The Audi RS 5 first burst into the market as a Coupe from 2013-2016 in the United States and a second-generation as a Coupe in 2018 and Sportback in 2019 with stark design features, class-leading technology, and true raw power. Updated for the 2021 model year, the 2021 RS 5 Coupe and Sportback feature a more aggressive exterior design, innovative technology including the new MIB 3 infotainment system, and more horsepower and torque. Furthermore, the RS 5 Coupe and Sportback are available in two limited edition variants – the Ascari launch edition and the Black optic launch edition.
Following the designs of the RS 6 Avant and the RS 7, the 2021 RS 5 Coupe and Sportback exterior has been refined with a more aggressive style with wider wheel arches and large contoured air inlets which are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. Other sporty accents include large oval ‘RS’ exhaust pipes and an RS-specific diffuser.
“For the black optic launch edition cars, the point was to make something special for the launch of the updated RS 5 that could not be recreated by a customer at a later date,” said Anthony Garbis, Senior Manager, Product Planning, Audi of America. “Mainly, the 20” 5-segment-spoke-Evo design wheels in high-gloss black are exclusive to this edition and will not be used in the future. The RS design package interior with the flat-bottom Alcantara steering wheel will also never be used again.”
Similar to its aggressive exterior, horizontal lines dominate the interior with unique front and rear seats. The driver and passenger Standard honeycomb stitched S sport seats come with RS embossing including power side bolsters and massage function while the rear seats are heated. The new large 10.1-inches MMI® touch display features the all-new MIB 3 infotainment system, to help make smartphone interactions easier for the driver. The driver’s dashboard can be customized to include information including torque, power output, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements, and even g-forces. The optional head-up display also offers an exclusive RS display mode while the RS 5 models come standard equipped with Audi pre sense city and lane departure warning.
Available in only 25 Coupe and 100 Sportback units, the Ascari launch edition includes
- 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® 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 all 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
Available in only 100 Coupe and 325 Sportback units, the Black optic launch edition includes
- 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® 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
The RS 5 Coupe and Sportback feature a 2.9-liter V6 TFSI® 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.
