New Audi RS5: has Audi ruined it?

The all-new Audi RS5 has one BIG secret - and it might not be a good thing! Get 20% off Car Vertical using code Carwow: https://www.carvertical.com/carwow Mat’s got his hands on the all-new Audi RS5! While it’s clear to see that this new generation RS has had a makeover from the outside, it’s hiding a secret that you can’t see from the design alone. It’s now a plug-in hybrid, and as a result, the weight has shot up to over 2,300kg! In comparison, the BMW M3 that we’ve brought along for this review tips the scales at only 1,790kg - so the RS5 is more than half a tonne heavier! The question is, does the weight really make such a big difference? Let’s take a closer look. Even if you’re not a fan of hybrid tech, there’s no denying that the new RS5 looks seriously impressive! Up from there’s a huge, aggressive-looking wide grille, and a whole load of vents that all serve a purpose. Along the side the widened wheel arches give the car more presence on the road, as do the side skirts. Along the back, the design is relatively similar to the standard A5, although there’s a small boot lip spoiler, coupled with a new lower bumper with a big diffuser and two massive exhausts. On the inside, the layout is relatively similar to the standard A5 & S5, although there are a few differences. There’s an octagonal sports steering wheel, which comes with both ‘RS’ and ‘Boost’ buttons to easily configure the driving mode. There are RS sports seats with red stitching, RS badging on the kick plates, and Alcantara-type material across the dash. The digital dial screen also comes with bespoke RS dials. Otherwise, the layout is pretty much the same as the standard car, with a large curved dial & infotainment screen, as well as a screen for the passenger. The new Audi RS5 is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, coupled with an electric motor. Combined, the new RS5 puts down 639hp and 825Nm. This power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The new Audi RS5 costs from £89,400, which is around £2,000 less than a BMW M3, which is a couple of years older. What’s more, the cost of the RS5 we’re reviewing, with added options, is around £97,000, while the M3 is loaded with kit and costs approximately £118,000! But is the non-hybrid M3 a better option than the surprisingly heavy RS5? Join Mat for this all-new review, and then let us know which you’d choose in the comments! Explore new and used cars with Carwow: https://bit.ly/Change-Your-Car-2408 Chapters 00:00 New Audi RS5 Review: Better Than a BMW M3? 00:42 Audi RS5 0-60mph & 1/4-Mile Acceleration Test 01:56 BMW M3 0-60mph & 1/4-Mile Acceleration Test 02:50 Audi RS5 vs BMW M3 Emergency Brake Test 03:56 Audi RS5 Drift Mode 05:48 New Audi RS5 Exterior Design & Widebody Styling 07:21 Audi RS5 Interior, Infotainment & Digital Cockpit 08:49 Rear Passenger Space & Legroom 09:03 Audi RS5 Boot Capacity & Practicality 09:30 5 Annoying Audi RS5 Features 13:14 5 Cool Audi RS5 Features 14:35 Plug-in Hybrid Battery Range 15:11 Audi RS5 Road Test & Performance Review 17:37 BMW M3 Competition Driving Experience 18:54 New Audi RS5 UK Price 20:04 Final Verdict: Should You Buy the New Audi RS5?