630-HP Hybrid Takes On the G80

Audi’s high-performance wagons are sticking round for no less than another technology, it appears. The model’s RS 5 Avant debuted alongside its sedan counterpart at this time, and naturally, we expect it’s solely becoming to pit the 2 towards one among our favourite trendy BMWs: the BMW M3. The 2 fashions prioritize efficiency and practicality, however each go about it in numerous methods. Actually, regardless of the RS 5’s price ticket — which just about instantly mirrors the M3’s — the automotive has so much in frequent with the M3 huge brother, the M5. Particularly, a hybrid powertrain. However we’ll get there in only a second. First, let’s take a look at the very completely different designs of the Audi RS 5 and BMW M3.

Exterior Design

The Audi RS 5 and M3 each function…let’s consider, distinguished entrance grilles. Actually, a lot of the decrease half of the RS 5’s fascia is simply grille. “Conservative” isn’t a trait I’d instantly ascribe to the G80, however the RS 5 makes a very good case for it. Bigger intakes beneath the headlights additionally contribute to the racier look. The theme continues alongside the facet of the RS 5. Aggressively bulging entrance and rear bumpers give the RS 5 an arguably much more roided-up look than the Bimmer. The RS 5 additionally comes with barely larger wheels — 21-inchers versus the staggered 19/20-inch setup on the M3.

Round again, the RS 5 dons a lightbar working the horizontal size of the trunk. The stretched tail lights actually emphasize the automotive’s bubbly rear fenders. Huge twin exhaust retailers, typical Audi RS ovals, seem a lot bigger total than the M3’s signature quad tailpipes. Each vehicles are in need of standard magnificence. However the RS 5, to my eye, appears far more aggressive.

Inside Design

There’s much less to speak about when transferring contained in the vehicles. Although each the M3 and Audi RS 5 method inside design slightly bit in another way, the headline stays the identical regardless of which cabin you’re taking a look at: screens in every single place. No phrase but on whether or not or not Audi will provide one thing akin to M’s bucket seats. The presence of a passenger-side display within the RS 5 and the existence of an iDrive controller within the BMW are two extra figuring out options, though who is aware of how for much longer the iDrive knob shall be there. Audi seems to have switched virtually fully to haptic contact buttons on the door, too. Not a welcome addition to my eyes, however hey, that’s automotive design at this time.

So far as precise performance goes, the RS 5 has some methods up its sleeve. Audi provides massaging seats, which aren’t accessible on the M3 (however are on the M5). The bottom inside is touted as “leather-free,” which is likewise one thing BMW doesn’t provide you with. A 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system comes  with the Audi — the BMW sticks with Harman Kardon. An non-obligatory Audi Sport Bundle additional decorates the inside to the tune of brass-colored accents and inexperienced distinction stitching and a few further badging on the steering wheel and flooring mats. I desire the BMW structure; however then, that is BMWBLOG. That mentioned, Audi definitely has performed a very good job of creating the RS 5 really feel particular.

Efficiency

Right here’s the place issues get muddled between the M3/RS 5 comparability. Whereas the present M3 depends solely on a twin-turbo inline-six, the RS 5 now depends on a hybrid powertrain just like the G90 M5. The RS 5 equally good points a ton of weight, and certainly the RS 5 Avant suggestions the scales at round 230 kilos lower than the M5 Touring. Even the sedan weighs 2,355 kg (5,191 kilos); the M3 by comparability is a light-weight at almost 1,000 kilos much less. The added weight comes with a considerable energy bump; the RS 5’s twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 and electrical motor are rated for 630 horsepower and 825 Nm/608 pound-feet.

As my colleague Adrian already identified in his information piece concerning the new Audi RS 5the M3 stays the “purist’s selection.” An non-obligatory handbook transmission, a considerably smaller curb weight and footprint, and a easier powertrain (accessible RWD, no hybrid energy) make it the only option for these solely involved with dynamics. That mentioned, the truth that the bigger and heavier Audi will nonetheless race from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 3.6 seconds — and handle round 50 miles of electric-only vary — make it definitely no much less spectacular, albeit in a special class of comparability.

Know-how

The most important expertise hole between the RS 5 and M3 is arguably the Audi’s hybrid powertrain. In any other case, each provide related ranges of connectivity. Three shows, together with the ten.9-inch passenger display, imply the Audi’s cabin is only a tad bit heavier on the screens. Each vehicles get a head-up show, oodles of parking help options, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The iDrive controller nonetheless exists within the M3, which can make navigating screens simpler when you’re accustomed to that form of factor.

The brand new Audi RS 5 is definitely spicy. We eagerly look ahead to seeing the way it performs versus the M3 in the true world, the place the load/energy adjustments can actually twist outcomes within the quarter mile and monitor occasions. What do you consider the brand new RS 5? Has Audi jumped the shark within the design or is it simply matching the M3’s vitality?