The new Audi RS5 Sportback is now available to order, with first deliveries in Europe scheduled for mid-2019.
Audi Sport’s latest model combines the dynamic looks of the RS5 Coupe with the increased practicality of a five-door coupe bodystyle.
Power comes from the same twin-turbo 2.9-liter TFSI V6 engine, meaning an output of 444hp (450PS) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) of torque that’s available between 1,900 and 5,000rpm. Audi claims that the RS5 Sportback is capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 3.9 seconds and of a top speed of 174mph (280km/h), the latter if you tick the right option in the list.
The twin-turbo engine works with a specially-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a beefed-up Quattro all-wheel drive system that features a self-locking center differential. The system comes with a default 40:60 front-to-rear torque split but it can shift up to 70 percent of the torque up front and up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear if it detects loss of traction.
As with the Coupe, there’s an optional sport differential for the rear axle that helps in further sharpening the handling of the fast Audi.
Compared to the S5 Sportback, the new Audi RS5 Sportback sits 7mm (0.3in) lower while Audi Sport offers the option of an RS sport suspension, ceramic brakes and adaptive dynamic steering with an RS-specific setup.
Prices for the new Audi RS5 Sportback start from 82,700 euros in its home market of Germany.