Audi RS5 Review 2026

May 2017

New RS5 revealed

The new high performance, high technology coupé with its advanced new 450PS V6 biturbo TFSI becomes available in the UK later in the month priced from £62,900 OTR, and will touch down here later in the summer.

With 600 Nm of torque, the new 450PS 2.9-litre V6 holds a 170Nm advantage over its naturally aspirated predecessor, and delivers it to the tune of a charismatic soundtrack reminiscent of the V6 TFSI powering the original B5 RS 4. The top model in the A5 family sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package reaches a top speed of 174mph.

Two turbochargers positioned centrally between the cylinder banks guarantee exceptional response throughout the rev range, and combustion technology employing the B-cycle process with central direct injection ushers in a new level of efficiency for an RS model. Aided by a 60kg overall weight reduction versus the outgoing car, the V6 biturbo is capable of up to 32.5mpg combined, corresponding to 197 grams of CO 2 per km – an efficiency gain of 17 percent over the previous model.

The biturbo’s copious power is deftly managed by the eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimised shift times and by the reworked five-link front and all-new five-link rear RS-specific suspension, which is of course supported by quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The centre differential-based system distributes drive forces in a 40:60 front-to-rear ratio favouring dynamic handling with optimal traction, and in UK specification models is augmented by the quattro sport differential, which also apportions torque optimally between the rear wheels to promote even greater handling adjustability.

The standard LED headlamps with their dynamic scrolling indicators can also be upgraded to Matrix LED units capable of intelligently diverting their high beam around oncoming and leading traffic for maximum illumination, and for maximum visual impact the sizeable 19-inch alloy wheels can also be upgraded to a 20-inch design.

On the infotainment front, the RS 5 Coupé comes equipped as standard with the Audi Smartphone Interface bringing Apple Carplay and Android Auto on board, and with MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, which now also includes LTE internet connectivity as part of the Audi connect package. Thanks to the embedded Audi connect SIM, the flat rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years.

September 2017

RS5 Carbon Edition launched

Adds motorsport-inspired Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) detailing, including a fully exposed CFRP roof, priced at £75,400 OTR.

Other extras include a Carbon Matt Aluminium Styling Pack which adds a CFRP finish for the front spoiler, sill extensions, a diffuser insert and interior inlays along with CFRP door mirror housings.

A matt aluminium finish for the radiator grille with its integral matt titanium quattro logo, for the window surrounds and for the front horizontal under-grille bar complement the carbon detailing, as do privacy glass and larger 20-inch ‘5-arm peak’ design alloy wheels in anthracite matt black, which replace the standard 19-inch design.

June 2019

Audi RS5 returns in Sport Edition form

After a brief hiatus, Audi's RS5 Coupe has returned in Audi Sport Edition form - and, for the first time, as an RS5 Sportback model.

Sales of the RS5 Coupe and Sportback will be limited to just 250 of each in 2019 with prices starting at £68,985.

Standard specification includes 20-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and an Audi Sport exhaust system. Inside there's exclusive RS super sports seats, piano black inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine with 450PS and 600Nm of torque and Quattro all-wheel drive, both the Coupe and Sportback can reach 62mph in 3.9 seconds.

Orders are open now with deliveries from late in June 2019.