The 349-horsepower S5 Sportback is positioned below the 444-horsepower RS5 Sportback, which is positioned above the four-cylinder A5 version of the Audi Sportback. The RS5 is powered by a twin-turbo V-6 engine that produces 444 horsepower. The fact that this four-door vehicle is designated as a Sportback should tip you off to the fact that rather than a trunk like a sedan, it has a hatchback. In comparison to the RS5 two-door coupe, which we cover in a separate article, this RS5 has a greater degree of utility thanks to the addition of two more doors and a versatile hatch. Either RS5 uses only an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive in conjunction with its high-strung V-6 engine. The Audi RS5 has a driving demeanour that is sometimes more clinical than engaging, especially when contrasted with the maximum-performance four-doors produced by BMW and Alfa Romeo. The RS5 is significantly more adept at cornering and has significantly more thrust when accelerating than its less powerful stablemates. The Competition package that was delivered the previous year, on the other hand, helps to make up for some of that deficit. What’s in Store for the Year 2024? The RS5 now comes standard with an adaptive cruise control system, active lane assistance, and park assist. These features were previously optional. However, the carbon-ceramic brakes that were previously standard on the Competition variant are not presently available for purchase. Along with traffic-sign recognition and six months of Audi Connect Plus, which combines third-party applications into the multimedia interface, the navigation system is an available option. Tango Red metallic has been replaced by Progressive Red metallic, however other than that, the colour options have remained the same. Pricing and Deciding Which Product to Purchase The Competition version, which is technically an option package, is now going for an additional $10,300, which is a significant drop from what it was going for the previous year. At that price, we have no choice but to agree. Even while spending the extra money won’t bring you an increase in horsepower, the Competition model is a more engaging experience than the ordinary version. The sport exhaust system, which is also sold separately, and the decreased amount of sound deadening contribute to the vehicle’s distinctively throatier engine note. In addition, the package enhances the driver’s participation with Sport Direct steering, and the package’s more rigid suspension features a ride-height adjustment that can be adjusted manually. In addition, for an additional cost of $1,500, we would get the RS Driver Assistance package, which includes a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. Furthermore, for an additional cost of $500, we would get the Audi Side Assist package, which includes blind-spot monitoring. Performance, as well as the Engine and the Transmission There is only one engine option available for the RS5 Sportback, and it is a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 that produces 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an automated gearbox that has eight gears and paddle shifters, and it distributes torque to all four wheels. Not only does Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system maximise traction, but it also has the capability of directing additional torque to the rear wheels when it’s required to do so. The very first test drive we took in the vehicle demonstrated that it is able to maintain its composure at highway speeds and is a blast to rush around curves thanks to its well-controlled body movements and predictable handling. In all of the Dynamic settings other than the most sporty one, the adaptive dampers produce a smooth ride. The RS5 Sportback was also put through its paces on the racecourse, where it reached 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds. This demonstrates that the RS5 can keep up with the more powerful 505-horsepower Alfa Romeo Giulia QF and 503-horsepower BMW M3 Competition, at least up to 60 miles per hour, despite the fact that those two cars pull ahead by the quarter-mile mark. The all-wheel-drive system in the Audi contributed to its superior launch performance in comparison to the rear-wheel-drive systems in the Alfa and the BMW. Economy on fuel and actual miles per gallon The EPA estimates that the RS5 Sportback has a city fuel economy of 18 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 25 mpg. In comparison, the Giulia QF gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the interstate, and the M3 sedan gets 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The most recent RS5 Sportback that we put through our rigorous testing process achieved 26 miles per gallon when driven on a highway at 75 miles per hour. Visit the website of the EPA for further details regarding the RS5 Sportback’s mileage and fuel efficiency. Cargo Space, Interior Design, and Amenities The cabin of the Audi RS5 Sportback is a showcase for the company’s generally refined design aesthetic as well as its exceptional build quality. The driver is presented with an attractive flat-bottom steering wheel, and behind the wheel is a huge digital gauge cluster measuring 12.3 inches. In the event that you get the sudden urge to drop a gear or two and charge into your preferred set of esses, there is a pair of short paddle shifters located on the wheel for you to use. The RS5’s cockpit is further distinguished by seats that have elaborate stitching and come equipped with heated and cooled surfaces, power side bolsters, and massage capabilities. 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