Introduction
The second-generation Audi RS5 is an excellent choice if you want a high-performance, fast car. However, if you’re seeking an affordable car with great fuel efficiency, this might not be the right option for you. Audi offers two swift variants of the Audi A5: the Audi RS5 Sportback and the Audi RS5, both carrying the impressive RS (Racing Sport) brand. The key difference is that the Sportback has four doors. While it boasts incredible performance, it does have a few downsides when compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, Audi has earned a dedicated following by offering advanced AWD (All-Wheel Drive) technology.
Engine Performance
The second-generation Audi RS5 features a sleek exterior design and is powered by a 2.9-liter V6 TFSI engine equipped with twin turbochargers. It’s engineered to be lightweight, and this design choice helps it shed up to 60 kilograms of weight compared to the previous first-generation model. This reduced weight enhances the car’s agility and efficiency. Despite its lighter build, the engine still delivers an impressive 450 horsepower and 600 Newton-meters of torque. This power is evenly distributed to all four wheels through the Quattro system, which includes a Sport differential for enhanced performance.
This car can achieve incredibly high speeds. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. However, it’s not just about going fast; you must experience driving it to appreciate it truly. It offers outstanding traction due to its all-wheel-drive system and boasts excellent braking capabilities.
Audi RS5 Interior
The interior of the Audi RS 5 Coupe is both classy and comfortable. When you see the inside, you’ll want to drive it even more. Everything inside, like the comfortable RS Sport seats, heated front seats with a massage option, and the dashboard’s design, is done in subtle, dark colors. You can do a little customization if you want to.
The Audi Virtual Cockpit is the car’s central information hub, displaying vital details such as power usage and cornering speed. Instead of a traditional dashboard, it features a high-quality 12.3-inch screen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. You can customize it by using the view button on the steering wheel. This allows you to select from different display options, including the classic view with a prominent speedometer and rev counter, an infotainment view, or a media view with clear 3D graphics.
You can also link your smartphone to the car through the Smartphone Interface. This allows you to operate your phone using the car’s steering wheel controls or voice commands. Moreover, the included MMI Navigation system will enable you to conveniently manage the car’s navigation using a touchpad in the center, ensuring you always have access to the most up-to-date maps.
Audi Connect Infotainment Services
The Audi RS5 offers access to entertainment, information, and search functions through scrolling, tapping, or voice commands, thanks to Audi Connect Infotainment services. The car’s high-speed 4G internet connection lets you access details like fuel prices, flight information, and weather conditions. It even provides access to high-quality aerial images from Google Earth.
Communication
- Twitter: You can tweet and see updates with text-to-speech and other accessible text functions.
- Wi-Fi hotspot data plans: You can purchase a data plan via myAudi to enable Wi-Fi hotspots within your vehicle to connect your mobile devices to the internet.
Infotainment
- Weather Information: Provides the current weather update, weekly forecast, and weather map for the desired destination.
- Online News: This feature keeps you updated and provides text and images from different news sources, including text the speech function. By accessing myAudi account, you can select the news feed you want to see by entering the URL of your preferred RSS feed.
Mobility and Navigation
- City events: This feature provides real-time information about the events happening and exciting places
- Travel Information: This function provides live information and updates about nearby places, current locations, and the destination we are heading towards. The data is about restaurants, sights, shops, cafes, etc.
- Train information: Easily get to know the arrival time, departure time, and platform data while on the road.
- Hazard alert: This feature aims to provide safety by providing information regarding dangerous destinations or spots; this feature uses Swarm Intelligence technology and combined structured data from other cars to provide targeted alerts on the road and visual deficiencies like fog.
- Points-of-interest (POI) search with voice control: By simply pushing the button on the steering wheel, you can activate the voice recognition command feature, and with your voice, you can search on Google for your desired destinations by accessing POI information that includes opening hours, visitor reviews and photos. POI can also be accessed from the smartphone by the Audi MMI APP.
Audi RS5 Exterior
The Audi RS 5 Coupe drew inspiration from the iconic four-door Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. This historic car was known for its wide front opening, prominent wheel arches, and wide, low-profile shape. The design elements of the RS 5 Coupe pay homage to the rich history of motorsport, evoking a sense of nostalgia for enthusiasts.
