Audi has put its first high-performance plug-in hybrid from Audi Sport GmbH through an intense real-world test in Morocco, showcasing the dynamic capabilities of the new RS 5 on both racetrack and mountain terrain.
Following its global premiere, the new Audi RS 5 underwent performance trials at the Circuit de Marrakech and along the winding switchback roads of the Atlas Mountains. The tests highlighted the model’s blend of uncompromising athleticism, electrified power, and everyday usability.
Track-Tested Performance
At the Circuit de Marrakech, the RS 5 tackled tight curves, slalom sections, and drift zones designed to test agility and precision. The vehicle’s newly developed quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control enables electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle, ensuring rapid torque distribution between wheels for enhanced stability and controlled acceleration.
For the first time, the RS 5 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 130 kW electric motor. The system produces a total output of 470 kW (639 PS) and 825 Nm of torque, delivering instant electric boost and dynamic responsiveness under acceleration.
Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport, said the new RS 5 sets new technological standards, combining precision, stability, and agility through intelligent weight management and advanced suspension tuning.
From Racetrack to Mountain Roads
Leaving the racetrack, the RS 5 demonstrated versatility across the demanding terrain of the Atlas Mountains. The RS sport suspension with twin-valve shock absorbers adapts seamlessly to varying road conditions, reducing pitch and roll while maintaining precise steering control on steep climbs and rocky passages.
In all-electric mode, the RS 5 moves almost silently through mountain villages, while the combined combustion and electric drive systems provide ample power reserves for long ascents and tight bends.
Visually, the RS 5’s flared fenders, wide stance, and three-dimensional Singleframe grille stand out against Morocco’s dramatic landscapes. Darkened matrix LED headlights and a checkered-flag digital daytime running light signature enhance its performance identity.
High Performance in Electrified Form
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized that the Morocco test underscores the brand’s philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik,” noting that true innovation must prove itself in real-world conditions.
The endurance drive demonstrated that the new RS 5 not only excels on the racetrack but also delivers daily usability in an electrified format — merging next-generation hybrid technology with Audi’s signature quattro-driven performance.
With its debut plug-in hybrid configuration, the RS 5 marks a new chapter for Audi Sport, redefining high-performance driving in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
