Audi RS5 explained in detail

Audi has launched the 2018 RS5 coupe in India at Rs 1.10 crores (All-India ex-showroom). It’s a high performance addition to the A5, S5 and A5 cabriolet range and the car that has been launched here is based on VW family’s MLB platform that underpins other high performance models from Audi, VW, SEAT and Porsche.

As one would expect, the RS5 with its RS tag looks like a muscled version of the standard A5. The lines are heavily chiselled out with standout elements that include the grille, wheels, strong shoulder line, dual exhaust tips and wrap around tail lamps that lend the car its signature look.

It’s a high performance Audi but still extremely luxurious. It gets all the luxury features considered standard in this part of the market but trimmed out in the Audi RS badging and interior design. The whole cabin is in a shade of black with carbon fibre and chrome inserts as a part of the design package. Additionally, quilted sports seats with RS logo stitched into them are also thrown into the deal. The instrument cluster is the virtual cockpit while the steering wheel has been given special inserts and badges as a part of the sporty touches.

Putting the RS in the RS5 is a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine producing 440-bhp/600Nm with Quattro AWD and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. The output is the same as the previous V8-engined model but the torque has gone up by 100Nm. You can do 0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds and then go on to hit a top speed of 250kmph.

In this part of the market, the RS5 is a rival for the Mercedes C63AMG, BMW M4, Porsche 718 and the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, all of which, are priced very similarly. In terms of SUVs you can have the Porsche Macan and Caynne, Range Rover Velar and the Range Rover Sport. The luxury flagship sedans feature here too and you can have the Mercedes S-Class, Jaguar XJ L, Audi A8L and the BMW 7 Series.