Audi RS 5 Coupé and Audi RS 5 Sportback

Lots of design details and a new handling concept: The updated RS 5 Sportback and Coupe models feature a new RS design language taken from the larger sister models RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback. Operation is via the 10.1" central MMI touch screen. The 331 kW (450 hp) V6 biturbo engine, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and intelligent suspension technology with Dynamic Driving Control (DRC) guarantee exceptional driving performance.

“The RS 5 models are very dynamic and at the same time versatile vehicles,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “The quattro permanent all-wheel drive gives the RS 5* extra grip, dynamics and stability – advantages that Audi already introduced 40 years ago with the first quattro model and has been optimizing ever since. Thanks to the optional sports differential on the rear axle, which actively distributes torque between the wheels, the handling of this car becomes even more spontaneous.”

Audi RS 5: appearance

Whether as a two-door coupe or as a five-door Sportback, the RS 5 remains true to its sporting genome and continues the sporty and elegant character of its predecessors. The best evidence of this is the three-dimensional undulating line of the arms. Like the original Audi quattro, the RS 5 impresses with its perfectly balanced proportions: a long bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs emphasize its sporty character.

Compared to the Audi A5, the new Singleframe grille is flatter and wider. The grille with the three-dimensional honeycomb structure characteristic of the RS models is finished in high-gloss black. The grilles above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. As an alternative to the standard Matrix LED headlights, Audi Laser-Embed Matrix LED headlights for the RS are darkened. The large, imposing side air intakes feature a new pentagonal geometric shape.

When you look at the car from the side, the focus is on the new side skirts. The intense play of light and shadow makes some elements visually flatter and deeper. The wheel arches, which are 15 mm wider on each side, echo the DNA of the quattro. As in the case of the RS 6 and RS 7, the new bumper and diffuser, so characteristic of the RS series, emphasize the rear of the car. An impressive diffuser highlights this model's RS exhaust system with oval chrome tailpipes at both ends of the bumper. For the RS sports exhaust system, tailpipes are black and larger. A rear spoiler (in black or optionally in carbon fibre) is attached to the boot lid and completes the rear of the car stylistically.

The "Shiny Black", "Matt Aluminum" and "Carbon" design packages give many elements an even more personal touch. Turbo Blue, Tango Red and metallic options add freshness to the color palette.

Audi RS 5: interior

The interior of the new RS 5 is dominated by horizontal lines and the new optional RS Design package in black with contrasting gray stitching. The contoured RS sport seats can be electrically adjusted in many directions. Embossed RS logo on the backs. The standard upholstery is a combination of leather and quilted Alcantara. On request, the upholstery can be made of fine leather. New for the RS 5 models are matte carbon trim panels.

Audi RS 5: new operating concept

The futuristic interior design is in harmony with the new operating concept based on the 10.1-inch MMI touch display. At the heart of the operating concept is the third-generation modular infotainment platform, MIB 3. The large display with acoustic confirmation of operations appears to be suspended in space and smoothly directed towards the driver. The menu structure is simple and intuitive - just like in a smartphone. Voice control with natural language processing allows the system to understand spoken phrases.

If the vehicle is equipped with the most advanced version of the infotainment system, MMI navigation plus, the "RS Monitor" view available on the central MMI display allows you to view engine and transmission temperatures, maximum longitudinal and lateral accelerations, as well as tire pressures and temperatures. A dedicated RS display shows tire pressure, torque, horsepower, engine oil temperature, boost pressure and g-force on a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit screen. In addition, the lap and acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h can be displayed on it using the button on the steering wheel.

Audi RS 5: drive

Enormous traction and high power combined with efficiency: the power of the 2.9 TFSI engine remains unchanged at 331 kW (450 hp) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.7–9.3 (coupe), 9, 9-9.4 (Sportback) Combined CO2 emissions, g/km: 220-210 (Coupe), 223-214 (Sportback) a turbocharger supplies compressed air to the cylinder block and a torque of 600 Nm is applied to the crankshaft.Both RS models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.Upon request, Audi Sport GmbH can raise the top speed from 250 km/h to 280 km/h

Engine power is transmitted through an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission adapted for a sporty driving style. The driver can shift gears using the oversized aluminum paddle shifters. In normal driving, the power distribution between the front and rear axles is 40:60 - this asymmetric torque distribution provides sporty handling with a predominance of rear-wheel drive. If required, the center differential can divert up to 60 % of engine power to the front axle or 80 % to the rear axle. Driving dynamics are further enhanced by the optional sports differential, which actively distributes torque between the rear axle wheels.

The Audi RS 5 Coupé consumes only 9.3 liters of fuel per 100 km; RS 5 Sportback - 9.4 l. The CO2 emissions of these vehicles are respectively 210 g/km and 214 g/km. (according to WLTP).

Audi RS 5 suspension

The rigidly tuned RS sports suspension is perfectly matched to the powerful engine. RS sport plus suspension with Dynamic Driving Control (DRC) is available on request. It provides a purely hydraulic, and therefore immediate stabilization of the body during movement. This concept improves efficiency and provides clearly visible differences when driving in the individual modes (comfort, automatic, dynamic) of the Audi drive select driving dynamics system.

In addition to the familiar "Comfort", "Auto" and "Dynamics" driving modes, two new ones are available: RS1 and RS2. They can be individually set, stored and then selected using the RS mode button on the steering wheel. The Audi drive select system affects the operation of important technical components, including the engine, tiptronic, steering, as well as additional components such as dampers, dynamic steering, sports differential and exhaust flaps.

The RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback are fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard. 20-inch wheels are available on request in three new designs; in one of them, the wheels are milled and painted in matte bronze.

Photo: Audi