The refined refined exterior of the models brings them in line with the latest design in the Audi lineup. The Singleframe grille is flatter, wheel arches are wider, and the LED headlights are standard. At the back are new pentagon-shaped, contoured inlets. The more confident stance further differentiates the RS 5 from the A5 and S5.

The 2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe and Sportback Black Optic special edition model will feature a black roof.Photo courtesy of Audi AG

Horizontal lines dominate the interior of the RS 5. 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.

At the center of each model is now the 10.1-inch infotainment screen, which runs using the MIB3 operating system. That system allows for standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among other capabilities. 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.

All RS 5 Coupe and Sportback cars feature the automaker’s 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6 engine that creates 444 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Coupe can get from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds while the Sportback takes 3.8 seconds. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The company’s RS sport suspension is standard. With the available Dynamic package, the RS sport suspension with the Dynamic Ride Control uses steel springs and adjustable dampers to increase the support and reduce pitch and roll movements to improve the vehicle’s overall driving dynamics.

Audi will sell the models in two new variants: the Ascari launch edition and the Black Optic launch edition. Both have unique exterior and interior design elements that set them apart from the flock.

The Ascari model has Ascari Blue metallic paint, bue brake calipers and ceramic front brakes, 20-inch five-arm-flag design forged wheels in silver finish with summer performance tires, carbon fiber trimmed engine cover, three-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, painted matte alu optic side sill inlays, RS Carbon matte inlays, RS design package interior with gray contrast stitching, RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control, RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes, the driver assistance package, and the navigation package. Just 25 Coupe and 100 Sportback versions of the car will be made.

The Black Optic model’s features list is slightly different and includes more options for buyers. It starts with 20-inch five-segment-spoke-evo design wheels in high-gloss black finish with summer performance tires. Buyers can choose from Mythos Black, Glacier White, Daytona Gray, Nardo Gray, or Tango Red paint colors. Black details extend from the Audi rings and badges to the room (excludes Mythos Black), mirror housings, front spoiler, and rear diffuser trim. It has the same steering wheel as the Ascari model and also features dynamic steering.

Audi has given the RS 5 Black Optic a dynamic package that includes red brake calipers, RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control, and the RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes. It also features RS Carbon matte inlays, RS design package interior with red contrast stitching, the driver assistance package, and the navigation package.

Slightly more of these will be made – 100 Coupe and 325 Sportback models.

All RS 5 models come standard equipped with Audi pre sense city and lane departure warning. 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.

The 2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe starts at $75,100. The 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback starts at $75,400. Special edition pricing ranges from $87,400 for the 2021 Audi RS 5 Coupe Black optic launch edition to $95,900 for the 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback Ascari launch edition. The price excludes a $1,405 designation charge.