-running lights to a well-tuned agile chassis with individual driving modes that tweak and constantly change the suspension setup in these autos. Audi is delivering a driver's experience for every step of the way in life.

The exterior of these auto's delivers on a puristic powerhouse approach that is a clear homage to their legendary Audi Ur-quattro while stirring in a huge portion of RS DNA.

Exterior & Available Colors

Audi has stated that Form follows Performance in leaving an impression. They have started by offering nine colors for the 2027 RS 5 Plug-in Hybrid.

• Progressive Red metallic
• Ascari Blue
• Goodwood Green
• Panther Black Crystal
• Mythos Black
• Merlin Pearl effect
• Matte Paint Plateau Grey
• Gloss Black
• Gloss White

The exterior has an assortment of options that cover paint matching to carbon fiber and even a black out option.

Interior

The interior is equally uncompromising in delivering on the RS sportiness that one would expect. There are five distinct interior designs, each differentiated by unique materials and color schemes. They all share maximum RS differentiation, including full-length color-coordinated seat belts and RS logos on all floor mats matched to each interior color. Complementing each design, the headliner is consistently finished in black across all configurations.

Audi has chosen to appeal to folks of all walks of life in that it offers their interiors with leather free choices to recycled choices which includes color accents. Interior customizable ambiance lighting is placed throughout the interior. Audi has also delivered on what they believe is a balance of desired touch points on the dash screen with a solid mix of real buttons, switches, etc. found throughout the auto and on the steering wheel. This all gets complemented with the ability to choose how one finishes their interior in various choices of finishes from open-pore carbon micro twill, matte brushed aluminum to black lacquer finishes.

Seats are equally important be it leather free materials to nappa leather, the seating in the RS 5 are multi-functional and supportive for spirited driving or long luxury road trips. Audi has even optioned a Sport Package that can step up to meet the available performance of the auto.

More details will be forthcoming closer to launch with pricing.

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