2020 Audi RS5 Sportback

Audi has revised the RS5 Coupé and the RS5 Sportback. New details make the exterior design even more progressive. For operation, both models rely on the new MMI touch technology with a large central screen. The twin-turbo V6 with an output of 331 kW (450 PS) and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque continues to ensure an impressive driving performance. In Germany and other European countries prices start at EUR 83,500. 2020 Audi RS5 Sportback (8T).

“The revision of the RS5 Coupé and RS5 Sportback marks the successful conclusion of our 25th anniversary and the renewal of our model range,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “Thanks to the standard permanent quattro drive, they occupy a special position in their segment.”

Streamlined: the exterior design

The refined exterior design of the two Audi RS5 models is recognizable at first glance. The Singleframe has become wider and flatter. With this clean look, it follows the design of its big brothers, the RS6 and RS7. Implied air vents above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. The wheel arches, which are 40 millimeters (1.6 in) wider, give the RS5 an impressive appearance. The optional matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light feature darkened bezels, which clearly set the two RS models apart from the basic A5 model. The large, strongly contoured air inlets have been given a new, pentagonal cut.

The side sills and the diffuser insert at the rear end, which encloses the two large tailpipes of the exhaust system, have also been redesigned. The gloss black, matt aluminum, and carbon styling packages give the attachments at the front and rear ends and the side sills an even more individual look. The four rings and RS logos can be designed in black upon request. The colors Turbo blue and Tango red have been added to the color palette. The Coupé is fitted with a carbon roof with a CFRP fiber structure which lowers the vehicle’s weight by just under four kilograms (8.8 lb).

Cool look: the interior

Horizontal lines and dark colors dominate the interior of the revised Audi RS5 models. The RS sport seats are covered with Alcantara and leather as standard, or fine Nappa leather as an option. The RS design package with red or gray accents is available upon request. Control elements such as the steering wheel and selector lever as well as the knee pads are fitted with Alcantara covers with red or gray contrasting stitching.

Touch instead of turn: the new operating concept

The new operating concept of the two RS5 models is concentrated on a 10.1-inch MMI touch display. The large, free-standing display with acoustic feedback is slightly inclined toward the driver. If the top infotainment system MMI navigation plus is on board, a specific RS monitor provides the driver with information on the drive temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the quattro sport differential, the tire pressure and the tire temperature.

In the optional Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch display), the driver can select between multiple screens – one of them is the RS-specific performance design, which displays the rotational speed scale as a kind of angle that includes a shift light display. When the driver uses the RS mode steering wheel button to select one of the two new individual RS modes, the RS-specific performance design opens up and displays the maximum g-acceleration values, for example. The optional head-up display also offers exclusive RS graphics.

Traction, dynamism, and stability: the drive

Immense tractive power and a high output combined with efficiency: The 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6, the heart of the RS5 models, outputs an unchanged 331 kW (450 PS) and already delivers a whopping 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque as from a speed of 1,900 rpm. Both RS5 models accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of up to 280 km/h (174.0 mph) upon request.