What We Like
Faster and lighter before
Minimal lag from the twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6
Grippy and very easy to drive fast
Unquestionable build quality
What We Dislike
Lacks the high-revving delight of the previous V8
It's a little strange to think that the new Audi RS5 Coupe, which was once powered by a sonorous 4.2-litre V8, is now driven by a much smaller 2.9-litre V6. It's interestingly smaller than the 3.0-litre in the S5 Sportback and is the first RS model to employ such a powertrain configuration.
It's also the first RS to be built on the Volkswagen Group's new MLBevo platform that underpins everything from the Audi A4 to the Lamborghini Urus.
The RS5 may have lost two cylinders but gained two turbochargers, which result in a 170Nm torque increaseBut while the downsizing may have caused the RS5 to lose its growling, bassy soundtrack, it's now torquier and quicker, thanks to the strapping of not one but two turbochargers centrally between the cylinder banks.
Smaller, swifter
Thanks to that, power output remains the same as the outgoing model, rated at 444bhp but torque figures have been raised significantly, from 430Nm to a whopping 600Nm.
Paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission (to better cope with the increase in torque), the new RS5 is almost a second faster from 0-100km/h, now taking just 3.9 seconds, putting it almost on par with the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder LP580-2 in a century sprint.
There's a buttery smoothness and pin-point eagerness about the steering, although it's not big on communicationBut like all other RS models, the RS5 isn't just quick in a straight line. It moves with the agility of a black mamba and has the ruthless precision of a surgeon.
And with a seemingly endless amount of front-end grip, the RS5 is sure-footed in both wet and dry conditions, allowing you to easily (perhaps too easily) rack up some genuinely rapid corner speeds.
Aggressive-looking RS brakes are well-modulated and help the RS5 stop on a dimeIt enjoys being tossed from corner to corner and puts its power down so comfortably that you don't have to be delicate with the throttle, all while seducing you to go harder thanks to its rich, crackling V6 soundtrack.
It's also the first RS to be built on the Volkswagen Group's new MLBevo platform that underpins everything from the Audi A4 to the Lamborghini Urus.
Smaller, swifter
Thanks to that, power output remains the same as the outgoing model, rated at 444bhp but torque figures have been raised significantly, from 430Nm to a whopping 600Nm.
Paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission (to better cope with the increase in torque), the new RS5 is almost a second faster from 0-100km/h, now taking just 3.9 seconds, putting it almost on par with the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder LP580-2 in a century sprint.
And with a seemingly endless amount of front-end grip, the RS5 is sure-footed in both wet and dry conditions, allowing you to easily (perhaps too easily) rack up some genuinely rapid corner speeds.
However, because of that very nature, some may find the car a little cold; a stoic slayer, if you will. For example, its steering is accurate, with quick, predictable turn-in behaviour, and it's more natural than before, albeit still lacking slightly in feedback.
The Neckarsulm all-rounder
Despite being the crowned athelete of the A5 fraternity, the RS5 doesn't have to be driven only at the limit to be enjoyed.
It's just as accomplished as a low-speed cruiser and at the rear, a new five-link suspension benefits overall ride quality, although the standard RS springs and dampers are a little firm over sudden unevenness in the roads.
Superb styling, the use of top-quality materials and ergonomics of the sports seats are an RS trademarkStill, it's not a big trade-off for the car's easily accessible performance and the richness afforded within the cabin. As with all RS models, the RS5 does justice to Audi's reputation of producing class-leading interiors crammed with an endless list of tech functions.
In terms of space, marketing materials claim there's 26mm more front shoulder room, and 23mm more knee room in the back.
In our eyes, the rear seats have space for two kids or a pair of small adults if necessary, and the boot is a mite larger than before, at 465 litres.
Sporty accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, oval tailpipes and a spoiler lipOutside, an assortment of tasteful exterior tweaks, which include massive air inlets, a widened radiator grille and flared wheel arches imbue the RS5 with the necessary aggression to wear the RS badge.
Best of all, for a product that's improved in just about every way and the most daily driveable one in its segment, the RS5 now costs a lighter $389,080, down from its predecessor's half a million-dollar tag.
And there's also finally a Sportback variant that's soon to come.
The Neckarsulm all-rounder
Despite being the crowned athelete of the A5 fraternity, the RS5 doesn't have to be driven only at the limit to be enjoyed.
It's just as accomplished as a low-speed cruiser and at the rear, a new five-link suspension benefits overall ride quality, although the standard RS springs and dampers are a little firm over sudden unevenness in the roads.
In terms of space, marketing materials claim there's 26mm more front shoulder room, and 23mm more knee room in the back.
In our eyes, the rear seats have space for two kids or a pair of small adults if necessary, and the boot is a mite larger than before, at 465 litres.
Best of all, for a product that's improved in just about every way and the most daily driveable one in its segment, the RS5 now costs a lighter $389,080, down from its predecessor's half a million-dollar tag.
And there's also finally a Sportback variant that's soon to come.
