AUDI

AUDI RS 5 COUPE RS 5 TFSI Quattro 2dr Tiptronic

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 60 mphFalses

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2211 g/km

With a 450PS 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine under the bonnet, Audi's RS 5 has plenty of firepower, plus quattro 4WD to give it an advantage over similarly quick BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 rivals. The spec of this revised version looks impressive, including an RS sport exhaust system and a sport differential. It all adds up to a fearsome performance car.

FIRE-UP THE QUATTRO

Audi's improved RS 5 performance coupe targets BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 buyers. Jonathan Crouch checks out the latest version.

Ten Second Review

With a 450PS 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine under the bonnet, Audi's RS 5 has plenty of firepower, plus quattro 4WD to give it an advantage over similarly quick BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 rivals. The spec of this revised version looks impressive, including an RS sport exhaust system and a sport differential. It all adds up to a fearsome performance car.

Background

The German brand's RS models are highly specialised versions of its mainstream production cars, this RS 5 based on the second generation A5 coupe and drawing on a heritage that goes all the way back to the original Audi Quattro coupe of thirty five years ago. Early RS efforts from the mid-Nineties onwards were big on grip and power but short on feel and fun factor. But Ingolstadt kept trying, finally nailing it in 2006 with an R8 supercar you could reasonably buy over a Ferrari and an RS 4 super-saloon that could take on and beat a BMW M3. That RS 4 model's 4.4-litre V8 engine was also used in the original version of this car, the RS 5 coupe, launched in 2010 and then improved in 2012. Five years later, we got a second generation RS 5 with a far more credible 2.9-litre biturbo engine beneath the bonnet. That's the model that's been improved to create the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

Packing a mighty punch, this RS 5's 2.9 TFSI biturbo engine produces 450PS and delivers 600Nm of torque, with a charismatic soundtrack and pulling power that's available across a wide band from 1,900 to 5,000rpm. The 0 to 62mph sprint takes 3.9 seconds and with the optional dynamic package fitted, the car can reach a top speed of 174mph. Two turbochargers are positioned centrally between the cylinder banks of the 2.9 TFSI unit. The ingested air flows to the respective turbocharger and into the combustion chambers through a dual-branch system for spontaneous response. As you'd expect, the car features the latest, more driver-orientated version of Audi's quattro 4WD system. An updated five-link construction is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link suspension replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model, benefiting the deft driving characteristics and agility. It also improves comfort significantly. With the standard RS sport suspension, this MK2 model RS 5 Coupe sits much lower than the previous model. Audi Sport options include stiffer RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. Drivers can make their personal driving experience more individual, dynamic or comfortable using the standard Audi drive select system.

Design and Build

Apparently, the designers of this car drew inspiration from the distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racer. Massive air inlets with the honeycomb structure typical of RS models characterise the front end and the Singleframe radiator grille is much wider and flatter than the one used in an ordinary A5 Coupe. Tinted bezels differentiate the optional Matrix LED headlights, while quattro blisters on the flanks emphasise the pronounced bulges over the wheel arches, which have been widened by 15 millimetres.Appropriately purposeful accents are provided by the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and surface-mounted spoiler lip. The RS 5 Coupe rolls as standard on 20-inch wheels. Bathed in black, the interior of the Audi RS 5 Coupe is extremely upscale and of course is lavishly appointed. Details such as RS sport seats with optional diamond stitching in Fine Nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sport steering wheel underscore the character of this high-performance coupe and RS logos adorn the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims and the selector lever. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.

Market and Model

You'll need around £69,000 for the RS 5 Coupe, the same amount that's necessary for the alternative five-door Sportback variant. Both come only in fully loaded 'Audi Sport Edition' trim. That gets you large 20-inch alloy wheels with an anthracite finish, privacy glass, high gloss black exterior elements and an Audi Sport exhaust system to amplify the engine's soundtrack. Inside, you get Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara combination upholstery with contrast diamond stitching for the RS super sports seats, plus Piano Black inlays and a panoramic glass sunroof. In addition, there's all-LED lighting and the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument display screen with RS-specific displays. You also get driver safety elements including the Audi side assist blindspot monitoring system, Audi hill hold assist and the parking system plus. Plus a comprehensive range of infotainment choices is sure to keep everyone on board entertained. The optional 'MMI navigation plus with MMI touch' infotainment system includes the hardware module 'Audi connect', which connects the car to the internet via LTE. Thanks to the Audi connect SIM, which is permanently installed in the car, the flat rate data package for the connect services including Europe-wide roaming is free of charge for three years. The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple Car Play and Android Auto to make selected apps available in a separate MMI menu. Control is easy and intuitive, thanks to natural language voice control, free text search and the multifunction steering wheel. The touchpad in the centre console is used to zoom, scroll and enter characters. Further high-end technologies, such as the head-up display and as many as 30 driver assistance systems enhance safety, comfort and efficiency.

Cost of Ownership

This RS 5 won't be quite as costly to run as you might expect a 450PS super-coupe to be. Expect 31.4mpg on the WLTP combined cycle and 206g/km of CO2, which isn't at all bad for a performance coupe with this level of performance. Apparently, the 'B-cycle combustion process with central direct injection' engineering approach used with this car's 2.9-litre biturbo engine represents a high level of efficiency among the RS models. The shortened compression stroke employed here enables an engine process with a significantly higher geometric compression ratio. Combined with a power stroke that, while normal, is longer relative to the compression stroke, so allowing for more efficient combustion and increased engine efficiency. Another factor in the greater efficiency of the RS 5 Coupe is its significantly lower weight. It tips the scales at 1,655 kilograms. A carbon roof with a visible fibre structure is available as an option.

