Audi AG has put its all-new Audi RS 5 through its first real-world performance test in Morocco, showcasing the capabilities of its first high-performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model under demanding driving conditions.
Tested across the Circuit de Marrakech and the challenging roads of the Atlas Mountains, the RS 5 demonstrated a blend of track-ready precision and everyday usability. The high-performance PHEV combines a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a 130 kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 639 PS and 825 Nm of torque.
On the racetrack, the RS 5 showcased its agility through tight corners, slalom sections, and drift zones. A newly developed quattro drivetrain with Dynamic Torque Control enables electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle, ensuring precise handling, improved stability, and rapid torque distribution under varying driving conditions.
According to Audi Sport Managing Director Rolf Michl, the new RS 5 sets “new standards in technology,” combining electrification with performance-focused engineering. The system’s electric boost enhances acceleration response, while maintaining balance and control even during high-speed maneuvers.
The performance test extended beyond the track into the rugged Atlas Mountains, where the RS 5’s versatility was further highlighted. Equipped with RS sport suspension and twin-valve shock absorbers, the vehicle adapts seamlessly to uneven terrain and winding mountain roads, delivering a smooth yet controlled driving experience. Reduced pitch and roll improve stability, particularly on sharp inclines and tight switchbacks.
In electric-only mode, the RS 5 offers near-silent driving, ideal for urban and low-speed environments. When additional power is required, the hybrid system seamlessly combines electric and combustion power, ensuring strong performance on steep climbs and challenging routes.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner emphasized the importance of real-world testing, stating that the Morocco trials demonstrate how the RS 5 delivers consistent performance across diverse environments. He noted that the model embodies Audi’s “Vorsprung durch Technik” philosophy by proving innovation on actual roads rather than controlled test conditions.
Visually, the RS 5 complements its performance credentials with a bold design, featuring flared fenders, a prominent Singleframe grille, and advanced matrix LED lighting with a distinctive checkered-flag signature.
The Morocco endurance test underscores Audi’s transition toward electrified performance vehicles, with the new RS 5 bridging the gap between traditional high-performance engineering and next-generation hybrid technology.
With its successful debut under extreme conditions, the Audi RS 5 positions itself as a benchmark in the evolving segment of electrified performance cars, combining power, precision, and sustainability in a single package.
