The whole “four-door coupe” trend has really been catching on lately, so it’s no surprise, really, when a new one pops up. Audi has a small lineup of these niche-bred models, and the latest to join the “Sportback” and “Audi Sport” lineup is the RS5 Sportback. As an Audi Sport model, the RS5 Sportback isn’t playing around either – it’s got the look and power of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan with a long, coupe-like roof. It gets a revised suspension, a powerful V-6 engine, and loads of technology. Now, the only thing you have to do is convince the wife that you need an $80,000 rocket-propelled family car.

2019 Audi RS5 Sportback Exterior Design

As is the case with All Audi RS models, there are lots of exclusive design cues, including the RS badging, a wide body, and RS-specific mesh in the air intakes and radiator grille. There’s also an exclusive diffuser and special exhaust outlets that match the black lip on the rear hatch. So, you’ve got the low-slung grille up front that provides a very sporty appearance and gives the impression of width. That is flanked by the headlights and corner intakes that keep the front end looking very busy. Like the A5 and S5, there’s a long wavy line that runs from the headlight to the taillight. And, since the car is wider, the rear wheel arches are flared just a bit more. It’s essentially the perfect blend of sedan, coupe, and sports car all in one package.

2019 Audi RS5 Sportback Interior Design

The interior of the RS5 takes what the A5 and S5 Sportbacks offer to a completely new level. The overall design is the same, and there’s still seating for five, but that are RS-specific accents throughout the cabin. This includes loads of carbon fiber, S Sport seats with RS embossing, and a perforated, flat-bottom steering wheel. The latter of which is wrapped in leather as is the gear shifter. Plus, you get the stainless-steel pedals and, if you opt for the Virtual Cockpit, RS5-specific graphics. The infotainment system also gets RS5-specific software. It does come with Audi’s suite of driver assistance systems but if you want things like active cruise control, lane assist, high-beam assist, or traffic sign recognition, you’ll have to pony up and check off that option box.

2019 Audi RS5 Sportback Performance

Like the RS5 Coupe, the Sportback comes with a 2.9-liter engine that’s tuned to deliver 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine found in various sports cars from Volkswagen Auto Group, with the turbochargers located in the “V” between the cylinder heads. With that said, it’s nothing new, but it’s much more potent than the 3.0-liter V-6 in the S5. To be more specific its got 90 horsepower and 74 pound-feet more. If you compare it to the BMW 640i, you’ll find the RS5 comes in at 124 ponies superior while it loses out to the 650i by just one horsepower. Meanwhile, the CLS 550 delivers 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque from a much heavier, 4.7-liter V-8. The RS5 can hit 60 mph in less than four seconds while the BMW gets there in 4.3 seconds at best and the CLS in 4.9 seconds. And, if you opt for the Dynamic Plus package, your top speed is limited to 174 mph compared to the normal 155 mph.

The RS5 spins its power through an eight-speed automatic with optimized shifting times. It does have a permanent AWD system with 40:60 power distribution between the front and rear and the suspension has been lowered by 7mm for better handling and a sportier look. You can also opt for the sport suspension with dynamic ride control for a more customizable suspension setup.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the RS5 is just another Audi, but it also stands out in the crowd. It’s not a car that you necessarily see every day, and it's got a very desirable look with just the right amount of power. Give Audi’s current pricing schedule; the RS5 Sportback will probably command somewhere around $80,000 to $85,000, which would put it some $10,000 cheaper than the BMW 650i Gran Coupe but anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 more expensive than the CLS500. Of course, the CLS550 is also less powerful, and around a second slower, so the pricing gap actually seems quite reasonable.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi RS5.

Read more Audi news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.