There’s always some pressure in being the first of something, no matter what that something is. Sometimes, that pressure turns into a diamond and there other times when it gets pulverised by the weight of expectations tied around it. In the case of Audi and the new RS5, otherwise known as the first RS-badged Audi to come out of freshly rebranded Audi Sport division, the expectations that come with being the “first” was turned into this beautiful-looking machinery that’s very easy on the eyes.

Far be it for me to quickly confess to falling in love, but there is something about the new RS5’s design that’s tugging at those precarious heart strings. I can’t tell if it’s the sloping hood, the aggressive bumper with the massive inlets, or the natural coupe-like stance. Maybe it’s even a combination of all these things put together. What I can tell you is that the RS5 finally looks the part of a an RS model after years of seemingly being a blanket of blandness, hiding behind a badge.

This... this is what the Audi RS5 should look like. The sporty and aggressive front end combines with a muscular rear section to create a well-balanced look that fits into what an RS model should while also still clinging to status and class of being a mid-sized luxury sedan wearing a four rings badge. Even the windmill-like design of those 19-inch alloys comes naturally to the RS5, blending seamlessly into the overall design of the car while still having enough "pop!" to stand out on its own.

Just so it’s clear. The new Audi RS5 made its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show this week. Even with the cavalcade of world debuts and concepts in that floor, the RS5 is probably going to be difficult to miss.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

The Audi RS5 is more than just its looks

You might have guessed by now that I like the Audi RS5’s design. But to be fair, there’s more to the car than just its looks. Sure, I can go on and on and start waxing poetic, but its looks is just a small part of the whole RS5 experience.

The car’s interior is also well-appointed, even though there is some complexity to the center stack that’s probably going to take some time to get used to. But the optional diamond stitching in Fine Nappa leather is a good touch, as is the Alcantara-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and what looks to be generous amounts of carbon-fiber trim.

There’s also something to look forward to under that sloping hood where a 2.9-liter TFSI V6 bi-turbo engine is sitting and packing 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, good enough, at least with the optional dynamic package, to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 tick-tocks, to go with a top speed of 174 mph.

On the surface, the Audi RS5 is beyond promising. All that’s left for the RS-badged coupe is to prove its worth on the road and track, although if I’m to trust that tingling sensation in my body, I’d say that it won’t have any problems passing on those tests too.

Drivetrain Specifications

Read our full review on the new Audi RS5 here.