Overview

What's New for 2021

Audi keeps things simple, making the RS 5 in just one trim level. Customers choose from a coupe or Sportback, Audi's name for their sleek hatchback that looks quite sedan-like. There are eight standard paint colors, or shoppers can choose a custom color at an added cost.

Pricing starts around $74,500. For that, shoppers get a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, ventilated disc brakes, and all-drive.

Forward-collision warning, auto emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring come standard, all of which can help the vehicle avoid potential collisions. The RS 5 also benefits from automatic LED headlights that bend as the vehicle maneuvers into turns. Rain-sensing wipers enhance visibility in bad weather, as do standard fog lamps. Power-folding side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof help improve any trip, and the Sportback features power operation for its trunk liftgate.

In the cabin, Audi pampers passengers in plush leather and comfort technology. The 12-way power front seats are heated, and the Sportback gets heated rear seats, too. Other details are tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming mirror. Integrated LED ambient lighting provides 30 different color choices.

Audis are well-known for being class leaders in cabin technology. The RS 5 does not disappoint, with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen has built-in voice activation and wireless internet access.

Options include an Audi Dynamic Steering package, which provides sharper handling and more feedback from the road. Another option is a navigation system, which may not be needed by users who prefer to use their phone's navigation app via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Still, many drivers will appreciate the attention to detail and options found within Audi's proprietary GPS program.

A suite of driver assistance features is also available. It comes with adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist, active lane-keep assist, a heads-up display, parking assistance, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition. A sensor ensures the driver's hands are not off the wheel for too long. Taken as a whole, this safety package gives the Audi semi-autonomous driving abilities, helping the driver relax while commuting or when they are looking to take a break from the extreme driving performance.

The RS 5's beating heart is a 2.9-liter V6 engine connected to dual turbochargers. It generates 44 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, which is slightly less than rival machines. Still, it is enough for the RS 5 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Audi electronically limits the vehicle's top track speed to 155 mph.

That potent motor is matched to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that can operate independently, or the driver may shift gears with the large aluminum shift paddles set just behind the steering wheel. An all-wheel-drive system can send power to the front or rear axles as necessary. Audi includes a sport suspension and rear differential to help improve handling and grip.

Despite its excellent acceleration and handling, the Audi RS 5 is comfortable enough to drive daily and use in traffic. It's thrilling yet more civilized than top rivals.

The RS 5 has adequate interior space, with plenty of legroom for front passengers. The room in the back isn't as abundant, especially in the coupe. Shoppers can choose between three interior colors. There are two black leather options with different contrast stitch colors and a silver interior with a gray stitch. Carbon decorative inlays come standard, and fancier carbon matte inlays are available optionally.

Unlike its Audi A5 and S5 siblings, the RS 5 gets special racing-style bucket seats with deep side bolsters and honeycomb stitching. Heated front seats are standard; the Sportback's rear-seat occupants also get this feature. Along with the heated steering wheel and all-wheel-drive, these included details make the Audi a desirable companion in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Cargo capacity is limited in the coupe, at just 10.9 cubic feet. The Sportback is more generous, with 21.8 cubic feet of space, plus a power liftgate.

One of the best parts of an Audi is the careful attention the manufacturer pays to interior details. The cabin feels solid and well-crafted. The buttons and controls are constructed from quality plastics and metals, and the leather is soft and stretches throughout the interior. Audi's MIB 3 infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use. It has a haptic-touch pad on the console, allowing users to operate the screen much like a smartphone.