Audi acknowledges that the latest iteration of its RS5 model has gained considerable weight. However, the manufacturer asserts that sophisticated technological enhancements effectively counteract this increase, ensuring the vehicle retains its renowned agility and responsive handling. This bold claim comes as the automotive industry grapples with the inherent weight penalties associated with integrating hybrid powertrains, particularly large battery packs, into high-performance vehicles. The discussion delves into how Audi plans to maintain the RS5's dynamic driving experience despite its increased mass.
Audi RS5's Performance Amidst Weight Increase
In a recent statement, Audi Sport's Managing Director addressed concerns regarding the significant weight increase in the new RS5, attributing it primarily to the integration of an advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. Despite the RS5 Avant now tipping the scales at a substantial 5,225 pounds (2,370 kg) and the sedan version at 5,192 pounds (2,355 kg), the director expressed unwavering confidence in the vehicle's continued agile and responsive nature.
The core of Audi's defense lies in its innovative electromechanical torque vectoring system, which operates on the rear axle, and the specially tuned RS sport suspension. These technologies are designed to leverage the additional power and dynamic capabilities offered by the PHEV system, effectively transforming the battery's weight into a performance advantage. This sophisticated engineering aims to enhance stability and precision, ensuring that the RS5 feels light on its feet during spirited driving.
A historical perspective reveals the magnitude of this weight evolution. The original RS2 Avant, launched in 1994, weighed a comparatively modest 3,516 pounds (1,595 kilograms). The 2026 RS5 Avant, its contemporary successor, represents a gain of 1,709 pounds (775 kilograms) over more than three decades. This substantial increase is a direct consequence of evolving automotive safety standards, the proliferation of advanced technological features, and the shift towards electrified powertrains. Modern vehicles are inherently larger and equipped with far more complex systems, contributing to their overall mass.
The physical dimensions of the new RS5 also play a crucial role in its increased weight. The latest long-roof RS5 is 15.2 inches (386 millimeters) longer and 10.1 inches (257 millimeters) wider than the 1990s Porsche-built RS2 Avant, which measured 177.5 inches (4,510 millimeters) in length and 66.7 inches (1,695 millimeters) in width. Furthermore, the 22-kWh battery pack alone adds a considerable 1,378 pounds (625 kilograms) compared to its direct predecessor, the RS4 Avant B9, with the battery strategically located beneath the cargo floor. For those seeking to mitigate some of this mass, optional ceramic brakes offer a weight saving of approximately 66 pounds (30 kilograms) over the standard steel brakes, though this is a relatively small reduction in the grand scheme of the vehicle's overall weight.
The introduction of the RS5 as Audi Sport's inaugural plug-in hybrid sets a precedent for future models, including the upcoming RS6 Avant. This strategic shift towards electrification, mirroring moves by competitors like Mercedes-AMG and BMW M, is driven by the imperative to reduce CO₂ emissions and ensure compliance with stringent European regulations. By offering a substantial electric range, these high-performance cars can continue to cater to enthusiasts while contributing to a lower carbon footprint, representing a necessary compromise in the evolving automotive landscape.
The transformation of the Audi RS5 into a plug-in hybrid marks a significant moment in the automotive industry's electrification journey. It challenges the conventional wisdom that weight is solely detrimental to performance, showcasing how advanced engineering can adapt to new demands. The focus on sophisticated torque vectoring and suspension systems highlights a proactive approach to maintaining driving dynamics. This evolution raises intriguing questions about the future of performance cars: can technology consistently overcome the inherent weight penalties of electrification, or will driving enthusiasts eventually need to recalibrate their expectations for what constitutes a truly 'agile' vehicle?