Refreshed Audi RS5 – Bolder exterior and carbon and Alcantara trimmed interior

2019 have been a busy year for Audi. Releasing models such as the RS6, RSQ8 and RSQ3, to name a few. The new RS5 was launched in 2017 but after only 2 years, it is apparently time for an update. Why Audi is doing this after only a few years is something to discuss for another time, but I can say this. No one wants to play catch up. The updated version takes cue from the new RS6 and is here to be taken seriously, but what is updated, and is it worth buying from what is revealed? Continue reading to find out!

At last, this design is something I have been longing for! Previous RS5 models have in my opinion looked very bland as well as not been able to stand out compared to the regular A5. This is changed all together with the new RS5. The front has gotten wider and with the open slit over the grille, seen in the new A1, together with the matrix LED lights, the front looks sharper than ever. Removing the bulkiness of the front is a massive step forward in Audis new design language.

The rear is, in contrast, much more rounded, and simpler. The lower part which encloses the exhaust tips are redesigned and can be done in carbon if you select the right options, which you should. Other than this, the rear remains fairly unchanged.

The Coupe is available with a carbon fibre roof which decreases weight by a tad under 4 kilograms. It is not just lighter. Imagine the bragging rights. If someone talks about their big sunroof, you can say that that is cool, but have you seen my carbon roof? Also, the new color Turbo blue with black rims looks stunning.

Inside, the whole cabin is darker. A thinner 10.1 inch display sits on top of the center console, which is in carbon fibre, and with MMI navigation plus, there is a specific RS-monitor which displays tire temp and pressure, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, and information regarding the status of the differential. By further opting out, you can get the 12.3 inch virtual cockpit where you can choose between several screens. Nothing new, but there is also here a possibility of a RS-screen.

Alcantara plaid seats come as standard and can be opted to have red or grey stitching. I am going into very minute details because by just looking at the interior. The changes are minute. I actually put the 2018 and the 2019 model side by side and was a bit disappointed in the lack of change.

Power remains unchanged, meaning 450 hp and 600 Nm. Impressively enough, the peak torque is reached at 1900 rpm. RS1 and RS2 are two new modes, giving you the fastest shifts and responsiveness, and these modes are accessible through an RS button on the steering wheel. New, non-standard 20 inch wheels are available and can be painted in the normal colors, but there is also matt bronze which I am a sucker for. No other major changes underneath have been made.

Audi says that the sale of the updated RS5 will begin shortly which means that it could be a 2019-, but most probably a 2020 model. Price starts at 83500 Euro, or 880 thousand sek. Is the car worth it though? Well, the exterior got the biggest update and with the paint scheme it looks properly aggressive and ready to fight. The problem is that the most things that are new are extra options, which would without question drive the price of the car to over 100000 Euro. You are starting to enter the realm of the RS6 and RS7. Still worth it?