2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe and Sportback: exterior design and technology updates
10/01/2020
Audi
The Audi RS 5 Coupe and Sportback have been updated for the 2021 model year - featuring a more aggressive exterior design than the previous generation, innovative technology and benchmark infotainment including the new MIB 3 infotainment system.
New for 2021, the RS 5 Coupe and Sportback are available in two limited edition variants - the Ascari launch edition and Black optic launch edition.
Streamlined exterior and interior design
The RS 5 Coupe and Sportback feature a more refined exterior design for the 2021 model year. Following the designs of the RS 6 Avant and the RS 7, the Singleframe grille is wider and flatter than its predecessor and the wider wheel arches (+15 mm compared to A5/S5) give the RS 5 a more impressive stance. Ventilation style slits above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984 and the strong, largely contoured air inlets have been given a new, pentagon shape. Additional sporty accents on the rear include an RS-specific diffuser and large oval "RS" exhaust pipes.
Both the RS 5 Coupe and Sportback are standard equipped with Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser light, and LED taillights with dynamic turn signals and animation. The standard LED lighting plus package on both the Coupe and Sportback offers more than 30 different color combinations for greater customization of the interior.
Horizontal lines dominate the interior of the new RS 5 Coupe and Sportback. Standard honeycomb stitched S sport seats with RS embossing include power side bolsters and massage function, and are covered in fine Nappa leather, along with the center console and door armrests. The RS 5 Sportback is also now standard equipped with heated rear seats.
The new operating concept is concentrated on the large MMI(R) touch display which serves as the focal point of the instrument panel. The 10.1-inch touchscreen (1,540 x 720 pixels) features the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system, offering drivers a more connected experience. Standard Audi smartphone interface for compatible devices, provides wireless Apple CarPlay(TM) and Google(TM) Android Auto integration via USB connection, to help make smartphone interactions easier for the driver.
Special RS displays provide information on tire pressure and temperature, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g-forces. The optional head-up display also offers an exclusive RS display mode.
Two new launch edition models
The Ascari launch edition and Black optic launch edition, available for both the Coupe and Sportback, feature unique exterior and interior design elements to further differentiate the models.
Ascari launch edition includes (25 Coupe / 100 Sportback units):
Audi exclusive Ascari Blue metallic paint
Blue brake calipers and ceramic front brakes
20" 5-arm-flag design forged wheels in silver finish with summer performance tires
Carbon fiber trimmed engine cover
3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel in Alcantara(R) with shift paddles
Audi dynamic steering which offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting
Audi exclusive painted matte alu optic side sill inlays
RS Carbon matte inlays and RS design package interior with gray contrast stitching
RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control and RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes
Driver assistance package and navigation package
Black optic launch edition includes (100 Coupe / 325 Sportback units):
20" 5-segment-spoke-evo design wheels in high-gloss black finish with summer performance tires
Available colors include Mythos Black, Glacier White, Daytona Gray, Nardo Gray, Tango Red.
Black Audi rings and badges
Black roof (Coupe only, excludes Mythos Black)
High-gloss black exterior elements including black mirror housings, front spoiler and rear diffuser trim
3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel in Alcantara(R) with shift paddles
Audi dynamic steering which offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting
Dynamic package which includes red brake calipers, RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control and the RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes
RS Carbon matte inlays and RS design package interior with red contrast stitching
Driver assistance package and navigation package
Powertrain and performance
The RS 5 Coupe and Sportback feature a 2.9-liter V6 TFSI(R) bi-turbo engine which generates 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the RS 5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds for the Coupe, 3.8 for the Sportback, and achieve a top track speed of 155 mph, or to 174 mph with the Ascari launch edition for both variants.
The quick-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic transmission directs the power of the engine to the permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The driver can control the gear change via the large aluminum shift paddles. The standard quattro(R) sport rear differential with RS-specific tuning offers a dynamic driving experience by actively splitting torque between the wheels of the rear axle, with the ability to direct nearly all available rear torque to one wheel.
The two RS models are standard equipped with a fixed RS sport suspension. With the available Dynamic package, the RS sport suspension with the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) uses steel springs and adjustable dampers to increase the support and reduce pitch and roll movements to improve the vehicle's overall driving dynamics.
Drivers can customize their driving experience through the standard Audi drive select system with six different profiles: comfort, auto, dynamic and individual and the new RS-specific modes, RS1 and RS2, which can be activated directly via the "'RS-MODE'" button on the steering wheel. Each mode allows the driver to adjust the quattro sport differential, dynamic steering, and dynamic ride control (if equipped), in addition to being able to change gear shift points, steering and throttle response.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
All RS 5 models come standard equipped with Audi pre sense city and lane departure warning. The integrated toll module, which is a toll transponder built into the vehicle's rearview mirror, allowing drivers to access compatible toll roads services in the U.S. and in parts of Canada, is also standard equipment.
The available side assist package adds Audi pre sense rear, Audi side assist, and matte alu optic exterior mirror housings. The available RS driver assistance package adds adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist with hands on detection steering wheel, park assist, top view camera system, and head-up display with traffic sign recognition.
2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe and Sportback manufacturer suggested retail prices:
Model
Starting MSRP
2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe
$75,100
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback
$75,400
2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe Ascari launch edition
$95,600
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback Ascari launch edition
$95,900
2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe Black optic launch edition
$87,400
2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback Black optic launch edition
$87,400
Price excludes $1,045 destination charge, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.