2019 Audi RS 5 Hatchback

Which RS 5 does Edmunds recommend?

Overall rating

When the first generation Audi RS 5 debuted, it encapsulated everything we love about coupes, even one closely related to a sedan. It was intimate, inherently prioritizing the needs of the driver and the sole passenger. Its non-turbocharged V8 engine soared to stratospheric revs, further underscoring its sense of occasion.

The 2019 Audi RS 5 is part of the model's second generation, which debuted last year. While it's traded some of its V8 character for a new twin-turbo V6, the new engine packs more punch, particularly in the lower part of the rev range. What hasn't changed is the sure-footedness delivered by Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, as well as an interior trimmed with world-class quality materials and technology.

There are minimal changes for 2019 models, but updates include the addition of enhanced navigation and Audi's high-definition widescreen digital gauge cluster (called Virtual Cockpit) as standard equipment. There's also a new body style, the RS 5 Sportback, which combines everything we love about the coupe-inspired-by-a-sedan and a, er, sedan. Imagine the same general shape as the RS 5 coupe, but longer, swoopier and four-doors-ier.

Thrilling as the RS 5 is, it's not without fault. There's not much cargo or cabin space, at least in the coupe. The Sportback potentially solves that issue, offering nearly double the cargo capacity behind the front seats. The suspension modes are either a little too rough or a little too sedate. And the engine sound, arguably the most visceral connection we'll have with the car, is a bit of a muted letdown compared with the sparkle of the previous generation's V8.

Incredibly capable and by all measures a top luxury sports car, we can't help but feel the RS 5 lacks a certain bite we expect of cars in this class, especially those with the feral roots of Audi's RS program. An RS 5 can dominate the road but may not inspire you to find new ones.

2019 Audi RS 5 models

The 2019 Audi RS 5 comes in only one trim level but two body styles: coupe and four-door hatchback. Both are identically equipped, so the choice comes down to whether you want two or four doors and whether you want more room for luggage and cargo. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (444 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque) that drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, parking sensors, automatic wipers, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, and three-zone automatic climate control. In-car tech comes in the form of an 8.3-inch infotainment display, a navigation system, a 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a configurable digital gauge cluster display (Virtual Cockpit).

A suite of driver assistance systems — forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and intervention, and blind-spot monitoring — also comes standard.

From here, Audi offers a variety of option packages to choose from. Included in these packages are mechanical upgrades such as carbon-ceramic front brakes, variable suspension dampers, a sport exhaust and variable-ratio steering. If you want driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and a lane keeping system, tick the box for the RS Driver Assistance package.

Other RS 5 optional features include different 20-inch wheel designs, carbon-fiber exterior trim, premium leather upholstery, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Trim tested

Driving

The RS 5 turns in an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and can pull a full g around the skidpad, which means high levels of road grip. Subjectively, it's missing some of the excitement expected of an RS car. In Sport mode, it transforms into a very dynamic performer, but it does so by using sophisticated differentials that simulate a neutral or even loose rear end, which ends up feeling artificial.

In normal driving modes, there's a significant lag before the engine spools up and starts moving the car. And after some spirited use in our tester, we found the brake pedal got noticeably soft and the front rotors emitted loud squeals.

Comfort

What the RS 5 surrenders in excitement it makes up for in touring comfort. The front seats offer great lateral support without being confining, and they're also shaped well for long-distance drives. The difference in ride quality between Comfort and Dynamic modes is very noticeable. In Dynamic mode, it gets much stiffer, yet it can maintain composure without riding harshly.

Likewise, the cabin remains quiet at high speeds and over rougher pavement. Road noise is present, but only just so. The engine and exhaust sound good off the bat, and even better in Dynamic mode if not a bit synthetic. We're fairly certain the aural experience involves using the speakers to pipe in some of that sound.

Interior

The RS 5 uses Audi's last-generation interior design, which is much more user-friendly and less distracting. Unlike the newer layout, you get a good number of physical buttons, which means you won't have to dig through touchscreen menus. Every control is thoughtfully placed and has a solid and quality feel to it.

It's easy to access the front seats, and once there, it feels as though you're sitting just a bit tall for a sporty sedan. Rear passengers will likely have to stoop a little to clear the sleek profile of the rear roofline. Headroom is a bit snug back there, as is legroom due to tight toe space under the front seats. Visibility is good aside from a thick rear roof pillar that sits squarely in your over-the-shoulder view.

Utility

The Sportback's hatch can hold up to 21.8 cubic feet, which is very useful for a sport sedan like this. The only things missing back there are remote releases for the rear seatbacks. It's a long reach to fold them flat, so some people may need to do so from the rear doors.

Up front, there are plenty of places to store your personal effects, and we especially like the small tray that ably holds your phone. The door pockets and cupholders could stand to be a little bigger. All but the largest rear-facing infant seats should be accommodated with little effort.

Technology

Some people may prefer the RS 5's last-generation infotainment system more than the new version, as we do. The infotainment display is right in the driver's sight lines. And the dial controller is less distracting than a touchscreen to navigate menus with. Programmable shortcut buttons are a bonus amenity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, booted up quickly and were glitch-free in our testing.

The adaptive cruise control functions well, with smooth reactions to changing traffic conditions. The front parking sensors can often be too sensitive, turning on while in bumper-to-bumper traffic. They're adjustable to some degree to reduce the beeps.