Audi RS5 facelifted for 2020
Coupe and Sportback go under the knife to better align with new RS6
With the new RS6 making waves on both sides of the Atlantic, Audi has rounded out its update process with a mild facelift of both the RS5 Coupe and Sportback. The 450hp, 442lb ft twin-turbo V6 remains, meaning performance is unchanged at 3.9 seconds to 62 and a top speed of 174 - should you cough up to have the limiter removed.
The exterior design and cabin though have both been overhauled for 2020. You'll still recognise them as RS5s, of course, but several aspects of the formula have been revised and refined. The Singleframe grille, for one, is wider and flatter, aping the appearance of the RS6 and RS7. The "implied air vents" - possibly the worst term for fake inlets yet - above are also carried over from other models in Audi's line-up, such as the new R8, and are said to be reminiscent of the iconic Sport quattro.
A new pentagonal design for the front bumper vents and optional matrix LED headlights complete the changes at the front. At the back, a new diffuser insert encloses redesigned tailpipes and we're told that the Audi and RS logos can both be blackened upon request. Exclusive to the coupe is a carbon roof with a carbon reinforced plastic structure which lowers the vehicle's weight by just under 4kg, while presumably lowering its centre of gravity as well.
Inside you get RS sport seats clothed in leather and Alcantara as standard, with fine Nappa leather items optional and an RS design package featuring red or grey accents available upon request. Elements such as the steering wheel - behind which you'll find new, larger aluminium shift paddles - and gear lever are also fitted with Alcantara covers sporting the same red or grey contrasting stitching.
The centrepiece of the new layout, though, is Audi's 10.1-inch MMI touch display. The free-standing screen certainly won't be to all tastes, but its superb resolution, excellent responsiveness and quality acoustic feedback make it one of the best setups available. When optioned up to MMI navigation plus, the RS monitor feature also provides information including drive temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, and tyre temperature. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and head-up displays remain optional.
Both revised RS5 models come on 19-inch wheels, with three variants of 20-inch rim - including gloss black and matt bronze options - available. Brakes are steel discs but, as usual, a carbon ceramic alternative can be fitted at extra cost. Sales of the newly updated cars are expected to begin shortly, with European pricing quoted as starting at €83,500 (around £70,000).
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