Driving Experience
Packing a mighty punch, this RS 5's 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine produces 450PS and delivers 600Nm of torque, with a charismatic soundtrack and pulling power that's available across a wide band from 1,900 to 5,000rpm. The 0 to 62mph sprint takes 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package fitted, the car can reach a top speed of 174mph. Two turbochargers are positioned centrally between the cylinder banks of the 2.9 TFSI unit. The ingested air flows to the respective turbocharger and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system for spontaneous response. As you'd expect, the car features the latest, more driver-orientated version of Audi's quattro 4WD system.
An updated five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model, benefiting the deft driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the standard RS sport suspension, this MK2 model RS 5 Coupe sits much lower than the previous model. Audi Sport options include stiffer RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard Audi drive select system.
Design and Build
Apparently, the designers of this car drew inspiration from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racer. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterise the front end and the Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than the one used in an ordinary A5 Coupe. Tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights, while quattro blisters on the flanks emphasise the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimetres.Appropriately purposeful accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 5 Coupe rolls as standard on 20-inch wheels.
Bathed in black, the interior of the Audi RS 5 Coupe is extremely upscale and of course is lavishly appointed. Details such as RS sport seats with optional diamond stitching in Fine Nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel underscore the character of this high-performance coupe and RS logos adorn the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and the selector lever. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.
Market and Model
You'll need around £78,000 for the RS 5 Coupe (or the RS 5 Sportback). Both now come only in fully loaded 'Audi Sport Edition' trim. That gets you large 20-inch alloy wheels with an anthracite finish, privacy glass, high gloss black exterior elements and an Audi Sport exhaust system to amplify the engine's soundtrack. Inside, you get Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara combination upholstery with contrast diamond stitching for the RS super sports seats, plus Piano Black inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof. In addition, there's all-LED lighting and the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument display screen with RS-specific displays. You also get driver safety elements including the Audi side assist blindspot monitoring system, Audi hill hold assist and the parking system plus.
Plus a comprehensive range of infotainment choices is sure to keep everyone on board entertained. The optional 'MMI navigation plus with MMI touch' infotainment system includes the hardware module 'Audi connect', which connects the car to the internet via LTE. Thanks to the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car, the flat rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years. The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to make selected apps available in a separate MMI menu. Control is easy and intuitive, thanks to natural language voice control, free text search and the multifunction steering wheel. The touchpad in the centre console is used to zoom, scroll and enter characters. Further high-end technologies, such as the head-up display and as many as 30 driver assistance systems enhance safety, comfort and efficiency.
Cost of Ownership
This RS 5 won't be quite as costly to run as you might expect a 450PS super-coupe to be. Expect 31.4mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 206g/km of CO2, which isn't at all bad for a performance coupe with this level of performance.
Apparently, the 'B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection' engineering approach used with this car's 2.9-litre biturbo engine represents a high level of efficiency among the RS models. The shortened compression stroke employed here enables an engine process with a significantly higher geometric compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, so allowing for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency. Another factor in the greater efficiency of the RS 5 Coupe is its significantly lower weight. It tips the scales at 1,655 kilograms. A carbon roof with a visible fibre structure is available as an option.