Audi has revealed the all-new RS5 in the Sportback body style for the first time at the 2018 New York International Motor Show. Unlike the RS4 Avant which is not sold in the U.S., the new RS5 Sportback will be available for the US and Canadian market from the second half of this year.
Under the hood is the same 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 which does duty in the Coupe version with the same power output – 444bhp and 600Nm. The raw power is sent to Quattro via an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The Audi RS 5 Sportback accelerates from 0-100kmph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 280kmph.
Compared to the Coupe, the Sportback is slightly wider owing to the 15mm wider fender on each side. The lowered suspension means the four-door coupe sits seven millimetres lower than the S5 Sportback. With the RS badge, there is an RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering as well.
Appearance wise, the Audi RS 5 Sportback features a wide, flat single-frame grille, solid air intakes with a honeycomb structure typical of an RS. There is a front splitter with matte aluminium badges. Apart from these, there is an RS-specific diffuser at the back with integrated oval exhaust pipes and fixed spoiler lip. The RS 5 Sportback comes with 19-inch wheels as standard; 20-inch wheels are available as an optional extra. It can also be customized with the Gloss Black, Carbon, and Matte Aluminium optic packages.
The interior is all black with RS sports seats wrapped in Nappa leather, flat-bottom steering wheel, Audi Virtual Cockpit and a host of RS insignia all around the cabin. The digital instrument display also gives information about tyre pressure, torque and G-forces. The contrasting red stitching, Alcantara trim, and red seatbelt remind the occupant of the RS nature of the Sportback. Audi also offers Sonoma Green Metallic as an exclusive paint option.
Prices will be revealed closer to the market debut. The Audi RS5 Sportback takes on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S sedan and the BMW M3 CS in the league of fast, sporty sedans.
