Audi Sport has updated the RS5 Coupe and Sportback as part of their mid-cycle refresh, the duo receives a subtle exterior refresh while the interior gets an overhauled MMI infotainment system which brings the pair into line with the rest of the A5 range.
“The revision of the RS5 Coupé and RS5 Sportback marks the successful conclusion of our 25th anniversary and the renewal of our model range,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
The front fascia now get a wider, flatter Singleframe grille and Audi says that the three new “implied air vents” above the grille are inspired by the 1984 Audi Sport quattro. Flanking the grille are a redesigned pair of pentagonal air inlets. The modified side sills, rear diffuser insert and the 40mm wider wheel arches complete the RS5’s look.
The headlights too have been refreshed and now sport new daytime running lights which come standard with Matrix LED units while the laser light technology is an optional extra and can be identified by their darkened bezels.
Changes to the interior include the addition of a tablet-styled 10.1-inch MMI touch display equipped with Audi’s new acoustic response technology that’s tilted towards the driver. In European markets, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus including RS-specific graphics are available as an option.
The 2.9-litre turbocharged V6 under the bonnet remains unchanged and continues to deliver 331kW and 600Nm of torque from just 1,900rpm. The RS5 can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and will hit an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. The V6 is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox that channels power to the road via its signature quattro all-wheel drive system.
The RS5 will feature two new customisable driver modes called RS1 and RS2 in addition to the comfort, auto and dynamic drive modes. These settings can affect changes to the engine, transmission, damping, steering, differential and engine sound.
In standard guise the RS5 comes with 19-inch wheels and steel brake discs. However, for a fee the brand will fit 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic rotors. Two more paint choices have been added to the roster namely, Turbo blue and Tango Red.
The RS5 has a starting price of €83,500 (AU$135,130) in Europe and does suggest a slight price hike. Australian pricing and launch dates have not been announced yet. Watch this space for more updates.
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