Audi RS5 Gets 630-HP Hybrid

- The outgoing 2025 Audi RS5 was powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The new model's hybrid system represents an increase of 186 horsepower. - A significant trade-off for the added hybrid power is a substantial increase in weight. The new RS5 sedan weighs 5,192 pounds, a massive 1,113 pounds more than the 2025 RS5 Sportback. - The new RS5's main competitor, the BMW M3, does not currently offer a hybrid variant. This makes the RS5 Avant over 1,100 pounds heavier than the comparable M3 Touring. - The plug-in hybrid system features a 25.9 kWh battery pack located under the trunk floor. This allows for an electric-only driving range of approximately 52 miles (84 km). - A new "RS Torque Rear" mode has been added, which functions as a drift mode by sending the maximum possible torque to the rear axle. This is complemented by a new electromechanical torque vectoring system at the rear that can shift power between the wheels. - The introduction of this high-performance plug-in hybrid aligns with Audi's revised electrification strategy. The company has moved away from its original plan to exclusively launch all-electric models from 2026 and end combustion engine production by 2033, now opting for a more flexible approach that includes hybrids. - The V6 engine in the new RS5 has been reworked to produce 503 horsepower on its own, an increase of 59 horsepower over the previous generation's engine. The electric motor, which is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, contributes an additional 174 horsepower. - Despite the significant weight increase, Audi claims the 0-62 mph time is 3.6 seconds, which is only slightly quicker than the 3.8-second time of the lighter, previous-generation model.