When Electrification Meets Unbridled Performance
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a legendary performance car gets a technological makeover. For example Bob Dylan left crowds aghast when he went electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and Audi has just acheveived a similar reaction with the all-new RS5 PHEV.
The all-new Audi RS5 isn’t a simple refresh, it’s a complete reimagining of what a plug-in hybrid performance sedan can achieve. And let me tell you, after a heart-pounding day at Hampton Downs racetrack, this machine is absolutely the business.
The Numbers Don’t Lie – They Absolutely Scream
What makes the RS5 so special? Start with the engineering wizardry: a 2.9-litre V6 engine married to an electric motor that produces a staggering 470 kW of power and 825 Newton metres of torque. This is Audi Sport’s first plug-in hybrid too, equipped with a 22 kWh battery that’ll get you around 80 km of pure electric range. So it’s a car that can silently creep around your leafy suburb before transforming into a track-ready monster should you so wish – and my oh how we wished.
Form Follows Function (Spectacularly)
The RS5 isn’t just quick, it looks quick too. It’s wider, more muscular, and more athletic than ever. And whether you opt for the sleek sedan or the magnificent Avant estate (our pick, honestly), this is a vehicle that commands attention without saying a word. The dual tailpipe set up at the rear is reason alone to buy this car!
Inside, Audi has created nothing short of a cockpit for the discerning enthusiast. Premium Dinamica material adorns the flat-bottomed steering wheel, while four distinct screens (infotainment, instrument cluster, passenger and head-up display) keep you informed without ever taking your eyes off the road. The seats are both stylish and figure-hugging, masterpieces that make you feel like you’re strapped into something genuinely special – and you have.
Track Day Reality – When Theory Meets Tarmac
But enough about specs and features, let’s talk about what really matters: how does it feel when you’re pushing it to the limit?
Audi New Zealand had arranged for quite the track day experience, with plenty of opportunity to test the raft of treasure this RS5 PHEV had to offer. And to add to the fun, they swapped the regular performance tyres for some ‘sacrificial rubber’ that allowed some give in the corners.
The planned track exercises included slalom runs, 0-100 km/h drag-race sprint tests, and multiple lap sessions, both hot and red hot. we were allowed to push buttons (RS and Boost), go sideways, stab throttles and basically have fun (without having to stare in the rear view mirror for flashing blues).
The RS5’s sophisticated driver interface features an RS button that lets you toggle between drive modes and unlock an RS Individual setup, putting all the performance adjustments at your fingertips. A point of note is that dabbing into RS modes does disable the traction control, so we did have to enable that after.
One standout feature is the built-in track monitor that can be used to map out a track route. This isn’t just for Instagram bragging rights; it’s a genuine tool that helps you analyse your driving, spot where you gained pace, and identify where things went slightly sideways (literally, in some cases). There’s also a built in dashcam option that records your exploits on the circuit (or wherever), of course I used this to showcase my racetrack prowess.
The Real-World Performance Picture
After running multiple slalom sessions with the aforementioned track monitor, my data told a compelling story: the RS5 stayed planted and responsive through the high-speed sections, with only minor performance dips during (planned) aggressive slides. I must point out here that the dynamic torque control with electromechanical torque vectoring ensured that even when you’re really pushing the boundaries (of the rubber), the car remains genuinely composed and predictable – and FUN.
What’s genuinely refreshing is how the RS5 walks the tightrope between outright performance and everyday usability. Those electric motors don’t just add power; they provide instant torque delivery that makes overtaking on the road feel effortless, especially when using the boost button.
Tarmac Takeaway: A Modern Masterpiece
Here’s the thing about the all-new Audi RS5 PHEV: it’s not just a brilliant sports car. It’s a brilliant practical sports car. It’s a weapon on track and yet civilised enough for the daily commute. It’ll squeeze 80 km of silent electric running for your local duties, yet unleash 470 kW of combined fury when you want to have some proper fun.
Whether you’re eyeing the sophisticated sedan or the supremely practical Avant, this is a car that understands that performance and responsibility don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The all-new Audi RS5 isn’t just electrified, it’s electrifying.
Oh and Audi New Zealand has confirmed that detailed road-driving assessments in both the Avant and sedan variants are coming soon. Stay tuned for our comprehensive our real-world driving review.
You may also like: The New Audi RS5 Avant PHEV Arrives in New Zealand, Audi RS 5 Avant – 80% Pre-Sold Before NZ’s September Arrival
