RS 5 Sportback in 2019

Bringing a whole new dimension to the high-performance sportscar ranks, the Audi RS 5 Sportback will arrive in Australia at the start of 2019. This is the first time that the RS 5 model has been offered as a five-door Sportback and the added practicality of this configuration adds to the already tremendous appeal of this performance special.

The Sportback configuration melds seamlessly with the timeless lines of its Coupe sibling to create a unique marriage of performance and practicality. With a lightweight chassis, dynamic quattro drive and a powerful V6 biturbo engine, the RS 5 Sportback delivers on all fronts and is certain to strike a chord with Australian customers.

The design gives the RS 5 Sportback an unmistakable presence on the road, with designers drawing inspiration from the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race cars, with huge air inlets on either side of the distinctive Singleframe grille as much a practical consideration as a design element. The sweeping sculptured bonnet and flowing lines are very much in keeping with the design of the Coupe, and indeed the silhouette retainers the distinctive coupe-like line with the muscular wheel arches flaring out over the wheels – a nod to the car’s quattro heritage.

The heart and should of the RS 5 Sportback is the all-new Audi-developed 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine boasting 331kW of power and a massive 600Nm of torque available between 1900rpm and 5000rpm. In real terms, this translates to blistering acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Power flows through an eight-speed tiptronic with optimised shift times to deliver a constant stream of power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The drive forces are distributed asymmetrically (40:60) to the front and rear axles, to guarantee dynamic handling with optimal traction in all conditions. The sport differential actively transfers torque to the rear wheel with most traction, for powerful cornering acceleration. A five-link suspension arrangement is used on the front and rear axle which not only benefits the sporty driving characteristics and agility but also improves comfort significantly. With the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the new Audi RS 5 Sportback sits much lower than the production A5 Sportback models. Audi also offers ceramic brakes and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning. 

The RS 5 Sportback lacks nothing in terms of interior comfort, appoint and technology in its superb interior. RS sport seats with diamond stitching are finished in Fine Nappa leather, while the RS logo also appears on the flat-bottom sports steering wheel, door-sill trims and the selector lever. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit provide information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces, while a shift light prompts the driver to upshift upon reaching the rev limit.

When it arrives in Australia, the new RS 5 Sportback will be equipped with a substantial level of standard specification, equivalent to its Coupe sibling and identical priced at $157,700*. Key highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, gloss black exterior styling package, panoramic glass sunroof, as well as privacy glass and red-painted brake calipers.

Like the Coupe, a suite of high-performance features will be standard on all Australian RS 5 Sportback vehicles, including the quattro sport rear differential, RS sports exhaust system, as well as Dynamic Ride Control with adaptive dampers.

The RS 5 Sportback boasts myriad infotainment and high-tech inclusions, like the Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect, smartphone interface and DAB+ digital radio, as well as the high-end Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

In addition the RS 5 Sportback features additional standard equipment that will also be available in the MY19 RS 5 Coupe, such as head-up display, Phone box light wireless smartphone charging and USB outlets for rear passengers.

The all-new Audi RS 5 Sportback will land in Australian showrooms in February.

*MLP – Manufacturer's List Price (excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)