Audi RS5 Sportback finally lands in UK
Five-door version of Audi's 450hp M4 rival will cost from £68,985
More than a year after it was first revealed, Audi has introduced the new RS5 Sportback to the UK alongside an updated version of the coupe. Both the more-door and normal version of Audi’s 450hp V6 range-topper come with the same 3.9-second 0-62mph time and limited 155mph top speed, but are now offered exclusively in Sport Edition format and will be limited to just 250 examples of each for 2019.
Audi told PH that the restricted volume is a result of limited global production, which perhaps suggests sales were not as high as originally expected - or that another version will succeed the present cars in 2020. Either way, it pushes the starting price of Audi’s RS5 models to £68,985 apiece – making the coupe over £4k more expensive than the old entry variant and ranking it dangerously close (£800 to be exact) to AMG’s V8-powered C63 coupe. The Sportback’s is £1.5k pricier than the C63 saloon.
However, neither AMG can claim to be a low volume model, plus Audi’s decision to upgrade the RS5s to Sport Edition spec as standard means there’s plenty of kit to tempt you away from Affalterbach. There are 20-inch anthracite alloy wheels, tinted glass and black trim for the grille, window and door mirror surrounds - differentiating the model from the launch car - and the more vocal Audi Sport exhaust system is included for a matching soundtrack.
Inside, you get Nappa leather and Alcantara trimmings, with contrasting diamond stitching on the RS Super Sports seats that are also exclusive to the Sport Edition trim, piano black trim and a panoramic glass sunroof. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto are both present and correct, alongside its top-spec satellite navigation and LTE internet technology, hill hold assist and Audi’s Parking System Plus. Now, with the Sportback’s arrival, the RS5 also offers storage space for up to 480 litres of luggage with the three-part rear bench up or, with it folded down, up to 1,300 litres.
Fans of Audi Sport’s effortlessly quick M4 rival will be pleased to hear that none of the technical makeup has been changed. The turbocharged 2.9-litre engine retains its peak 450hp output alongside a maximum 443lb ft torque figure, with up to 60 per cent sent to the rear wheels via clutch-based Quattro hardware. All cars get an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and active limited-slip differential, as before. Tempted? With only 500 cars due, we wouldn’t hang about.
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Not quite sure how they made the V6 sound so Meh when the B5 sounded so fabulous
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Not quite sure how they made the V6 sound so Meh when the B5 sounded so fabulous
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Apart bizarrely enough from the comfort pack, electric seats or folding, dipping mirrors with memory function.
Must be a run out special to have so much kit as standard.
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But as someone buying second hand you know exactly what you're getting on each model & don't have to hunt down a unicorn with your chosen spec or settle for an imperfect spec.
You’re a bit off the pace... the next M3/4 will be offered in RWD and xDrive, plus a M4 Grand Coupe. The C63 is rumoured to be going 4WD too.... nothing for you no moan about really eh
You’re a bit off the pace... the next M3/4 will be offered in RWD and xDrive, plus a M4 Grand Coupe. The C63 is rumoured to be going 4WD too.... nothing for you no moan about really eh
Secondly, I wish you well on the relevant C63 and M4 threads and can assure you I wont spam them with stories about how you were clearly an idiot for not buying a spare set of wheel and winter tyres from new, or how I will be buying the latest Tesla or MacLaren.
Anyway I won't be buying one regardless unless I win the lottery so maybe I aren't the target audience!
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Anyway I won't be buying one regardless unless I win the lottery so maybe I aren't the target audience!
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