Audi Sport Wastes No Time As Facelifted RS5 Sportback Begins Testing

Audi Sport models are well-known not only for their power but also for their short lifespans.

However, the current 2019 RS5 Sportback will probably beat a record in this respect as the facelifted version has already been spotted — about a year after the launch of the all-new generation model.

Following the reveal of the facelifted A4 earlier this year, Audi wants to refresh its entire A5 lineup as well and the 2020 RS5 Sportback will be the last to launch.

As with the facelifted Audi A4/S4, the A5, S5, and RS5 coupe, convertible, and Sportback models will get refreshed headlights with new LED graphics, a new front bumper with revised air intakes, and a new grille. In the case of the RS5 seen here in Sportback guise during testing, the treatment will be the most sporty, obviously.

At the rear, the RS5 Sportback will get updated taillights with a new LED signature as well as modest changes to the rear bumper. We don’t have photos of the interior yet but we should expect changes in line with the 2020 A4. The highlight will be the newer MMI infotainment system which ditches the central control knob on the center console in favor of a centrally mounted touchscreen with revised graphics and menus.

Also read: ABT RS5-R Sportback Makes It To Europe With 523 HP, Carbon Parts Galore

There’s no information on whether the facelifted Audi RS5 Sportback will bring a power bump or not but it’s likely Audi Sport will continue with the same 450 PS (444 hp) 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard quattro AWD. We could see the CO2 emissions reduced in some way or another, though.

Expect the refreshed Audi RS5 Sportback to debut in late 2019 or early 2020 at one of the major international auto shows, with sales to begin sometime in mid-2020.