Audi RS 5 2020 Car Review

The new Audi RS 5 has the looks, performance and is kitted out with all the bells and whistles we’ve grown to know and love, in typical Audi fashion.

The A5 first appeared on the scene in 2007 and it stuck around until 2016 when the second generation was finally released. The second gen has now received a long-awaited refresh, with all three models – the A5, S5 and the RS 5 all receiving various tweaks over the last 12 months. The RS 5 Sportback is the King of the Jungle with its powerful 300+kW V6 twin-turbo engine and RS Sport suspension featuring Dynamic Ride Control and quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Great looks, both outside and in

The RS model is the pinnacle of sporty elegance, with perfectly balanced proportions, reminiscent of the regional Audi quattro with its long bonnet, extended wheelbase, and short overhangs.

Our test model had the Daytona Grey body colour and gloss black accents. And the wheels - huge black Evo Style 20” Audi Sport alloys that showcased the red RS brake callipers and cross-drilled discs nicely. Add to this the small diffuser on the Sportback boot lid, and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous, stand-out profile.

The RS 5 benefits from super-bright Matrix LED headlights, with dynamic turn signals in the LED rear lights (which are also standard from the S5 model upwards).

Inside, the large MMI display now has a touch screen, a new operating system and it’s also been angled slightly toward the driver to become the control centre focal point. The new system boasts a smartphone-like user experience via a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback which replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. The MMI search is based on free text input and returns relevant hits rapidly. Natural language voice control understands many formulations from everyday speech.

Comfortable contrast stitched leather seats await your derrière and hold you tight. Sporty carbon-look accents cover the centre console and dash, and extend into the front door cards. This combination alludes you to the fact that you’re seated in an RS model, if the badges on the steering wheel and gear shift didn’t already.

RS Performance

A car with good looks needs an equally good soundtrack. The exhaust note of the Audi RS 5 growls loud when you select one of the two configurable RS drive modes, which can now be accessed by a quick select button on the steering wheel, along with a host of other sporty adjustments to change the driving style to one that encourages you to push the car that little bit more. It puts the fun back into driving. Opt to switch the sportier modes off, and you’re left with a compliant car with low cabin noise which has the ability to provide a smooth daily commute.

Verdict

The Audi RS 5 sits between the RS 4 and RS 6 – both of which are station wagons - in Audi’s current RS line-up. While you might not get the practicality you do with the other two, you do get a stunningly good looking ride. We loved the Audi RS 5.   

At the time of this review no ANCAP rating was available for this particular variant, however in the future if this variant is tested its rating may be found here https://www.ancap.com.au/

 Safety systems

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic diff lock, traction control and electronic stabilisation control
• Driver/passenger airbags, front/rear side airbags and head airbag.
• Active Lane Assist
• Cross Traffic Assist
• Audi Pre Sense City + Rear
• Turn Assist
• Side Assist
• Exit Warning

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