Audi Sport has done a pretty good job at designing the new RS5 Sportback. The most hardcore edition of the four-door coupe looks aggreessive, is very practical and can go like stink, with its chassis setup encouraging users to keep their right foot down most of the time.
Courtesy of a 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V6 and its 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW) and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque that’s paired to an 8-speed auto and all-wheel drive, it sprints from rest to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), but can be raised to 174 mph (280 km/h) with the optional Dynamic Plus Package.
Also Read: Audi Sport Wastes No Time As Facelifted RS5 Sportback Begins Testing
The latter option costs $5,800 and adds other items, like the front carbon ceramic brakes. You could also opt for the $3,350 Dynamic Package, which brings a two-mode electronically control suspension that improves the ride quality in Comfort, even on the 20-inch wheels, or makes everything firmer, at the push of a button. The latest RS5 Sportback even sounds good, but it does feature a noise generator in the cabin, and that’s probably one of its drawbacks.
Elsewhere, it has plenty of space at the back for adults, a very practical boot and good visibility all around. The (admittedly old) MMI infotainment system, with an 8.3-inch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is easy to control and does the job very nicely indeed, while customers can also opt for a digital instrument cluster.
Perhaps one of the biggest letdowns when it comes to the 2019 RS5 Sportback is its price: it starts from $74,200, and the example tested by CNET’s RoadShow nudged $100,000. Still, you can always be a little more careful while ticking those option boxes, so the real question is, is it worth considering over something like an M3?