2027 Audi RS5 Debuts As A 630-HP V6 Plug-In Hybrid

The 2027 Audi RS5 has finally been revealed in its latest generation, but you may be confused as to why the RS5 has become a sedan and a wagon (or Avant in Audi’s speak) instead of a coupe or a four-door coupe. Well, remember that the new A5 became the successor to the gas-powered A4? Audi initially thought it would be a good idea to reserve the even-numbered nomenclatures for the electric e-tron models, while the gas or hybrid models would get the odd numbers.

That strategy has since been cancelled, but that’s a story for another day. For now, let’s focus on the new RS5, which is Ingolstadt’s rival to Munich’s BMW M3. Whereas the M3 insists on a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six, the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 of the RS5 is mated to a strong electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic. The resulting system output is 630 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100 kph time of 3.6 seconds.

Now that’s a lot of power, a hundred more than the M3, in fact. However, the reason behind its 0-100 kph time being similar to the M3 despite the power advantage is, unsurprisingly, due to the hefty 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Accepting up to 11 kW of AC charging, the RS5 is good for up to 80 kilometers of pure electric range. To be fair, versus the controversial Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance and its complex, 670-horsepower four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, the RS5 offers more electric range and more cylinders.

Speaking of weight, the sedan tips the scales at 2,355 kg, while the wagon is an additional 15 kg heavier for a total of 2,370 kg. For reference, the previous RS4 Avant weighed 1,850 kg, so that’s more than half a ton of weight gain.

But that weight is going to be heavily masked by the Audi Sport’s engineering team, wherein they’ve done a lot of hard work to make the RS5 perform just as well as it looks. The quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system has a new center differential for better turn-in and thus eliminates understeer. Dynamic Torque Control, meanwhile, is an electromechanical torque vectoring rear transaxle that can shuffle the power between the left or right rear wheels in just milliseconds.

Some of the other tricks that the RS5 can do include being able to drift despite being AWD. That’s because the RS Torque Rear mode will send most of the power to the rear wheels. RS Sport, meanwhile, focuses on outright grip. With these two modes, the 22 kWh battery is kept at 90 percent to ensure sustained performance on track. Remember, these are electronic features, after all.

In terms of stopping power, steel discs are fitted as standard, but carbon ceramics that are 20 mm larger at the front and 10 mm larger at the rear are an optional extra. Finally, the RS5’s suspension features dual valve dampers for a more nuanced control of the vehicle’s ride and handling. One valve is dedicated to compression, while the other is for rebound.

The 2027 Audi RS5 is a heavy car, but from a design perspective, it sure is a heavy hitter in the right ways. The RS5 is 90 mm wider, which is evident through the bulging fenders that amp up the aggression. There’s also a blacked-out housing for the signature Singleframe grille, while the LED head and taillights feature checkered flag graphics. In typical Audi fashion, the LED light graphics are customizable through the MMI touch screen infotainment. Lastly, there are comically large rear exhaust outlets integrated into the rear diffuser.

Inside, the new RS5’s cabin has been bathed in plenty of technology and LED ambient light strips. There are three screens for the latest MMI infotainment, including one for the front passenger. As an Audi Sport model, the cabin has plenty of customizable details through the stitching and interior finishes. You also have a choice between leather, Alcantara, or a mix of both.

The 2027 Audi RS5 is going on sale first in its home market of Germany, and then eventually through Europe, North America, and the rest of the world. A Philippine launch through its local distributor, PGA Cars, will likely happen near the end of 2027 or in early 2027.