Matrix LED Lights
The Audi RS 5 features Matrix LED headlights designed to mimic natural daylight. These headlights are bright; they can detect other vehicles or strong lights and automatically adjust their brightness. They do this by dimming specific LED lights to prevent dazzling other drivers while fully illuminating the road ahead. In some situations, the Matrix LED technology can collaborate with the car’s navigation system to predict upcoming turns and adapt the headlights accordingly.
Quattro with Sports Differential
Road conditions can be unpredictable, but the Audi RS5 comes prepared with the Quattro system, a standard feature in the RS5 Coupe. This system constantly evaluates the level of grip, especially during sharp turns and rainy conditions. It then intelligently directs power to the wheel that requires it the most, ensuring you have the best possible traction. Its primary role is to tackle challenging everyday road conditions effectively. Additionally, the Sport differential enhances the performance of the Quattro all-wheel drive system, making it even more impressive.
Audi RS 5 Carbon Edition
The Carbon Edition takes the Audi RS5 to the next level regarding sports car aesthetics. This version oozes a dynamic, high-performance car appearance. It features eye-catching elements on the exterior, like a carbon roof and engine cover, and on the interior, with matte aluminum-style accents and carbon inlays, all contributing to its sporty and stylish design.
Options to choose
You can personalize your Audi RS 5 by selecting from a range of optional features. Some options come bundled together, while others can be chosen individually. Whether you desire advanced parking assistance with Audi Pre-sense Rear or want to boost the exterior with the Carbon Black Styling Pack, you have the flexibility to create your ideal combination of Audi technology and features.
Audi Genuine Accessories
Audi made a clever move by allowing consumers to pick and choose their desired accessories. While they offer standard accessories, the real revenue opportunity comes from upselling, and Audi has executed this strategy excellently.
Business Pack: It provides a convenient space for storing items such as laptops and suit jackets.
Comfort Pack: Helps you stay organized, featuring a useful boot tidy and a coat hanger.
Protection Pack: Keeps your interior safe from mud, spills, and the wear and tear of daily use.
Touring Pack: Comes with a cool box, rear seat storage space, and extra features.
Pros
✓ Quick Pace on Straight Line
✓ Both Sportback and Coupe seem relatively practical
✓ Classy Interior
Cons
✘ Handling and Control Not as Sharp as Some Competitors
✘ Expensive
✘ Advanced Adaptive Suspension Can Impact Body Control Compared to Rivals
Specifications
| Engine | 2894cc, V6 TT , 331kW/600Nm |
| Drivetrain | 8-speed auto, AWD |
| CYLINDER | 6 |
| CO2 emissions | 197g/km |
| Gross Weight | 1777kg |
| 0-100 kM/H | 3.79 Sec |
| Fuel use | 8.7L/100km |
Audi Connect Safety and Service
In an emergency, having Audi Connect Safety and Service provides peace of mind. This technology promptly sends a notification to emergency services or activates Audi Roadside Assistance when needed. Additionally, Audi Connect Safety and Service allows you to use your smartphone to locate your car, check its status, and remotely lock or unlock it.
Color Options
For your RS 5 Coupe, you can opt for the standard Nardo grey color, or you can choose seven other optional colors. If you have a color preference that’s not among the legal options, you can select a custom color through Audi’s exclusive paint service.
Fuel Economy
| Highway
|
29.7 MPG |
| City | 29.1 MPG |
Conclusion
In general, the RS5 offers relatively comfortable driving, but it doesn’t provide as smooth handling as some of its competitors. If you prioritize interior space, the Audi RS5 Sportback is a better choice than the Coupe version. Audi offers three trim levels for this model. The base trim is the RS5, the mid-spec Carbon Black comes with larger alloys and different styling, and the top-spec Vorsprung includes features like matrix LED lights, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive sports suspension with dynamic steering.
If you’re considering a car in the same budget range, we recommend exploring other options as well. The 2021 car reliability survey ranked Audi RS5 18th out of 30 automotive manufacturers, while BMW ranked 13th. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the regular sports suspension may provide a more stable ride compared to the adaptive setup found in the top-of-the-line Vorsprung models.
