After last week's announcement that Audi will be producing the latest RS4 in an estate form factor only, the RS5 has become the only option for those who want a fast Audi with space for four. And while the RS5 only has two doors, making it a coupe, it is far more of a sedan than the fire-breathing S6, which is the next best fast Audi.
The RS5 has just undergone a facelift, together with the rest of the A5 range , and links the 4,2-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the new RS4 Avant with some slightly updated exterior curves.
Changes are subtle, but include a new grille and front bumper, as well as an evolution of the current-generation A4’s wrap-around LED daytime running lights. At the rear, a cluster of LED lights have replaced the old style rear lamps, which sit above a newly designed rear bumper.
The engine might be new, but has kept the previous RS5’s love for revs untouched, while the output figures are identical, too. The V8 produces 331 kW at 8 250 rpm and 430 Nm of torque, which is exactly the same as that of the previous RS5, but thanks to some careful fettling, it will now despatch a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4,5 seconds.
Fuel consumption and C02 emissions are also slightly better than the older model.
With Audi retiring the RS4 sedan, and since the S4 (and S5) can look a little humble by comparison (although we have to admit that the 245 kW of our long-term test model always feels eager), the RS5 is the only real family sports car that Audi has on offer. And as the previous RS5 was released locally, we are pretty sure that the facelift version will break cover here sooner rather than later.
