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Audi reveals RS5 with V6 PHEV, 639PS

It can accelerate to 62mph in 3.6 seconds and saloon or Avant body styles are offered.

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Black and red Audi RS5 models parked on paved surface beneath concrete bridge structure.
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Audi has revealed the latest RS5, Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), fitted with the same 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 as the outgoing car, but with an electric motor boosting total output to 639PS.

It can accelerate to 62mph in 3.6 seconds and saloon or Avant body styles are offered.

A 177PS electric motor, which doubles as the engine’s starter motor, is fitted to the eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The V6 produces 510PS, 60PS more than previously, due to it using a modified version of the Miller cycle, which also boosts efficiency.

A new intake, water-to-air intercoolers and higher pressure fuel injectors have been fitted.

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Usable battery capacity is 22kWh and 11kW AC charging is supported, enabling it to fully charge in two and a half hours.

Audi has not released data on the RS5’s electric-only range.

In the RS sport and RS torque rear modes, the car holds battery charge at 90% to maximise performance.

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The Audi RS5 has gained an electromechanical torque vectoring rear differential, enabling it to rapidly and precisely distribute torque to each rear wheel.

Audi said this guarantees maximum acceleration, cornering stability and driving fun. The RS torque rear mode distributes more power to the rear to enable oversteer.

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Other tweaks over the standard A5 include twin-valve shock absorbers, new suspension arms, 20 and 21-inch wheels and a bodyshell widened by 90mm.

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The optional Audi Sport package increases the car’s top speed to 177mph, and adds a sport exhaust, ceramic brakes and tweaked bumpers.

UK sales will begin in mid-2026.

The PHEV system has increased the Avant model’s weight to 2,370kg, around 500kg than the RS4 Avant, its direct predecessor.

Gernot Döllner, CEO at Audi, said: “The A5 model series’ new pinnace is our first high-performance plug-in hybrid.

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“Our newly developed quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control is the world’s first electro-mechanical torque vectoring system in a production car.

“The sophisticated technical interplay between combustion engine and electric power brings performance and efficiency together in a new way at Audi.

“Customers can experience both peak sportiness and every-day comfort.”

Rolf Michl, managing director at Audi Sport, said: “The RS 5 and its innovative drive concept mark the beginning of a new era for our RS models.

“They bring a new level of dynamics to the driving characteristics our customers love and further improve day-to-day use value thanks to all-electric driving and innovative technologies.

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“A new interpretation of the true RS experience.”

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