Agadir – Audi Sport unveiled today its first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the new Audi RS 5, during a global media event in Morocco, marking a bold new direction for the brand.
Global media outlets had the opportunity to experience the car on Moroccan roads, including the Circuit de Marrakech and passes of the Atlas Mountains, putting its capabilities to the test in real-world conditions
“Driving here in Morocco – with scorching heat, dust, and challenging mountain roads – shows just how confidently and reliably our first high-performance plug-in hybrid handles real-world conditions,” said Gernot Döllner, the CEO of Audi AG.
Steffen Bamberger, Head of Technical Development at Audi Sport GmbH also stated: “Here in Morocco, we’re testing this on parts of the course that demand expert handling.”
‘First high‑performance plug-in hybrid’
The RS 5 combines a conventional 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 130-kW electric motor, delivering a total system output of 470 kW (639 PS) and 825 Nm of torque.
This makes it one of the most powerful models in the A5 lineup, while also introducing hybrid technology for the first time in an RS variant.
According to Gernot Döllner, the car was designed to combine everyday usability with hybrid benefits and RS-level performance.
“With the new RS 5, our first high‑performance plug-in hybrid, we’re delivering triple the value to our customers: genuine everyday usability, the benefits of electric mobility, and undiluted RS performance,” he stated.
Döllner highlighted that the torque vectoring system allows for both agility and stability, a balance that is particularly noticeable on the mountain roads of Morocco.
The hybrid system allows for instant power delivery from a standstill, though the vehicle’s overall weight is higher than a purely combustion-powered RS 5, which may influence handling under certain conditions.
