2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback

History/Overview

The RS 5 Sportback is the quickest version of Audi's A5 series of compact sedans and coupes, this time in the Sportback body shape which is Audi for four-doors and a coupe-like roofline with a hatch in the back. More stylish than a sedan and more practical than a two-door coupe, it's a shape that's quickly gaining market points.

What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year

The A5 and variants were updated for model year 2020, but the RS version didn't get those styling updates until this model year. Instead, it took the year off last year and skips from MY 2019 to 2021. Now it has an angry new nose with a wider and flatter grille, with new laser light LED Matrix headlights. It also has a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen display with improved phone connectivity. New wheels and performance tires are standard as is virtual cockpit and a host of new driver assistance features.

Available Trims

RS 5 Sportback comes in just one trim, equipped with a 444 hp 2.9L turbo V6, eight-speed auto, and quattro all-wheel drive

Standard Features

Starting with 20-inch wheels and 275-wide performance tires, the RS 5 has a quattro sport differential and RS Sport suspension to help handle the car's power. A foot-activated trunk is standard as are LED matrix-design headlights with Laser Light and LED tails with animation.

Inside are Alcantara and leather sports seats with diamond stitching. The seats are heated in front with multi-way adjustable. Audi virtual cockpit display is standard as is a 10-speaker audio system and 10.1-inch touch display with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Navigation is standard. Driver assistance features include Audi Connect Security and Assistance, lane departure warning, first-aid kit, pre-sense city and rear, side assist, exit warning, auto-dimming mirror, and cruise control

Key Options

A Premium Package offers ambient lighting, Nappa leather, Bang & Olufsen sound, and rear seat charging. Advanced Driver Assistance includes adaptive cruise, congestion assist, active lane assist, traffic sign recognition, and pre-sense front. Sport package adds RS suspension with dynamic ride control along with special trim. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.

Fuel Economy

As of this writing, Audi hasn’t published fuel consumption ratings for the 2021 RS 5 Sportback, but with no changes to the powertrain we expect a figure close to the 13.5 L/100 km city, 9.0 highway of the 2019 model.

Competition

The RS 5 Sportback competes with BMW's M4 as well as the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.