From Street to Circuit: Audi Puts New RS 5 to the Test in Morocco

[Source: Audi]

A couple of weeks ago Audi revealed the new RS 5. For the first time we got to see how the B10-generation RS 5 would look. We also got all the technical details. That is all good, but what is the new RS 5 like on the road and track? Stat sheets can only tell you so much. Audi now gives us a bit more insight into the driving dynamics by putting the RS 5 through its paces in Morocco.

At Morocco’s Circuit de Marrakech, Audi transformed the track into a demanding proving ground designed to push the new RS 5 to its limits. Tight corners, slalom sections, and dedicated drift zones created a technical layout focused on agility, steering precision, and cornering balance. From the moment it leaves the line, the RS 5 responds with sharp, direct steering and impressive composure.

Track Performance

Central to its performance is Audi’s latest quattro system with Dynamic Torque Control. The system continuously adjusts torque distribution based on driving conditions, helping the car rotate eagerly into corners while maintaining rock-solid stability at higher speeds. Even during rapid transitions and aggressive load changes, the RS 5 remains balanced and predictable.

Electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle allows power to shift instantly between the wheels, delivering confident turn-in, enhanced grip, and strong, controlled acceleration out of tight bends. The result is a performance sedan that feels both agile and planted when driven at the limit.

Mountain Roads

Leaving the Circuit de Marrakech, the new Audi RS 5 heads into the dramatic terrain of the Atlas Mountains, where tight switchbacks and uneven surfaces highlight its dual personality. The plug-in hybrid powertrain proves its versatility, blending smooth electric cruising with strong combined output when the road turns steep and technical.

The RS sport suspension with twin-valve dampers adapts seamlessly to changing conditions. On rough, lower roads it absorbs small imperfections with ease, while higher up it keeps pitch and roll in check through rocky climbs and sharp bends. Steering remains precise and confidence-inspiring, even when the mountain passes narrow and twist.

In electric mode, the RS 5 moves quietly through small villages, but when pushed, the combustion engine and electric motor work together to deliver effortless power for long ascents and tight corners. Visually, the car complements the rugged Moroccan backdrop, with its flared fenders, bold Singleframe grille, and darkened matrix LED headlights adding to its commanding presence.

“Driving here in Morocco – with sun, dust, and challenging mountain roads – shows just how confidently and reliably our first high-performance plug-in hybrid handles real-world conditions. This is what Vorsprung durch Technik is all about: true innovation proves itself not on a test rig but out on roads around the world. The new Audi RS 5 stands for exactly that – high performance that delivers everywhere,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

The Next Chapter

On paper and on the circuit, the new Audi RS 5 makes a compelling argument for itself. The image of a high-powered Audi wagon—yes, we’re still hoping for the RS 5 Avant in the U.S.—sliding with precision around a racetrack is enough to get any enthusiast’s attention. But controlled test sessions and curated media drives are only part of the story.

The real verdict will come when the RS 5 lands in the hands of owners and enthusiasts, tackling real-world roads, unpredictable weather, daily commutes, and honest track days. That’s where performance cars earn their reputation.

If the numbers, technology, and early impressions translate into genuine driver engagement, the RS 5 won’t just represent a new electrified chapter for Audi Sport, it will define it. We’re ready to see if it delivers when it truly counts.