Audi put a cheat code on the new RS5 steering wheel and it unlocks 630 horsepower for 10 seconds

The new Audi RS5 features a hybrid powertrain and a specialized steering wheel button designed to maximize its performance at any moment.

This model serves as the first plug-in hybrid in the history of the RS division and signals a major shift in how the brand approaches high-speed driving.

By combining a 130-kW electric motor with a refined twin-turbo V6, Audi has created a machine that uses electrification to increase driver engagement.

The way this power is accessed suggests a new direction for the brand that goes beyond simple acceleration.

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The RS5 steering wheel boost and on-road feel

Audi clearly understood that moving to a hybrid setup required more than just better fuel economy; it needed to be fun.

This is best exemplified by the red ‘boost’ button on the steering wheel, which acts as a digital adrenaline shot for the RS5.

Pressing it unlocks the full 630 hp for 10 seconds, providing a surge that feels remarkably urgent.

While the 2.9-liter V6 remains the heart of the car, the electric motor adds a layer of instant response that makes the old model feel a bit slow by comparison.

Audi actually overhauled the V6 specifically for this application, adding a water-to-air intercooler for the first time to ensure the performance stays consistent even during repeated hard pulls.

The internal combustion engine still sings with that familiar, raspy Audi growl, even if the car can now glide through city streets in total silence for over 50 miles.

This dual personality makes the RS5 feel like a tool for every occasion.

On the track, the new electromechanical torque vectoring system works in the background to mask the car’s weight, pushing power to the outside wheels to tuck the nose into corners.

This system, dubbed Dynamic Torque Control, can shuffle torque between the rear wheels in just 15 milliseconds, which is essentially faster than you can think about the turn.

It handles with a level of precision that feels more like a nimble coupe than a five-door hatchback, despite the extra bulk from the 22-kWh battery.

The brakes, sourced from the Lamborghini Urus, are carbon-ceramic units that provide massive stopping power without a hint of fade.

Inside, the cabin is a tech-heavy space dominated by a massive 14.5-inch curved display.

While the touch-sensitive interface takes a moment to master and can be a bit menu-heavy, which is not the easiest to use while driving.

There is comfort in abundance with the quilted sport seats, which are among the most comfortable in the business, complete with massage functions to settle you in after a spirited drive.

Keeping the performance hybrid tradition alive

It is refreshing to see that Audi chose to evolve the V6 rather than downsizing, as the character of the RS5 is still very much intact.

The hybrid hardware has actually made the car more versatile, allowing it to act as a quiet commuter one minute and a 177 mph monster the next.

This transition to a plug-in system proves that 600-plus horsepower is now the benchmark for a serious performance sedan, and Audi has met it without losing the soul of the machine.

They also kept the Avant wagon in the lineup, which is a victory for anyone who values a practical silhouette with supercar levels of speed.

The wider, more aggressive bodywork leaves no doubt that this is a serious machine, sitting about nine centimeters wider than a standard A5.

Ultimately, the RS5 represents a confident step into a new era for Audi Sport.

It proves that electrification doesn’t have to mean a loss of personality; instead, it can be used to sharpen the edges of an already capable platform.

The integration of the steering wheel controls and the massive torque from the electric motor creates an experience that is both high-tech and deeply rewarding.

This chameleon ability to switch from a zero-emission city cruiser to a track-ready weapon is exactly what a modern enthusiast needs.

As it arrives in showrooms later this year with a starting price of roughly $125,000, the RS5 will likely set a new benchmark for what we expect from a daily-driven performance car.

It is a bold, clever, and highly intuitive machine that shows the future of fast Audis is in very safe hands.

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