Two characters. One Audi RS 5
On the road through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Alps with the new Audi RS 5 models, the first performance plug-in hybrids from Audi Sport.
The first rays of sunlight fall on the peaks of the Steinernes Meer (“Sea of stone”). Wisps of fog slowly drift across the meadows surrounding the small town of Saalfelden. The roads are bathed in the tranquility of an early Alpine morning. This is where our journey begins with the new Audi RS 5 Avant, a model that precisely unites two seemingly opposite worlds.
A comfortable everyday companion or an uncompromising performance model? As Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, the RS 5 combines all-electric driving with proven RS performance, thanks to state-of-the-art technology. How does that feel? That’s exactly what we want to experience for ourselves here in Austria: on the mountain roads between the tranquil resort town of Saalfelden and the spectacular mountain landscape of the Großglockner – Austria’s highest peak.
One of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world
We set off from Saalfelden. The first chairs are being set out in front of the cafés. Hikers are lacing up their boots. Somewhere in the distance, cowbells ring out from the pastures. The Audi RS 5 glides silently through the morning Alpine scenery of the Salzburg region on electric power. Its electric range of over 80 kilometers makes moments like these possible with locally emission-free driving. Our destination is the Großglockner High Alpine Road, just over an hour’s drive away and one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world. On the way, we pass Zell am See, nestled among lush green meadows, forests, and mountains.
At the heart of the new RS 5 Avant and the RS 5 Sedan is the completely newly developed plug-in hybrid system. Audi pairs a 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine with a 130-kW electric motor to enable all-electric driving at speeds up to 140 km/h. Combined, the hybrid powertrain delivers up to 470 kW (639 hp) and 825 Nm of torque.
“A new interpretation of the true RS experience.”
Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH
A new level of driving dynamics
“The RS 5 and its innovative drive concept mark the beginning of a new era for our RS models. They bring a new level of dynamics to the driving characteristics our customers love and further improve day-to-day use value thanks to all-electric driving and innovative technologies. A new interpretation of the true RS experience,” said Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, at the world premiere. We want to see for ourselves on our road trip through the Austrian High Alps.
And we quickly discover what Michl is talking about. Just before Zell am See, we drive on a nicely paved country road. In “RS Sport” Drive Select mode, the second side of the RS 5’s character emerges. A quick press of the accelerator pedal is all it takes for the electric motor to deliver its torque instantly and for the biturbo V6 to kick in without delay. The Audi shoots forward with impressive force. We quickly and safely complete a passing maneuver, overtaking one of the many RV vacationers.
By the way: The RS 5 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just about 3.6 seconds. However, what’s far more impressive than the sheer acceleration is the way the power is delivered: instantly, precisely, and fully in control. This immediate power delivery ensures plenty of driving fun and beaming faces, not only for the driver, but for the passengers as well.
Majestic mountain scenery meets cutting-edge technology
The 48-kilometer road largely runs through the High Alps and blends almost seamlessly into the mountain landscape. Winding its way with hairpin after hairpin, it leads right into the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road climbs all the way up to Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, where Austria’s highest mountain, the 3,798-meter-high Großglockner, and the largest remaining glacier in the Eastern Alps, Pasterze, come into view.
While temperatures in the valley are nice and warm, it’s cold up here. There’s even snow alongside the road. The road winds upward through hairpin after hairpin. On the narrow switchbacks, the RS 5 demonstrates what outstanding driving dynamics feel like. Braking hard before the curve, turning in, and accelerating fully again shortly after the apex – the Audi remains composed during rapid load changes and can be controlled with precision. This is made possible by a world-first innovation in the rear-axle transmission: “quattro with Dynamic Torque Control,” an electromechanical torque vectoring system. It distributes the rear axle’s drive torque to the higher-grip wheel in corners with lightning speed and pinpoint accuracy, ensuring tremendous agility, stability, and traction. The system reacts to every driving situation in just 15 milliseconds – faster than the blink of an eye.
Precise Handling even at the limit
As the High Alps roll by outside, the technology works virtually unnoticed in the background. This is exactly what makes the RS 5 so impressive. Even in challenging situations, it maintains maximum control and optimal grip on the road. This ensures direct, nimble handling that’s predictable at all times.
We’re fascinated all over again. Just the day before, we tested the performance of the new RS 5 Sedan on the handling course at the ÖAMTC Driving Technique Center in Saalfelden. And we came away convinced that agile yet controlled driving is possible right up to the limits. The electromechanical torque vectoring in the Audi RS 5 performs especially well during enthusiastic driving. Even during rapid load changes on the closed course, the vehicle remained perfectly balanced.
Ten seconds of a new driving experience
Just before the pass summit, the road opens up for a brief moment. No traffic. Just smooth asphalt, stunning mountains, and an incredible view of the Edelweissspitze. The perfect moment to try out the Boost function! A single press of the red button of the same name on the steering wheel is all it takes for the RS 5 Avant to unleash its maximum power for ten seconds. At the same time, the flaps of the RS sports exhaust system open. The deep, powerful, thrilling sound of the V6 engine echoes off the rocks. The Audi surges forward, and the Alpine landscape rushes past on both sides. A countdown on the display shows the remaining boost time.
Comfort meets performance
What we particularly like about our road trip: Despite its enormous power, the RS 5 remains an astonishingly comfortable touring car. The RS sport suspension features innovative 2-valve damper technology that constantly adapts to varying road conditions. Whether we’re driving on a perfectly paved country road or a closed handling course, the RS 5 remains calm and stable. Thanks to its generous interior space and exclusive features, it not only delivers thrilling performance but is also perfect for everyday use and longer trips.
After a long day on the road, as the sun slowly sets behind the mountains and its final rays turn the peaks orange, we realize what makes this car so special. The RS 5 is a vehicle of powerful duality. It can glide quietly and efficiently through small Alpine villages and transform into an uncompromising sports car in the blink of an eye. It combines everyday practicality with high performance. Comfort and dynamism. Efficiency and emotion. And it conveys this blend visually as well: the flared wheel arches illuminated by the setting sun, the wide front end with the striking Singleframe grille, the aerodynamic diffuser, and the matte oval exhaust tips give it an enormous presence. At the same time, the design remains elegant and stylish.
The new Audi RS 5 combines the RS character that Audi Sport fans have loved for decades with a completely new driving experience that uniquely blends electric practicality for everyday use with uncompromising performance. RS like never before.
