The folks at Audi Sport were busy churning out new models this year. The German carmaker recently unveiled the facelifted versions of the 2020 RS5 Coupe and Sportback, which follows the styling updates of the A5 and S5 a couple of months back.
And as expected from an RS model, the changes are not so subtle. Following the design idiom of the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, the new RS5 Coupe and Sportback are pretty much genuine RS models at first glance.
The new Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback receives a new fascia
Audi made it clear it wants to further differentiate RS models from the regular S versions by giving the vehicles a more aggressive façade. Furthermore, RS models are lower and wider to deliver a more sporting vibe.
With that being said, both the Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback benefit from a comprehensive styling makeover. It starts with a new, wider, and bolder Singleframe grille and new headlights with optional matrix LED and laser light technology.
You’ll also find new air vents above the grille, which pays homage to the iconic face of Audi’s 1984 Quattro. The rear gets new side sills and a modified diffuser insert to complete the look. Also, the new RS5 Coupe and Sportback receive wider wheel arches housing some gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels. Of course, Audi is also offering three different sets of optional 21-inch wheels – finished in glossy black or matte bronze – if you want larger rollers.
Both vehicles are available in new paint colors
The 2020 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback can be optioned in two new paint colors: Turbo Blue and Tango Red. Both options will look doubly smashing when paired with Audi’s optional matte aluminum, gloss black, or carbon-fiber styling packages.
But no matter which package you choose, the RS5 Coupe also gets a new carbon-fiber roof which Audi claims helps shed a total of 4 Kg (8.8 pounds) of weight.
However, the engine remains unchanged
For all intents and purposes, both the Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback are properly fast cars. Equipped with a familiar 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 444-horses and 442 pound-feet of torque, the RS5 has no problem rushing to 62 mph in only 3.9-seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed is pegged at 174 mph.
The mighty V6 engine is paired with a slick eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel-drive. Braking power is courtesy of steel discs with black or red-painted calipers. If you select the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, you can choose to paint the calipers in either red, gray, or blue.
The interior is also new
The most noticeable change inside the 2020 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback is the new 10.1-inch Audi MMI infotainment system with optional MMI navigation plus. Also optional is Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus instrument cluster including an RS-specific display to measure your lap times and G-meters.
Alcantara is the material of choice for the steering wheel, seats, and gear selector. However, you can select genuine Nappa leather if you like the look and feel of cowhide. As with all RS models, the interior is festooned with either gray or red stitching to deliver a premium and sportier vibe.
The redesigned 2020 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback will first arrive in Germany and other parts of Europe this year. Apparently, Audi failed to disclose U.S. availability of both new RS5 models, but we’re expecting a mid-2020 release date with base prices starting at above $90,000.
