Audi Sport has embraced electrification with the 2027 RS 5. Available as a sedan or wagon, the newest high-performance model is a plug-in hybrid. It pairs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a high-output electric motor mounted inside the eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output stands at a whopping 639 hp and 608 lb-ft of torque. This allows the RS 5 to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds. It even includes a boost function that gives you maximum power for 10 seconds!
To get the engine ready for duty in the 2027 RS 5, Audi gave it many updates. These include the shortest and least restrictive intake system developed from the ground up and water-to-air intercoolers. As a result, the RS 5 uses 20 percent less fuel under high loads. Additionally, the two variable geometry turbochargers have piping optimized for higher pressures and minimal losses. This results in improved responsiveness that works better with the electric motor. Upgraded fuel delivery with higher injection pressure increases efficiency for lower emissions without sacrificing performance.
Since this is a plug-in hybrid, you may be asking, what’s the all-electric driving range? Quite good, actually! 84 km or around 52 miles, plenty for most daily commutes. Additionally, the electric motor features an external rotor design, meaning the stator is inside the moving rotor. As a result, the motor has increased torque, better cooling, and improved efficiency.
2027 Audi RS 5: Smartly Powered
The RS 5’s plug-in hybrid features a 25.9-kWh battery, mounted under the cargo floor, with a usable capacity of 22 kWh. Most importantly, it does more than power the electric drive motor. It also sends 8 kW to the electric motor inside the torque vectoring unit. Plus, its 11-kW onboard charger means you can fully charge it in 2.5 hours.
For maximum performance in RS Sport and RS Torque Rear modes, the battery state of charge is kept at 90 percent or higher to ensure you always have maximum electric power. Additionally, intelligent thermal management keeps the battery at the ideal temperature and responds to the car’s dynamic needs. Active cooling is also used to ensure maximum electrified performance.
To help you drive more efficiently when you’re not having fun, the RS 5’s regenerative braking system can be customized to your liking. You can select between three recuperation levels for use in all-electric mode, charge your battery up to 80 percent while driving, or let the car determine regenerative braking via the automatic recuperation setting. In sportier modes, the battery never goes below 20 percent to allow drivers to use the boost function.
Max Traction, Max Performance
For optimal performance at high loads, the RS 5’s eight-speed automatic transmission includes an external cooler. The heavy rotating components also have less resistance, reducing lag and speeding up shifts for a more direct feel. Every RS 5 includes a limited-slip differential that can variably split power between the front and rear axles from 70/30 front bias to a rear-biased 15/85. This results in improved agility without sacrificing stability. Furthermore, a new center differential has a preload feature that allows for added precision and better power distribution between the four wheels.
Audi’s Quattro AWD system gains a new torque vectoring function in the 2027 RS 5. Using an electric motor as a high-voltage actuator, overdrive gears, and a conventional differential, the system can quickly distribute power between the rear wheels. As a result, it can quickly put power down, maximizing traction and agility.
All About Agility
To complement its new powertrain and improved AWD system, Audi tuned the suspension specifically for the RS 5. The RS sport-tuned suspension features model-specific front and rear axles, and twin-valve shock absorbers. Audi also tuned the steering specifically for RS 5 duty and features a more direct 13:1 ratio versus the standard car. It also comes with a choice of steel or carbon ceramic brakes, and a choice of 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels shod in specially developed performance tires.
The RS 5’s body is 10 percent stiffer than the standard A5, reducing flex and tightening its driving feel. Meanwhile, the five-link front suspension has new joints, links, and rubber bushings to help the car feel more stable. Audi also developed a new rear suspension design for the RS 5 to accommodate the new torque vectoring setup. Additionally, the new twin-valve shocks balance ride comfort with responsive handling. It also has a range of adjustments that allow it to prioritize maximum comfort or all-out performance.
Customization remains a key component of the RS 5 experience. You can select from an all-electric drive mode to the performance-minded dynamic mode via Audi Drive Select. On top of that, several RS modes amp up the sporty driving personality. RS Torque Rear maximizes rear power bias, allowing for controlled drifts and making the RS 5 feel more agile. Meanwhile, RS Sport maximizes the sporty feel without sacrificing stability when driving enthusiastically. Finally, RS Individual allows you to customize nearly every aspectm while the RS sport exhaust system brings the proper soundtrack.
2027 Audi RS 5: Menacing From Every Angle
The RS 5’s design hints at its potent performance. A revised front fascia with massive intakes and an aggressive rear diffuser with massive dual exhaust tips give this car an unmistakable look. It even has RS-specific lighting patterns, widened fenders, and a three-dimensional single-frame grille with a honeycomb pattern to highlight its sporting intentions. For those looking for additional customizations, Audi Exclusive offers a wider range of exterior and interior options. For added sportiness, the standard black front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser can be changed to glossy carbon via the Carbon Design package.
Step inside and you’ll find a performance-focused yet luxurious cabin and five distinct designs with color-coordinated seatbelts and RS logos. The standard power-adjustable sports seats plus have honeycomb quilting and are designed to provide maximum support and long-distance comfort. They even include a massage function! Cloth center inserts with 47 percent recycled components come standard alongside Dinamica suede. For those wanting real leather, the RS 5 offers it in red or black and includes contrast stitching and ventilated seats. The standard flat-bottom steering wheel also features a color-coordinated 12 o’clock marker.
In terms of tech, the RS 5 features an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14.5-inch main touchscreen, and a 10.9-inch passenger display. The Virtual Cockpit features model-specific sport dials and can show data like G-forces, shift indicator, and all plug-in hybrid-related information. These can also be projected onto the optional head-up display. Additionally, the Audi Driving Experience feature analyzes the driver’s driving actions on well-known and unknown or private tracks. Plus, drivers can compare all the data gathered with each other.
A Promising Performer
When it goes on sale, the RS 5 will have a new Audi Sport package option. This includes a host of changes. On the outside, it comes with larger front air intakes, a unique rear diffuser, and a package-specific Bedford Green exterior color. Additionally, it adds the RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes and 21-inch black with diamond-cut finish and satin matte-coated alloy wheels. Its top speed also goes up to 285 km/h or 177 mph.
Inside, the Audi Sport package adds leather seats with Dinamica accents finished in black, brass-colored accents, and Serpentine Green contrast stitching. Meanwhile, the honeycomb pattern, seatbelts, and floor mat stitching, RS logos, and steering wheel 12 o’clock marker are also finished in Serpentine Green.
The new Carbon Camouflage package, which requires the Audi Sport Package, adds several sporty details. These include wings on the front fascia, side sill and rear fascia inserts, and carbon side mirror covers. Additionally, it also adds matte Carbon Camouflage interior inlays.
Expect the 2027 Audi RS 5 to go on sale in Europe first, followed by other markets like North America. Based on the information we got, this plug-in hybrid is a promising one and appears well-rounded. It also seems like it’s spent more time in the oven than the Mercedes-AMG C63 with its powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four plug-in hybrid system that’s soon to be replaced. We’re looking forward to this one, but since we’re based in the U.S., we don’t expect to get the sexy wagon body style.
Source: Audi
