Design

With its wide singleframe grille and large airdam intakes with their honeycomb pattern grilles, there’s no mistaking the RS5 Sportback for its milder-mannered A5 stablemate. The RS5 Sportback sits lower on RS sport suspension and the distinctive 20-inch Anthracite alloy wheels nestle beneath flared wheel arches. Exterior details exclusive to the Audi Sport Edition include a high-gloss black finish to the grille surround, mirrors and window cappings. Inside, RS Super Sports seats with massage function are clad in Nappa leather and Alcantara with contrast diamond stitching. A panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and Piano Black interior trim complete the package. The rear seats can split 40:20:40 and when folded increase the luggage capacity from 480 litres to 1,300 litres, with a metre-wide opening for easy access.

Performance

The RS Sportback is powered by a twin-turbo 2.9 TFSI V6 that develops 450hp and 600Nm of torque, rocketing the Audi from 0-62mph s in 3.9 seconds. An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission relays the power to all four wheels via the centre differential-based quattro system, which distributes drive forces in a 40:60 front-to-rear ratio. Five-link front and rear RS-specific suspension provide leech-like grip in all conditions. Other RS highlights include electronic Stabilization Control with three modes and wheel-selective torque control, RS Sport suspension and the dynamic handling system Audi drive select as standard.

Technology

The RS5 Sportback’s standard equipment includes all-LED lighting, the digital Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS-specific displays and a smartphone interface for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Infotainment is controlled via the Audi MMI system, there’s onboard MMI Navigation as well as internet connectivity as part of the Audi connect package. Audio is provided by a 755-Watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound and 19 loudspeakers.

Safety

Built-in driver aids and safety systems include the Audi Pre-Sense city system as well as Audi Pre-Sense basic, designed to initiate preventive safety measures for occupants as soon as it recognizes a critical driving state. Other systems include the Audi side assist blind spot monitoring system, Audi hill hold assist and the parking system plus. Rearward cross-traffic assist is useful when reversing out of a parking spot, and the turn assist system can intervene by applying the brakes to prevent the car from colliding with an oncoming vehicle when turning right across traffic.