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I may stand and watch the warm-up sequence of the matrix LED headlights on the Audi RS 5 Sportback for minutes at a time, perhaps longer.
The right pixel choreography that ensues as soon as the unlock button on the important thing fob is pressed is really dazzling, as small daytime runners on the high of the meeting gentle up in amber and white, sequentially, after which forwards and backwards, earlier than the amber aspect marker and most important LEDs gentle up.
It’s like a digital piano slide – all that’s lacking is the music. The sunshine present isn’t only for the fronts both, because the rear LEDs even have a wake-up routine that’s enjoyable to look at, albeit not fairly as elaborate.
I point out these lighting sequences as a result of they’re emblematic of the RS 5’s character as a technological and efficiency powerhouse, the place almost each side is turned as much as 11. This automotive is a feast for the senses on many ranges.
To reset, the present second gen RS 5 debuted in 2018 as a coupe solely, which I had the great fortune of reviewing for this web site. The Sportback four-door adopted in 2019, and each fashions obtained a styling replace for the 2020 mannequin 12 months that introduced them to their present kind.
Just like the coupe, the RS 5 relies on the A5, albeit with a way more emotional and aggressive design than its siblings, and much more energy. Audi retired the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 used within the first gen RS 5 in favour of a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 which produces 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The V6 has the identical horsepower score because the V8, however with an additional 125 lb-ft value of torque in a smaller bundle that’s 31 kg (68 kilos) lighter. Energy is put to the bottom by way of Audi’s Tiptronic eight-speed computerized transmission and commonplace quattro all-wheel drive.
As a result of it’s an Audi Sport mannequin, the RS 5 Sportback receives all of the 4 Rings finest stuff from a chassis perspective. This implies a normal RS sport suspension, which will be outfitted with an elective Dynamic Trip Management characteristic which brings hydraulic roll and pitch stabilization to the social gathering by way of metal springs and three-stage adjustable dampers. All RS 5s are outfitted with commonplace 19-inch wheels, however a number of 20-inchers can be found, as are carbon-ceramic brakes.
Audi drive choose has been expanded to incorporate two new modes, RS1 and RS2, which can be utilized to retailer the motive force’s preferences for gadgets corresponding to engine sound, transmission, damping and dynamic steering, and will be accessed by way of the RS Mode button on the steering wheel.
Dimensionally, an additional set of doorways makes the RS 5 Sportback 60.9 mm (2.4 inches) longer than the coupe general, however it additionally rides on a wheelbase that’s longer by the identical quantity. The Sportback format gives a commodious 617.3 litres of cargo area with the rear seatbacks folded down.
Contained in the cabin, the primary draw is Audi’s 12.3-inch HD digital cockpit instrument cluster show, a deeply configurable display screen that can be utilized to relay a great deal of data, from gasoline consumption information to actual time torque and horsepower readings, to detailed navigation maps. One other large digital show is the one positioned within the centre sprint, a ten.1-inch HD touchscreen unit that serves as the primary multimedia unit. Seat and trim finishes are a mixture of Nappa leather-based (seating) with pink quilted stitching, with piano black plastics, and brushed metallic accents.
For the needs of this evaluation, Audi Canada set me up with a Sonoma Inexperienced Metallic tester with a black Nappa leather-based inside. As the value line under signifies, this automotive has been outfitted with a great deal of elective package, as is the norm for a lot of press autos.
Among the many choice bins which have been ticked listed below are three packages: Audi Sport, Bronze and Premium. The Audi Sport bundle ($3,400) consists of RS sport suspension plus with dynamic journey management, dynamic steering, tire strain monitoring system and velocity restrict enhance to 280 km/h.
The Bronze Package deal ($11,200) covers 20-inch five-arm bronze wheels, matte carbon entrance spoiler and mirrors, black optics and black rings, black Nappa leather-based inside with bronze sew and matte carbon inlays.
Lastly, the Premium Package deal ($3,100) delivers a load of package, together with top-view digital camera, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, rear seat USB charging, wi-fi charging, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lively lane help, and extra. Stand alone choices embody sport exhaust ($1,350), head-up show ($1,100), carbon fibre engine cowl ($650) and pink brake calipers ($500).
At first look, the RS 5 Sportback’s blacked-out trim, 20-inch wheels and flared fenders exude an unmistakable Audi Sport look that aligns nicely with the automotive’s efficiency credentials. I’m drawn to finer particulars, corresponding to frameless home windows, a large and low Singleframe grille that sports activities a novel RS honeycomb sample, and curvaceous character strains that hint the automotive’s muscular sheet steel. Lighting would be the RS 5’s most dazzling characteristic, however the automotive’s visible enchantment runs a lot deeper than a cool gentle present.
Sliding behind the steering wheel, it’s the main points that entice my consideration once more: a surprising and seemingly endlessly customizable digital cockpit show, carbon fibre trim accents within the sprint and centre console, a honeycomb sew sample within the Nappa leather-based seats and a powerful Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.
The extra time spent within the RS 5, the extra satisfied I grew to become that for as participating as it’s to drive, it’s simply as a lot enjoyable to expertise. A number of occasions throughout my take a look at I simply sat within the cockpit, watching its screens, whereas working my fingertips over its diversified surfaces. It’s fairly a sensory expertise.
Sure, the sloping rear roofline and smallish greenhouse are negatives for outward visibility and make the automotive really feel smaller inside than its exterior dimensions recommend, however they don’t diminish the automotive’s worth a lot.
As for the drive, nicely, you possibly can in all probability think about what the RS 5 Sportback is like: it’s totally grin-inducing. Tapping the RS Mode button skips all of the fiddling and simply lets all of the Audi Sport hang around. And it’s a really pleasant expertise: loud exhaust with off-throttle backfiring, hair-trigger acceleration, weightier steering, delayed transmission upshifting and a stiffer journey.
I didn’t attempt to replicate Audi’s efficiency numbers, zero-100 km (62.1 m.p.h.) in 3.9 seconds with a high velocity of 280 km/h (174 m.p.h.) however, pricey reader, imagine me once I say the RS 5 Sportback is quick. It’s quick off the road, it’s quick in combined site visitors, and it’s quick on the freeway. Quattro all-wheel drive delivers energy to the nook that wants it to get the automotive by way of turns with steering that gives good suggestions with minimal understeer.
Apparently, when the drive choose is dialed to consolation or auto, it behaves very similar to a traditional premium sport sedan: quiet cabin, stiff, however not backbreaking journey, and brisk acceleration. Add these advantages to a useable again seat, elevated cargo capability and full-time all-wheel drive, and there’s an argument to be made that the RS 5 Sportback is a close to very best high-performance automotive.
However have I advised you concerning the lights?
The automobile was supplied to the author by the automaker. Content material and automobile evaluations weren’t topic to approval.
2022 AUDI RS 5 SPORTBACK AT A GLANCE
BODY STYLE: Mid-size high-performance sedan
DRIVE METHOD: Entrance-engine, all-wheel-drive, eight-speed computerized transmission
ENGINE: 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (444 hp / 442 lb-ft)
FUEL ECONOMY: (Premium 93+) 13.1 / 9.4 / 11.4 L / 100 km (metropolis / freeway / mixed)
CARGO VOLUME: 617.3 litres (21.8 cu ft.)
PRICE: $87,400 base / $112,440, as examined, together with freight, excl. taxes
WEBSITE: www.audi.ca
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