Audi has a habit of making a good thing better and such is the case with the new RS5 Coupe. I thought the previous model was damn impressive on all scores but this new one takes everything up a level… or two.
Better in every way?
You bet.
Don’t worry about the fact that it’s a twin turbo V6 instead of a V8 because the new generation RS5 has more power and torque than before, is faster and quicker and has a mad sounding exhaust note.
Dynamically it’s a sharper tool than ever and safer into the bargain with extensive advanced driver assist technology and then some.
Love the styling especially the frontal look with a pronounced bulge on the sloping bonnet, the fastback roof and notched tail treatment.
LEDs all round as well.
It’s funky to the max.
Competitors include the Benz C-Class AMG, Lexus RCF Carbon and the BMW M4 – two V8s and one straight six. The 5.0-litre Lexus is the only non-turbo engine.
Exterior
This RS5 is a gorgeous thing to look at… from all angles particularly front and rear three quarter views.
As already mentioned the bulging bonnet gives it serious frontal attitude and the low stance adds drama.
Built on a new platform, the sleek coupe features Audi’s trade mark single frame grille in this case flattened and widened to accommodate the wide body with accentuated wheel arches.
Super-size air vents surround the grille that has striking LED headlights each side.
The car looks more compact than it is from the side thanks in part to the stubby rear end and low fastback roofline.
Wow, definitely the equal of Benz’s C63 coupe and the Lexus. Better than the BMW M4 on all counts.
Inside is a study in clinical Audi style with soft Nappa leather and virtual instrumentation capping it all off.
There’s the obligatory large centre mounted control screen and subtle use of multiple fascia material including a carbon fibre material and metal.
The virtual instruments feature additional read out dials for torque, g-forces and tyre pressure.
There’s nothing garish inside with subtle tones on all surfaces and beautifully laid-out controls.
Audi does awesome interiors and this is one of their better efforts.
Features
The price dictates plenty of kit in RS5 Coupe which boasts a complete inventory of high end components catering for luxury, safety and performance.
You get:
- Three zone climate control.
- Thee mode drive select
- Eight speed automatic transmission
- Quattro full time all-wheel drive
- AudiConnect infotainment system
- Nappa leather
- Premium B&O audio
- Sports seats
- D-cut multi-function wheel
- 20-inch alloys
Power comes from a 2.9-litre, twin turbo, V6 petrol engine with direct fuel injection and centrally mounted turbos between the cylinder vee.
It cranks out 331kW and 600Nm which is almost identical to BMW’s 3.0-litre twin turbo six in the M4 Competition.
The RS5 is a touch quicker at 3.9-secondfs for the 0-100kmh sprint.
Uses a bit less fuel too at 8.8-litres/100km.
Strange that Audi went for a fluid auto in the RS5 instead of a dual clutch set-up. Regardless, it works making snappy changes up and down the range and even throttle blips in Sports mode.
Has stop/start too which is a bit strange but possibly contributes to the EU6 emissions rating.
The RS5 has a new five link suspension front and rear and the new chassis is stronger than before and a touch lighter into the bargain.
It has adaptive suspension and variable ratio steering all combining to give a razor sharp drive feel. Oh, did I mention the brakes – massive proportions and six pistons up the front.
It’s an awesome thing to drive offering brutal acceleration and race car handling especially in Sports mode.
Switch it to Normal mode and the RS5 becomes a GT grand touring style of car providing a high level of sophistication and comfort.
Safety
Scores five stars but goes a lot further with a swag of advanced driver assist technology like traffic assist and pre-sense autonomous emergency braking. It even monitors turns across traffic lanes as well and the full range of now “normal” advanced driver assist tech including adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping and blind spot monitoring.
Does it all detract from the pure driving feel of this car? Maybe just a little.
Good Bits
- Sensational performance
- Sensational dynamics
- Sensational styling
- Sensational interior
- It’s all good.
Not So Good Bits
- Tad cramped in the rear seats especially head room
- Possible technology overkill
- Turn up the wick and it likes a drink
What can I say? Yes please. I reckon it’s a better thing than BMW’s competitor, certainly better looking and the Benz competitor is significantly more money. As for the Lexus RCF, well, the grille is too confronting for me.
The Audi RS5 Coupe makes a huge statement on the road and retains an air of exclusivity unlike comparable cars from BMW and Benz which are relatively common place.
Facts and Figures: 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe
- Engine: 2.9L V6 twin-turbo petrol producing 331kW/600Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed sports automatic
- Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: Five stars
- Origin: Germany
- Price: from $156,600