Summary

The original Audi Quattro made going quickly about as easy as it could be. You didn't worry about the weather or the roads you'd be using: you simply got in the thing and went very, very fast. As you do in this RS 5 Coupe. Critics may see its approach as overly clinical, but that's a subjective thing. The hard facts are that when it comes to rival cars, a BMW M4 compromises you every time it rains. And a Nissan GT-R compromises you every time your boss checks out your space in the company carpark and tells you to grow up. Of course, if you wanted to follow his lead and get completely sensible, you'd have to admit that an Audi S5 Coupe would make more sense on paper. But the best decisions aren't always made on paper. Here's a car with a brand image built on more tactile things. And one that nearly four decades on from the original Quattro, continues a heritage of excellence.

  • Electric front windows
  • Electric rear windows
  • Rain and light sensors
  • Windscreen with acoustic glazing
  • Privacy glass with rear acoustic glazing

  • Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL
  • Multi collision brake assist
  • RS Model enhanced braking system
  • Electromechanical parking brake
  • Hill hold assist

  • Front/rear floor mats

  • Voice control system
  • Audi smartphone interface
  • Audi phone box with wireless charging
  • Bluetooth interface
  • Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

  • Electromechanical power steering
  • Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors
  • Audi side assist
  • Rear view camera
  • RS drive modes on steering wheel

  • Automatic start-stop system with coasting functionality and efficiency programme
  • RS Audi drive select

  • Audi Virtual Cockpit with RS specific design and 12.3" display
  • MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch includes 10.1" high resolution colour MMI display, 3D map
  • Service interval indicator
  • Email, calendar and text messages displayed via MMI

  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated LED side indicators and kerb view function for passenger side
  • Matt aluminium effect door mirror housings

  • Aluminium race inlays

  • Audi sound system
  • DAB digital radio reception

  • RS5 badges on grille, the front wing panels and rear
  • RS5 dual branch chrome tailpipes with left and right oval pipes
  • Body colour door handles
  • RS bumper with quattro lettering
  • Larger singleframe grill

  • High beam assistant
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Audi matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights + dynamic front and rear indicators
  • Audi Beam uses LEDs to project the Audi logo

  • Deluxe 3 zone electronic climate control

  • RS Specific perforated leather gear lever knob with contrast stitching
  • Leather door armrests and knee pad
  • 3 spoke flat bottomed high multi-function leather sport steering wheel with RS badging
  • Illuminated door sill trims with RS5 logo
  • 2 x USB charging port with aux input socket
  • Black cloth headlining
  • Stainless steel pedals
  • Front centre armrest
  • Tool kit
  • Fine Nappa leather upholstery
  • Aluminium shift paddles

  • LED Interior light pack - RS5
  • RS bodystyling pack - RS5

  • 6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags
  • Pre sense city
  • 2 x 3-point rear seat belts
  • Pop-up bonnet for pedestrian protection
  • Seatbelt monitoring
  • Height adjustable front seatbelts
  • Tyre pressure warning
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Front passenger airbag deactivation

  • Front head restraints
  • Electrically adjustable front seats
  • Rear head restraints
  • Heated front seats
  • ISOFIX child seat mounting and top tether
  • 40/20/40 split folding 2 seater rear seat bench with rear centre armrest
  • RS Super Sports seats with contrast honeycomb stitching
  • Pneumatic massage function

  • Remote control key with RS emblem
  • Anti theft wheel bolts
  • Keyless Go
  • Immobiliser
  • Anti theft alarm system

  • Quattro sports differential

  • Tyre repair kit

  • CO2 (g/km): 208
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 212
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 219
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 211

  • Cylinders: 6
  • Cylinder Layout: V6
  • Number of Valves: 32
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84.5
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 86
  • CC: 2894

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 30.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 30.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 29.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 9.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 9.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 9.6

  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 44E
  • Service Interval Mileage: 9000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 450
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.9
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: RS5
  • Coin Description: TFSI Quattro
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

  • Engine Power - KW: 331
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5700
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 443
  • Engine Torque - NM: 600
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1900
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Power - BHP: 450
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 61.2

  • Emissions Test Cycle: Second Act

  • Wheel Style: 10 SPOKE STAR DESIGN
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Front: 265/35 R19
  • Tyre Size Rear: 265/35 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

  • Width (including mirrors): 2029
  • Height (including roof rails): 1372
  • Wheelbase: 2766
  • Length: 4723

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1707
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2207
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 450
  • No. of Seats: 4
  • Max. Loading Weight: 500

  • Ceramic brakes: £6,150
  • Red brake calipers: £460
  • Black painted brake calipers with RS logo at the front: Included

  • RS sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control: £2,000
  • RS sports suspension: Included

  • Cruise control system with speed limiter with free wheeling capability: Included

  • RS exhaust system: Included
  • RS sport exhaust system: £1,250
  • Panoramic glass sunroof: £1,400
  • Carbon roof: £3,600
  • Audi exclusive paint: £2,400
  • Special solid paint: £675
  • Metallic paint: £675
  • Pearlescent paint: £675
  • Solid paint: Included

  • Driver Assistance Pack - Tour - RS5: £2,700
  • Storage and luggage compartment pack - RS5: £195

  • Metallic - Mythos black: £675
  • Metallic - Tango red: £675
  • Metallic - Glacier white: £675
  • Metallic - Sonoma green: £675
  • Metallic - Navarra blue: £675

  • Pearl - Daytona grey: £675

  • Solid - Nardo grey: £0

  • Special solid - Turbo blue: £675
  • Audi Exclusive - Custom: £2,400

  • Fine nappa leather - Black with rock grey honeycomb contrast stitching: £0
  • Fine nappa leather - Black with crescendo red honeycomb contrast stitching: £0

  • 20" 5 arm flag design sport alloy wheels: £2,000
  • 19" 10 spoke star design audi sport alloy wheels: Included

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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