Audi started taking orders for the revised RS 5 Sportback and Coupé models back in December 2019 with the promise of delivery by Spring 2020. In spite of the factory shutdowns and supply line disruptions caused by COVID-19, it looks like these vehicles are still on track for delivery. That seems to be what’s suggested when Audi released for photos and press material relating to the two cars.
The RS 5 sports a few aesthetic changes and several functional improvements to its infotainment system, but its 3-litre V6 motor is carried forward.
The front bumper and grille have been thoroughly redesigned, with 3 horizontal slats above the grille as an homage to the Audi Sport Quattro. The LED daytime running lights have also been redesigned. The rear sees a similar treatment, with a new rear bumper trim design and new exhaust tips. The taillight graphics have also been redone.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Many design details and a new operating concept: The updated RS 5 models**, Sportback and Coupé, incorporate the new RS design language of their big brothers, the RS 6 Avant** and RS 7 Sportback**. They are operated via the new 10.1-inch central MMI touchscreen. The V6 twin-turbo with 331 kW (450 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 9.2 – 9.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 209 – 208), the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, and the intelligent Dynamic Ride Control suspension technology ensure outstanding driving performance.
Reduced and functional: the exterior design
The RS 5**, either as a classic two-door Coupé or as a five-door Sportback, remains true to its genetics and continues the sporty and elegant character also in its revised version. The best example of this is the three-dimensional wave-like shoulder line. Like the original Audi quattro, the RS 5** impresses with perfectly balanced proportions: A long engine hood, the extended wheelbase, and the short overhangs underline the sporty presence of the RS 5.
The new Singleframe is considerably flatter and wider compared to the Audi A5**. The radiator protective grille with the RS-specific three-dimensional honeycomb structure features a gloss black design. The implied air vents above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. RS-specific darkened Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light are available as an alternative to the standard Matrix LED headlights. The large, striking side air inlets have a new, pentagonal, geometric cut.
The side view is characterized by the new sill trims. The intensive light-shadow interplay visually makes the RS 5 models** appear even flatter and deeper. The wheel arches, which are flared by an additional 15 mm (0.6 in) on each side make reference to their quattro genetics. Similar to the RS 6** and RS 7**, the new RS-specific bumper and the diffuser insert grant the RS 5** an accentuated rear end. The striking diffuser showcases the RS exhaust system, which, as is typical for the RS, terminates in oval, chrome colored tailpipes on both sides or, in the RS sport exhaust system, terminates in large, black tailpipes. A surface-mounted spoiler lip in black, or optionally in carbon, rounds out the rear.
The gloss black, matt aluminum, and carbon styling packages give many add-on parts an even more individual look. The solid turbo blue and tango red, metallic colors return to the color palette.
Individual and high-quality: the interior
Horizontal lines and the new RS design package in black with rock gray contrasting seams dominate the interior of the RS 5 models**. The strongly contoured RS sport seats can be set electrically in many ways; their armrests are embossed with the RS logo. As standard, a mixture of Alcantara and leather with a honeycomb pattern serves as upholstery material; fine Nappa leather is available on request. As a new feature in RS 5 models**, the inlays are available in carbon matt.
Touch instead of turn: the new operating concept
The future-oriented interior design harmonizes with the new operating concept, which is concentrated on a 10.1-inch MMI touch display. This is based on the new third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). The large display, which is equipped with acoustic feedback, stands freely in the space and is slightly tilted toward the driver. Its menu structure is simple and intuitive like that of a smartphone. The natural-language voice control understands many formulations from everyday speech.
If the top MMI Navigation plus infotainment system is on board, the “RS monitor” view informs the driver about the engine and transmission temperature, the maximum longitudinal and lateral acceleration values, and the tire pressure and temperature in the central MMI display. In the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays concerning tire pressure, torque, output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, and g-forces can also be shown. Moreover, lap times and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) can be started directly via a button on the steering wheel.
Stunning pulling power: the drive
Immense pulling power and high output combined with efficiency: Even after the revision, the output of the 2.9 TFSI remains unchanged at 331 kW (450 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km*: 9.2 – 9.1; combined CO2 emissions in g/km*: 209 – 208). The V6 twin-turbo delivers between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm; during this process, each charger supplies a cylinder bank with compressed air and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft) of torque is supplied to the crankshaft. Both RS models catapult themselves from zero to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds; on request, Audi Sport GmbH can raise the top speed from 250 km/h (155.3 mph) to 280 km/h (174.0 mph).
An eight-speed tiptronic that has been tuned for sportiness transmits the forces of the engine; the driver can control it using enlarged aluminum shift paddles. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive gives the RS 5** a special place in the segment. In normal driving operation, the power distribution between the front and rear axle is 40:60 – this asymmetrical dynamic torque distribution leads to sporty, rear-biased handling. If necessary, the center differential can redirect up to 70% of the forces toward the front or up to 85% of the forces toward the rear. With the optional sport differential, which actively distributes torques between the wheels of the rear axle, the dynamic handling is increased even further.
In the WLTP driving cycle, the Audi RS 5 Coupé consumes just 9.1 l (2.4 US gal) of fuel per 100 km (62.1 mi); the RS 5 Sportback consumes 9.2 l (2.4 US gal); the two vehicles thus emit 208 g/km (334.7 g/mi) and 209 g/km (336.4 g/mi) of CO2 respectively.
Tuned for sportiness: the suspension
The taut and tuned RS sport suspension forms a perfect partner for the strong drive. The RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available on request. It realizes a purely hydraulic and thus fully instantaneous roll and pitch stabilization; the operation of its dampers can be switched into three stages using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.
Apart from the familiar comfort, auto, and dynamic drive modes, there are the two new “RS1” and “RS2” modes. These can be individually configured, saved, and then selected directly and quickly via the RS Mode button on the steering wheel. Audi drive select influences the operation of important technical elements, including the engine, tiptronic, steering, and optional components, such as damping, dynamic steering, sport differential, and exhaust flaps.
The RS 5 Coupé** and the RS 5 Sportback** drive on 19-inch wheels as standard. 20-inch wheels in three new designs, one version of which is milled and painted in matt bronze, are available on request.
In Germany and other European markets, the RS 5 Coupé** and RS 5 Sportback** have been available to order since December 2019; both models will be available at dealerships in spring 2020. The base price for both new models, the RS 5 Coupé** and RS 5 Sportback**, starts at EUR 83,500 in Germany.
