2020 Audi RS5 Coupe And Sportback Gain Revised Exteriors And New Tech

Audi has revised its RS5 Coupe and Sportback models, giving them a more aggressive appearance and new MMI touch technology. The 444 HP 2.9-liter TFSI twin turbo V6 unit however remains the same.

The exterior of the two RS5 models now features a wider and flatter Singleframe grille, following in the footsteps of the latest RS6 and RS7. Meanwhile, the implied air vents above the grille take us back to the iconic Audi Sport quattro from the 80s.

“The revision of the RS5 Coupe and RS5 Sportback marks the successful conclusion of our 25th anniversary and the renewal of our model range,” said Audi Sport exec Oliver Hoffmann. “Thanks to the standard permanent quattro drive, they occupy a special position in their segment.”

The 1.6 inch (40 mm) wider wheel arches and darkened matrix LED headlight bezels serve to further differentiate these new RS5 models from their regular A5 counterparts. Also new are the contoured air inlets that now feature a pentagonal cut, as well as the redesigned side sills and diffuser insert at the rear.

Also read: Can The Audi RS5 Sportback Serve As Your Sole Daily Driver?

Customers can also choose to get the four rings and RS logos in black, while two new colors (Turbo Blue and Tango Red) have been added to the palette. Then there are the optional 20-inch wheels (19-inch standard ones), which can be had on gloss black or matte bronze.

The interior is largely the same as before, apart from the 10.1-inch MMI touch display with acoustic feedback, which happens to be slightly inclined towards the driver. Other bits of kit include the optional Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch display), two new individual RS modes, standard RS sport seats covered in Alcantara and leather (fine Nappa leather optional), and the RS design package (with red or grey accents), which is available upon request.

Does it drive any better?

On paper, maybe. According to Audi, the updated RS5 range now features improved handling thanks to the optional sport differential at the rear axle, distributing the torque actively between the wheels. The two previously-mentioned new RS modes (RS1 and RS2) can be enabled via the ‘RS MODE’ button on the steering wheel, for a more personal touch.

Other than that, the engine continues to be the same 2.9-liter TFSI twin-turbo V6 unit as before, with 444 HP (450 PS) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, manipulated via an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. The 0-60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time is the same too, rated at 3.7 seconds for the Coupe and 3.8 seconds for the Sportback – with a 3.9 second 0-100 km/h (96 km/h) time for both.

Sales for Europe are scheduled to commence “shortly”, according to the automaker, with pricing in Germany starting from 83,500 euros ($92,500) for both versions.