2027 Audi RS5 first drive: Big thrills with a big battery

The automotive landscape is shifting, with Audi embracing a multi-propulsion strategy. The new RS5 is a plug-in hybrid, marking a first for the RS line with a large battery and engine. The RS5 boasts a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired with two electric motors, achieving a combined 630 horsepower. One electric motor acts as a typical hybrid, while a second controls a "Dynamic Torque Control" system at the rear. This rear system enhances the car's drifting capabilities, making it surprisingly easy to control. The car's infotainment system tracks and records drift performance, offering replay and driving data. Audi's cabin features multiple displays, including touch controls and a large central touchscreen. During testing in Morocco, the RS5 proved comfortable in EV mode and exhilarating in performance modes. The car's weight, a consequence of the hybrid system, impacts its agility, though the car is ultimately fun. The RS5 is expected to arrive in the United States in 2027, with pricing details still unreleased.