Audi RS5 Sportback

The cabin of the 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback gets soft Nappa leather seats and upholstery. The materials used are all top-class. A metallic carbon-fibre weave runs in an organically shaped band right across the cabin. The central console gets a wide, single decorative band trim. It enhances the cabin's cool factor. Subtle chrome is spread all through the cabin highlighting the key parts. The central console gets a carbon-fibre finish. There are some scratchy plastics lower down the cabin but these are mostly invisible. The optional RS Design package substitutes Alcantara for the Nappa leather and adds red highlights. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The display is clear, and the response is quick. A 12.3-inch information cluster sits behind the multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel that comes with paddle shifters. The 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback comes with a generous 465-litre boot, though rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio have bigger cargo space. The RS badge is visible on the steering wheel, seats, and central console.

Looks-wise there's not much difference between the 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback and the 2024 Audi RS Q8 when viewed from the front. Both cars get the oversized blacked-out Audi grille. The RS5 Sportback gets a more aggressive front bumper with large air intakes. The pumped-up bodywork is retained on the sides. The car runs on 19-inch alloy wheels under the swollen arches. The 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback retains the sloping roofline from the Coupe version. There's a subtle boot-lid spoiler at the back, and the bumper is more aggressive. The taillights are slim. The car gets all-round LED lighting. The matching set of oval-shaped, massive exhaust pipes completes the Sportback's looks.

The cabin of the 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback is spacious and airy. The driving position is perfect with lots of steering wheel and seat adjustments. Both front seats get plenty of upper-back support. The bolster and electrically actuated pneumatic lumbar support feel more natural. It's easy to find the most supportive position. Both front seats get massage function. The second row has enough legroom, and even with the sloping roofline, there's no dearth of headroom for tall passengers. The back support on all seats is really good. The rear seats get a 40:20:40 split-folding option to increase the boot space. The dual-zone climate control cools the cabin fast. The adjustable suspension absorbs most of the bumps.

The 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback is hauled by a twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder, 2.9-liter petrol engine that produces a whooping 450PS/600Nm. The motor is mated to an eight-speed Quattro automatic all-wheel-drive. While the power output is marginally less than the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the RS5 Sportback is super-quick. There’s a sporty edge to the RS5 Sportback’s ride. But at the same time, it happily trundles around town and offers a planted drive on highways.

The 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback is packed with driver-assist features and safety equipment. The standard-fit rearview camera takes the pain out while parking in tight spots. Navigation is optional. The car gets adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and self-parking assist are optional.

The 2024 Audi RS5 Sportback is among the most stylish cars in the German manufacturer's portfolio. The cabin is plush and comfortable, well-appointed, and has several storage spaces. The engine is powerful, the ride quality stable, and it is backed by German engineering. It's a great car for those who don't mind spending more for a premium traveling experience.