The new Audi RS5 Sportback is definitely a yay car. It’s good to look at, comes with a premium build quality inside, is well specced, has decent room and is very, very fast.
From rest to 100 km/h (0-62 mph), it needs just 3.9 seconds, and it will top out at 250 km/h (155 mph), or 280 km/h (174 mph) with the optional Dynamic Plus Package.
Video: 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback Is Extremely Competent, But Does It Justify Its $74K Tag?
The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 pumps out 450 PS (444 hp / 331 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, and comes paired to a smooth shifting 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The sports suspension is standard and can keep the RS5 Sportback planted at the track, while not ruining the ride comfort during normal use either, and the steering is obviously sharp.
The ‘yay’ part quickly becomes a ‘nay’ for most of us when checking out the MSRP of €82,700 in Germany and $74,200 in the U.S. That’s obviously before dealer fees and optional extras, and the latter alone could almost double the cost of the car. For many Benjamins, you could have things such as the carbon fiber styling packs, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, panoramic glass roof and wireless smartphone charging.
Now, provided you can afford it, should you put the RS5 Sportback in your buyer’s list and, better yet, could you live with it as your daily driver? CarsIreland tried answering this question in the review that follows.