Updated Audi RS 5 Coupé – better performance and fuel efficiency

The refreshed Audi RS 5 Coupé has made its way to Australia with better performance and less fuel consumption. Price from A$161,400, it is now available with two new optional Dynamic Sport Packages that is said to improve the handling of the sports coupé.

Both packages include Sports Suspension Plus with Dynamic Ride Control, Sports Exhaust system with blackened tail pipes and a choice of 20-inch ‘Rotor’ design alloy wheels in aluminium or titanium finish.

Visually, the corners of the Audi RS 5’s single-frame grille are now bevelled. However, the most noticeable update is the car’s new wedge-shaped headlights. They incorporate narrow LED strips for the daytime running lights. The taillights and rear bumper have also been redesigned.

In the cabin, a flat-bottomed steering wheel is now standard on the RS 5, while Audi has also improved on the functionality of the MMI Navigation system. Buyers can also opt for the Valcona leather that comes with a choice of diamond quilting for A$14,990, while contrasting red leather elements cost A$9,400. Elsewhere, the gear selector knob, steering column stalks and buttons for the standard Audi drive select are all new. Even the ignition key has been redesigned.

Under the bonnet, the RS 5’s 4.2-litre normally aspirated V8 produces the same 331kW (444hp/450PS) of power at 8,250rpm and 430Nm of torque between 4,000 and 6,000rpm as the pre-facelifted model, but returns a combined fuel economy of just 10.5L/100km of fuel, down 0.3L/100km. This compares well with others in its class such as the BMW M3 which returns 11.2L/100km combined, and the thirsty Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG’s 12.1L/100km.

When paired with Audi’s 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox, the all-wheel drive RS 5 dashes from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but can be raised to 280km/h on request.