The RS5 even has a fun and exciting exhaust note, especially towards the top end. Past 4,000rpm, the engine just seems to run away from you, gathering a momentum and energy of its own. The real star, however, remains the engine. So quick are upshifts, I'm initially convinced this is a twin-clutch gearbox. Before you know it, you hit 7,000rpm, you are up a gear and into the thick of the powerband once again. First, the reactive gearbox delivers a lightening quick downshift, and with the turbos now blowing madly, the RS5 shoots forward towards the horizon. Use a bit more throttle and the situation remedies itself very quickly. The big turbos need time to spool up, and while it accelerates smartly when you put your foot down, the explosive performance you expect of an RS model isn't quite there. Get behind the wheel and initial impressions aren't very strong either. It comes powered by a V6 engine and weighs a considerable 1,742Kgs. On paper, the RS5 doesn't seem particularly exciting, especially at first glance. You don't, however, get cooled seats, wireless charging or wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Other features include Parking Aid Plus, a panoramic sunroof, and a button that allows you to switch the screen off at night this is important on long night drives, as bright, contrasting lights tend to accelerate eye fatigue. You get info on engine and transmission temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and there's even software that will give you lap times around a circuit or acceleration from 0 to 100 kph.Īlso on the RS5 is Audi's virtual cockpit or fully digital instrument panel, massaging seats for the front passengers, electrically actuated pneumatic lumbar support (that feels more natural), and enough Alcantara on the door cards, steering wheel and elsewhere to enhance Audi's cool factor. As this is an RS, the system also delivers performance-related information. Audi, in addition, seems to have provided a hardware upgrade, so the speed with which it works also impresses. Neat, clean, tidy and intuitive, it is quick to respond and has slick functionality. The screen isn't large enough to impress on its own, but Audi's MMI user interface (Modular Infotainment Platform or MIB 3) is amongst the best there is. The sport steering wheel now also gets two programmable RS modes. You get logos on the seats, on the centre console, and at the base of the steering wheel. In addition, you get all the RS regalia and badges. Subtle glints of chrome sporadically scattered across the cabin highlight the important bits, and the various textures and colours have been layered in an extremely sophisticated manner. And boy, has Audi made the 50 shades of grey cabin work. Matched by a single decorative band of wide trim on the centre console, it amps up the cool factor of the cabin considerably. This is especially true of the metallic carbon-fibre weave that runs in an organically shaped band right across the cabin. The materials here are all first rate, and what makes the experience inside the cabin feel even more special is that Audi has used new shapes and forms that look great. That is to say they are built to a very high standard and, for the most part, display levels of fit and finish that set class standards. It has a five-link setup at the front and rear, and while there's no rear-wheel steering and air suspension, the steering has been specifically set up to give it a good amount of agility. The suspension is also tailored to give it a sporty drive. The wide hips and subtle spoiler set the tone, and then the strip of decorative faux 'metal' that runs around the big oval exhausts looks just great. While the nose has been well executed and has plenty of character with its sharp cuts and creases, it's the rear of the RS5 Sportback with its arrow like form that really is drool-worthy. Then the wheel arches bulge out that extra bit and help give the RS5 a crouching cat-like stance. The arched, tight-fitting coupe-like roof, the pillar-less doors, and fastback rear work superbly together. One thing's for sure, I think it's one of Audi's stunners, a car you can look at endlessly. But can Audi's baby RS7 deliver both, a 'pukka' RS driving experience and loads of everyday practicality? Audi RS5: what's it like on the outside? The Sportback gets four doors, a huge estate car-like boot and loads of added practicality. If you thought that was a big change, today Audi only sells the RS5 here as a 4.8m-long Sportback. First up, in 2018, Audi chucked out the naturally aspirated V8 and plugged in a twin turbocharged V6.
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