Audi RS5 Gets A Facelift For 2020
The Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback join the Audi RS4 Avant in receiving a much-welcomed facelift. This brings the German coupe more in line with the newest Audi Sport products like the RS Q8 and the RS6 Avant.
The most obvious change brought with the facelift is, well, the face. The new single frame honeycomb radiator grille is wider than before, aligning it with the newer Audi Sport models like the Audi RS7 Sportback. The new matrix LED headlights incorporate a new daytime running LED pattern which Audi has revealed is actually a model-specific light signature. Going forward, each Audi model will have its own light signature to make it distinguishable from the rest of the model range. The light signature from the headlights is mirrored in the new LED taillights, with all of the light bezels on the Avant finished in a dark tint to emphasise the sporty appeal. A side view of the Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback reveals flared wheel arches to accommodate the wider tyres and the standard 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels, although there is a selection of larger 20-inch alloy wheels on the optional extras list, as well as a new gold finish for the rims.
The most exciting updates are found inside the RS5, specifically the new Audi MMI. The display-only screen and the rotary dial that controlled it is now replaced by a massive 10.1-inch touch display on the dashboard. It’s tilted toward the driver and features the latest Audi MMI, as seen in the Audi Q8. This allows the driver to have vehicle information, settings, media, navigation and even a g-force meter and lap timer at their fingertips.
Interestingly, Audi Sport has decided not to mess around with the engine. The same turbocharged 2.9-litre petrol V6 from the current RS5 lives to see another day. It produces 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h sprint happens in 4.1-seconds thanks to quattro permanent all-wheel drive and launch control through the 8-speed automatic transmission. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but Audi will bump it up to 280km/h should you tick the box for the optional Audi RS Driver’s Pack.
