By Staff Reporter

Audi has given its RS5 Coupe and new kid on the block, RS5 Sportback, a fresh look. The former, now in its second generation, has been with us since 2017 whilst the latter, first introduced in 2018, is the first-ever RS5 to be built in Sportback form.

Wide and Aggressive

The most obvious update to the exterior is the optional aggressive matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light which feature darkened bezels to differentiate itself from non-RS A5s. A flatter and wider single-frame grille dominates much of the front-end. Air vents sitting above the mesh grille pay tribute to the classic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. The widened (40 millimetres) wheel arches houses the standard 19-inch or three different 20-inch wheels with one set finished in matte bronze and another in gloss black.

The headlights design has been carried over to the rear whilst the rear diffuser, borrowed from the badder RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, surrounds the large oval dual-RS pipes. Customers can now order the revised RS models in Turbo Blue or Tango Red. On request, Audi will black-out the four rings and RS logos. For added individualism, you can kit the front and rear of your RS5 with matt aluminium and carbon styling packages.

Luxury and Tech Heaven

New to the RS models are the driver-focused 10.1-inch freestanding MMI touchscreen infotainment with acoustic feedback and the optional 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with multiple screens – one of them being the RS-specific performance design. The revised RS5 models are fitted with RS sport seats which are finished in Alcantara and leather, or fine Nappa leather as an option whilst the RS design package adds red or grey accents on request.

The RS5 models feature a new RS mode button located on the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel which allows the driver to select one of two individual RS drive modes, RS1 and RS2.

Performance

Powering the new RS5 models is the trusted 2.9-litre TFSI twin-turbo V6 producing 331 kW of power and 600 Nm of torque. A quick-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive helps propel the RS powered A5s from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and, on request, Audi will make your RS5 run out of steam at 280 km/h. The RS5 Coupe is fitted with a carbon roof with a CFRP structure which lowers the vehicle’s weight by just under four kilograms.

In Germany and other European countries prices for both cars start at EUR83,500. Audi South Africa is yet to reveal local pricing for the RS5 Coupe and RS5 Sportback.