WeeklySA_AdminRS 5: Audi’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid create a powerful visual identity delivering 470 kW and 825 Nm from a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor…
By Ali Mphaki
Whilst you were busy crunching numbers and wondering how your populitical party emerged or was trounced in this week’s fiercely contested general local elections, Audi South Africa introduced the all-new RS 5 ready to serve its constituency via a coalition of the distinctive character of a twin-turbocharged V6 and the immediate response of electric power.
Buyers have a new choice of casting their wallets on either the Sedan or Avant body styles, a significant milestone for the brand marking its first high-performance plug-in hybrid as well as strengthening Audi South Africa’s continued new product offensive.
Through their individual silhouettes, the Sedan presents a sleek, athletic profile, while the Avant combines the same focused design language with the practicality and versatility of an estate body style.
The common outcome, however, is a striking front end, characterised by a distinctive Singleframe grille, purposeful air intakes, which establishes an assertive presence.
As your eyes savour the all-new RS 5, your gaze eases past pronounced body contours flowing towards the rear, where RS-specific design elements reinforce the vehicle’s sporting character.
If the front is striking, the rear with its RS exhaust system’s tips centrally positioned with matte oval tailpipes, can only conjure up Buga Love’s Reverse yo Mhlaba.
As if to rub it in and in a nod to the motorsport heritage of the RS 5, a red reflector is vertically placed in the centre of the diffuser.
Standard exterior equipment includes Gloss Black RS detailing, black exterior mirror housings, 20-inch Audi Sport five-Y-spoke alloy wheels in Platinum Grey. Darkened Matrix LED headlights with dynamic light sequencing and dynamic turn signals further enhance the vehicle’s visual identity and also include an RS-specific signature, while LED rear lights pro provide a highly distinguishing feature from the rear.
With both its commanding and sophisticated exterior design, few will deny the all-new RS 5 has its rightful place among the halo models of the Four Rings.
inside, even though not much difference between standard A5/S5 model, the all-new RS 5 brings together the sporting character of Audi RS with the craftsmanship, material quality and attention to detail in a performance-focussed layout,
in the newcomer physical scroll wheels replace touch-screen controls, and unlike the previous model there is a unified digital cockpit display and a separate passenger screen.
it is under the bonnet where for the first time in an Audi RS production model we see a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined system output of 470 kW and 825 Nm of torque.
This combination propels the all-new RS 5 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, a blistering pace which somehow defies physics considering the vehicle’s weight of around 2,355–2,350+ kg.
Whilst top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h, for those with less tachophobia there is the optional Audi Sport package coming with a sportier bumper design, and this is where it gets more insane, while also increasing the electronically limited top speed to 285 km/h, enough to put you into serious trouble with boys and girls with blue lights and sirens.
As if it were not enough, the RS sport steering wheel, flattened at the top and bottom, incorporates multifunction controls, shift paddles and distinctive RS elements and comes with a steering-wheel-mounted “Boost” button which delivers a temporary 10-second surge of maximum performance for overtakes.
Standard RS sport seats plus feature perforated leather upholstery with distinctive honeycomb detailing, fine Nappa leather elements and contrasting stitching contribute to an interior that feels both purposeful and luxurious.
Comfort is equally considered. Electrically adjustable front seats are equipped as standard with heating, ventilation and massage functionality, while three-zone deluxe automatic climate control and ambient lighting package pro further enhance the cabin experience.
A panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency is also available as a no-cost option.
For your listening pleasure the standard Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system delivers an immersive audio experience.
The 22–25.9 kWh battery (22 kWh usable) delivers a range of roughly 70–80 km and can be fully recharged at home on an 11kW charger in 2.5 hours or replenished on the go with the V6.
Every model is sold with Audi South Africa’s comprehensive 5-year/100,000 km Audi Freeway Plan as standard.
Be prepared to part with R2,430,000 for the Audi RS 5 sedan quattro and R2, 470,00 for the Audi RS 5 Avant quattro.
