Audi A5 Expert Review

The new B10 A5 provides an excellent base for the RS5, retaining familiar Audi cues while adding modern flair. A full 9cm wider, it has swollen arches, a larger gloss-black grille, huge air intakes and 20- or 21-inch wheels with optional carbon-ceramic brakes. The sweeping roofline ends in a subtle spoiler, while a full-width LED light bar, prominent diffuser and massive oval tailpipes reinforce its stance. Overall, it strikes a convincing balance between attitude and elegance.

Audi’s new screen-heavy approach dominates the interior, which diminishes its luxury appeal. The displays are clear, but the oversized panel, thick bezels and lack of quality materials leave the cabin feeling less special than older Audis. Carbon trim and Dinamica suede give a sporty feel, while the supportive seats are highlights. Rear-seat space is average, though comfort is good. The boot is a small 331 litres thanks to the battery pack, but the liftback tailgate aids practicality.

Performance and technology upgrades are bundled into a single Performance Pack, while the Audi Exclusive programme offers broader personalisation. Equipment levels are generous, including a Bang & Olufsen audio system, HUD, ADAS, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, and a panoramic fixed glass roof. The three-screen setup employs sharp visuals, though the driver’s display underutilises its available space.

Audi Sport’s first PHEV retains a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, now producing 510hp, paired with an electric motor and 22kWh battery for a combined 639hp and 825Nm. It can run in EV mode for 84km, but Dynamic and RS modes unleash max power, with sharper responses, punchier shifts and a more lenient ESC. Performance is immense, with 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds, while the electric motor seamlessly fills torque gaps. The result is the broadest-ranging RS model yet.

The RS5’s plug-in hybrid powertrain combines supercar-rivalling performance with impressive efficiency. Officially rated at 24.5kpl, it still manages 10.25kpl even with a depleted battery. More importantly, its 22kWh battery enables up to 84km of electric-only driving, enough to cover most daily journeys without using the V6. Charging at home is straightforward too, with an 11kW AC charger replenishing the battery in around 2.5 hours.

The RS5’s comprehensive chassis overhaul is just as impressive as its powertrain. A revised AWD system and innovative torque-vectoring rear e-differential deliver a newfound willingness to rotate into corners, making this one of the most engaging Audis in years. It even has a drift mode, but never fully disengages the front axle – true to the Quattro philosophy. Improved weight distribution and new twin-valve suspension further broaden its abilities, blending genuine agility with impressive comfort and stability.

More than its impressive numbers, the RS5 proves that emotional appeal still matters in the hybrid era. By retaining a V6, evolving rather than reinventing its design, and engineering around its considerable weight, Audi has created a performance PHEV that feels genuinely engaging. The practical benefits of electrification remain, but so does the character enthusiasts expect. If it arrives in India soon, the RS5 could help dispel lingering doubts about hybrid performance cars.