Audi RS 5

The interior of the 2024 RS5 is typically Audi. The cabin is built to a very high standard to offer a premium travelling experience. For most part, the cabin sets a class standard. The materials used are all first class and that makes the experience even more special. A metallic carbon-fibre weave runs in an organically shaped band across the cabin. It’s matched by a single decorative wide trim band on the centre console. Subtle hints of chrome are sporadically scattered across the cabin. The colours and textures are layered in a very sophisticated manner. The dashboard gets a high-mounted 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, paired with a   19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. There’s also a panoramic sunroof.

The 2024 Audi RS5 looks stunning. The low-slung profile is an immediate attention grabber. The arched, tight-fitting coupe-like roof, fastback-style rear and the pillar-less doors, work superbly together. Following the 2021 update, the front-end now gets a wider and flatter grille that sits below the new slits. It reminds me of the classic Audi Sport Quattro. The wheel arches are now wider and bulge out an extra bit to lend the 2024 Audi RS5 a couched-cat stance. The nose is well executed and has a lot of character with the sharp creases and cuts. The car gets new accents on the large exhaust pipes and the rear diffuser. The arrow-shaped form on the Sportback’s rear enhances the car’s look. The subtle spoiler and wide hips set the tone. The decorative faux 'metal' strip that runs around the oval exhausts looks great.

The 2024 Audi RS5 gets standard front sport seats that offer great support during cornering and are comfortable during long road trips. The seats get powered side bolsters, honeycomb stitching, and massage functions. The headroom on the rear seats are a bit compromised because of the sloping-down roof. But they still get a decent amount of legroom. The back support is comfortable. The suspension system of the Audi RS5 rounds off most of the bumps. It’s neither too noisy. The ride is a bit stiff. On a bad-surface road, there’s a lot of up-down movements. 

The 2024 Audi RS5 is equipped with a twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder, 2.9-litre petrol engine that produces 450 PS/600 Nm. The motor is mated to an eight-speed, all-wheel-drive automatic transmission. While the engine is powerful, acceleration isn’t much peppy. The big turbocharged cylinders need some time to spool up. The explosive performance expected from an Audi RS car isn't quite there. The car itself is heavy, but the steering wheel is light and nicely balanced. It promptly responds to driver inputs. For a car of its size, the 2024 Audi RS5 is surprisingly agile. It rotates beautifully on the turn-in. Handling the car is easy, particularly with its all-wheel-drive system. It merges nicely with traffic and offers a balanced ride on highways. 

The 2024 Audi RS5 comes with a fully equipped safety system. The kit includes the Audi Virtual Cockpit with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The car gets a reverse parking camera, parking sensors, and multiple airbags. The optional navigation system adds traffic-sign recognition and a six-month subscription of Audi Connect Plus.

At a starting price of AED 376,900, the 2024 Audi RS5 is one of the most expensive cars in its segment. It may not offer the same brand appeal of other Audis but it’s certainly a charming car. The RS5 is meant for premium, personal driving pleasure.