Wait over as Audi prices all-new plug-in hybrid-boosted RS5

After months of anticipation, Audi has officially unveiled the all-new RS5 plug-in hybrid-powered sedan and Avant in South Africa. The all-new model, a departure from the coupe, Sportback, and cabriolet versions, replaces the previous A5 and RS4 offerings. This is the first Audi RS model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The RS5 shares the same Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture as the A5, but its underpinnings have undergone significant modifications to accommodate the partial electrified powertrain. These include a stiffer chassis, a retuned RS Sport twin-valve adaptive suspension, new front and rear axles, upgraded suspension bushings, and the RS steering system. The RS5 boasts thicker front and rear brake discs, with an option for carbon ceramic rotors.

Visually, the RS5's differences from its A5 counterpart are immediate. These include wider front and rear tracks, RS bumpers and door sills, a gloss black finish RS Singleframe grille, and vents behind the front wheel arches for improved cooling. Darkened Matrix LED headlights are standard in South Africa, accompanied by the RS sport exhaust system and black mirror caps.

Optional exterior packages include gloss carbon and matte carbon finishes, alongside 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in metallic black, matte grey, or matte gold.

Inside, the RS5 retains the A5's 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch MMI infotainment system, along with an optional 10.9-inch display on the passenger side. RS-specific graphics and readouts are a hallmark of the interior. The RS sport steering wheel, black-roiled Nappa leather seats with electric, heated, ventilated, and massaging capabilities, and illuminated RS badges add to the bespoke aesthetic.

Optional upgrades include the RS interior package with red or green detailing, carbon twill, aluminium rhombus, or matte carbon accents, and a transparent panoramic glass roof at no extra cost.

Under the hood, the RS5 retains its 2.9 TFSI V6 engine but with increased power to 375 kW and unchanged torque at 600 Nm. It is paired to a 25.5-kWh battery pack that drives a single 130kW/470Nm electric motor on the rear axle. Combined, the system produces 470kW/825Nm, propelling the RS5 from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. The transmission remains an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox.

The electric range is between 78 and 84 km, with top speed capped at 250 km/h. Selecting the optional Audi Sport package boosts the electric-only top speed to 140 km/h.

The RS5 sedan and Avant will only be available at South African Audi RS approved dealers, including Audi Centre Bryanston, Centurion, Claremont, East Rand, Hatfield, Pinetown, Rivonia, Sandton, West Rand, and Wonderboom. A five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan is included in the standard price. The RS5 Sedan retails at R2,430,000, while the RS5 Avant is priced at R2,470,000.