Audi has acknowledged that the latest RS5 model has gained significant weight, primarily due to the integration of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. The RS5 Avant now weighs 5,225 lbs (2,370 kg), while the sedan version tips the scales at 5,192 lbs (2,355 kg). Despite concerns about weight negatively impacting performance, Audi insists the car “feels agile and light on its feet.”
The Evolution of Weight: From RS2 to RS5
The increase in weight is a long-term trend. The original RS2 Avant from 1994 weighed a comparatively lean 3,516 lbs (1,595 kg). By 2026, the new RS5 Avant is nearly 1,709 lbs (775 kg) heavier. This jump reflects decades of stricter safety regulations and the addition of increasingly complex technology.
The modern RS5 is also larger, measuring 15.2 inches longer and 10.1 inches wider than the RS2. A substantial portion of the weight gain comes from the PHEV powertrain itself, with the 22-kWh battery pack adding significant mass. The new RS5 is approximately 1,378 lbs (625 kg) heavier than its immediate predecessor, the RS4 Avant B9.
Audi’s Response: Balancing Weight with Dynamics
Audi Sport Managing Director Rolf Michl admits the PHEV system adds weight but emphasizes that it also unlocks new driving capabilities. The company is leveraging electromechanical torque vectoring and the RS sport suspension to compensate for the added heft. The goal is to create a car that feels stable, precise, and surprisingly agile.
Optional ceramic brakes can further reduce weight by about 66 lbs (30 kg), though this is a relatively small reduction compared to the overall mass.
Why the Shift to PHEV?
Audi, like Mercedes-AMG and BMW M, is moving towards plug-in hybrid systems to meet increasingly stringent CO₂ emission standards. PHEVs allow automakers to offer an electric range that offsets combustion engine emissions, ensuring compliance while still appealing to performance enthusiasts. The new RS5 is Audi Sport’s first step in this direction, paving the way for heavier models like the upcoming RS6 Avant, which is expected to feature an electrified V8.
The move to PHEV represents a compromise between performance and environmental regulations. Automakers are adapting to the changing landscape, prioritizing sustainability without abandoning high-performance vehicles.
