The all-new Audi RS 5 has made its Philippine debut, bringing a new generation of Audi Sport performance to the country.
Presented locally as the Audi RS 5 PHEV, the new model marks a major step for the RS nameplate. For the first time, a high-performance V6 works with plug-in hybrid technology, while new chassis systems have been developed to make full use of the additional performance.
At its heart is a 2.9-liter TFSI V6 engine paired with plug-in hybrid technology, delivering a combined 640 horsepower and 825 Nm of torque. This makes it the most powerful RS 5 to date. An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission sends power through Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, while top speed is rated at 285 km/h.
The hybrid system also broadens the RS 5’s everyday capabilities. Its 25.9-kWh battery provides an electric driving range of up to 83 kilometers, allowing shorter journeys to be driven using electric power alone.
But electrification in the new RS 5 goes beyond efficiency. Audi Sport has incorporated the electric drive into the car’s performance architecture, providing immediate response while working with the V6 to deliver strong acceleration across a wide range of driving conditions.
One of the biggest technical developments is found underneath the car. The new quattro with Dynamic Torque Control introduces electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle—a technology Audi says is a world first for a production model.
The system can distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels in just 15 milliseconds, responding to available grip and the car’s movements through a corner. It can also operate off-throttle and under braking, allowing torque distribution to continue influencing the car’s behavior even when power is not being applied.
Working alongside the quattro system is an RS sport suspension with controlled two-valve dampers. Audi drive select provides different settings that allow the driver to adjust the vehicle’s responses according to driving conditions, giving the RS 5 the flexibility to handle everyday use as well as more performance-oriented driving.
The new mechanical package is matched by a more purposeful exterior. The RS 5 Avant gets the wider stance expected of an RS model, complemented by RS Bumper Plus, the Black Optics Package and 21-inch cast-aluminum wheels. The Philippine-specification model also comes with darkened matrix LED headlights, digital OLED taillights and an RS sport exhaust system.
The RS 5 is also arriving in Sedan form, with a sleek profile that enhances the muscular curves and pronounced proportions of its widened RS body. Together, the Sedan and Avant offer two distinct interpretations of the same high-performance design—the former emphasizing its sporting silhouette and the latter combining an athletic stance with the added versatility of a performance wagon.
Inside, the RS treatment continues with fine Nappa leather seats featuring a honeycomb pattern, RS sport seats and a three-spoke flat-bottom sport steering wheel. Audi virtual cockpit plus places essential information directly in front of the driver, while MMI experience plus and an MMI front passenger display extend the digital experience across the dashboard.
The local RS 5 also comes equipped with a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, three-zone automatic air conditioning and a digital panoramic sunroof, adding an expansive glass element to the cabin while complementing its technology-focused interior.
Audi Philippines has been steadily introducing electrified vehicles to the local market since 2022, making hybrid and fully electric models an established part of its portfolio. The presence of the latest Q3 Hybrid and Q5 Hybrid alongside the RS 5 reflects the continued expansion of that lineup across different segments.
With the arrival of the all-new Audi RS 5, that strategy now extends deeper into Audi Sport territory. It brings together the familiar RS ingredients of V6 performance, quattro all-wheel drive and a performance-focused chassis with plug-in hybrid technology—adding a new dimension to one of Audi’s most established performance nameplates.
