Audi Sport goes hybrid with its first high-performance PHEV, as the new RS 5 arrives in Singapore in both Avant and Sedan body styles

Before I begin… Happy wagon day! The Audi RS 5 returns, sporting Avant and fastback-ish Sedan body styles. And this time, Audi Sport has plugged it in.

The all-new Audi RS 5 is the marque’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, combining their familiar and proven 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with a 130kW electric motor.

The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 produces 503hp (375kW) and 600Nm, while the electric motor adds 174hp (130kW) and 460Nm. Combined system output is up to 470 kW and 825 Nm. All of this propels both the Sedan and Avant variant of the RS 5 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

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Avant for me! What about you?

Singapore buyers get to choose between the RS 5 Avant and RS 5 Sedan, both using the same 630hp plug-in hybrid powertrain and RS-specific driving dynamics.

The Avant, naturally, is the more attractive proposition for me. Just simply because I feel that estate cars are simply cooler — that’s the absolute sleeper to the untrained eye yeah?

… and that sweet whistling sound of those twin-turbos…

Both versions come with the Audi Sport package as standard in Singapore, bringing bespoke bumpers, 21-inch two-tone diamond-cut Phantom Black wheels, an RS sport exhaust system and a top speed of 285 km/h.

There is also the rather tasty option of Bedford Green metallic paint, bronze-coloured ceramic brake callipers and Carbon Camouflage design elements.

In Singapore, the RS 5 Sedan starts from $713,999, while the RS 5 Avant starts from $723,999, both inclusive of COE.

So the five-door Avant costs an additional $10,000 over the Sedan. For the privilege of having more room for shopping, golf bags, children, dogs or like me… just added street-cred.

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The clever bit is underneath

The electric motor is integrated into a hybridised eight-speed gearbox, with power sent through a newly developed quattro drivetrain, which Audi calls quattro with Dynamic Torque Control. You’re looking at a new rear transaxle equipped with electromechanical torque vectoring.

The latter, Audi claims to be the first ones to feature this in a production car.

The system can redistribute torque between the rear wheels in just 15 milliseconds (way quicker than you can blink), while the car’s central driving dynamics controller calculates the optimum torque distribution every five milliseconds.

The result, according to Audi, is improved agility, traction and stability, particularly when cornering and accelerating out of bends.

Plug-in performance

Back in Audi’s home country, plug-in hybrid cars which can travel on electric-only drive to 80km benefit from a Private Purchase Subsidy.

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Therefore the RS 5 gets a 25.9 kWh battery, allowing the RS 5 to travel for up to 84 km on electric power according to EAER, or up to 87 km in the city.

In Singapore, that is potentially enough for daily commuting without waking up the V6 at all… that is if you’re planning to cheap-out on fuel cost.

A dedicated boost function gives the RS 5 maximum performance for up to 10 seconds at the push of a button. The gearbox selects the appropriate ratio and, if you’re in electric driving mode, the V6 fires into action immediately. Audi even opens the exhaust valves for a more dramatic soundtrack.

Charging the battery takes up to 11 kW on three-phase AC, with a full charge taking around 2.5 hours.

RS also means ‘wide n’ angry’

Audi has widened the car substantially compared with the A5, with flared wheel arches, a three-dimensional honeycomb Singleframe grille, Air Curtains and a pronounced rear diffuser giving it a much more muscular stance.

The darkened Matrix LED headlights get an RS-specific daytime running-light signature inspired by a chequered flag.

The RS sport exhaust system features matte-black oval tailpipes, while the rear diffuser gets vertical fins and a centrally positioned red reflector.

Inside, things get suitably serious as well, with RS sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, Dinamica trim and a range of RS-specific colour and material combinations.

The driver’s digital display can also show performance information including G-forces, tyre temperatures and pressures, lap times and drivetrain data.

There’s even a factory-fitted Audi driving experience function that can record lap and sector times, analyse driving data and, in RS torque rear mode, record things such as drift angle.

Come see the all-new Audi RS 5

The RS 5 made its Singapore launch debut at Funan Mall on 30 September, before opening to the public from 1 October as part of Audi Singapore’s Formula 1 Grand Prix-season activations.

The RS 5 Avant is being displayed at Off the Grid by adidas and Audi at Funan Mall, while the RS 5 Sedan is showcased at Audi’s House of Progress at 18 Cross Street.

The Audi R26 Formula 1 show car is also part of the Funan display, with Audi F1 Team drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg scheduled to make a special appearance on 7 October.

“Audi’s first year in Formula 1 has created new opportunities to bring the energy of motorsport closer to fans,” said Martin Bayer, Managing Director of Audi Singapore. “Kicking off our race-season programme, the all-new RS 5 represents the next chapter of Audi Sport’s electrified high-performance journey as our first plug-in hybrid model. Its showcase at Off the Grid by adidas and Audi sets the stage for a wider line-up of activities across Funan Mall and the Audi House of Progress at 18 Cross Street, inviting fans to experience Audi’s world of performance, innovation and progress in the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix™.”

More importantly for anyone who actually wants to drive one, the RS 5 Sedan and Avant will be available for test drives at the Audi House of Progress from mid-October onwards.

Photos: Audi Singapore & Clifford Chow