Audi RS5 Sportback Review & Prices

The Audi RS5 Saloon is the ‘saloon’ version of the RS5 Avant, though it retains a hatchback bootlid with a streamlined body - hence the name Saloon instead. It has plenty of road presence and lots of power, but it might be over-the-top for some, losing some of the old model’s subtlety.

The latest RS5 is like a teenager with a successful family business, feeling the need to take things to the next level when taking on the baton. The same recipe is there under the skin, but the new version is bolder, more attention grabbing and filled with new technology.

Yet that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than what came before, because if you look at the figures you’ll soon notice that the RS5 Saloon isn’t actually much quicker than its predecessor, nor is it faster than the less-powerful, non-hybrid BMW M3. Granted, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S is faster than the aforementioned pair, but its very electric-dependent engine setup is totally devoid of character.

The RS5 Saloon, however, is the best looking of the bunch. With its massively swollen wheel arches and attractive wheel designs, pointy front end and sleek roofline it really is a looker, though it could do without the obnoxiously large exhaust tips…

Inside is a similar story, resembling the regular A5 and S5 models but with sportiness dialled up in the figure-hugging, honeycomb-stitched bucket seats, lashings of Alcantara throughout, RS-specific instrument graphics and the red drive mode buttons on the suede steering wheel. It’s just a shame the unnecessary triple-screen dashboard is still present.

As with the non-sport A5 range, the RS5 Saloon ought to be spacious enough for four adults - a squeeze for five - but ultimately not as spacious as an M3 or AMG C63 S. The boot in the Audi is tiny, as a result of the hybrid batteries and beefy RS limited-slip differential under the boot floor. It’s just 331 litres, almost the same size as a Volkswagen Polo - which is practically criminal in a saloon car of this size.

Put your right foot to the floor and you’ll feel the might of 639hp in the RS5, with the 2.9-litre V6 engine producing 510hp, aided by an additional 129hp from the electric motor. The extra weight of all the hybrid gear means the RS5 Saloon weighs 2.4 tonnes, so while rapid, all of that bulk does limit performance a touch.

We’ll see just how much once we get some seat time in the RS5 Saloon, but hopefully the trick differentials mean the heavyweight Audi drives like a smaller, more agile car.

Check out the latest Audi RS5 Saloon deals, RS5 Saloon lease offers and used RS5s to choose from, too. Other used Audis are also available through our network of trusted dealers. Remember, Carwow can help you sell your car when it's time to change.

The Audi RS5 Saloon starts at £90,000, which is hardly cheap but still (slightly) more affordable than the BMW M3, and a good chunk less than the Mercedes-AMG C63 S.

As standard the Audi RS5 comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, matrix, dark-tinted LED headlights, honeycomb-stitched sports seats with heating, ventilation and massaging functions plus an RS-specific head-up display.

Stepping up to the RS5 Avant Carbon Black at £95,000 adds 21-inch wheels in a grey/gold finish and carbon fibre trim accents. The top-rung, £107,000 RS5 Performance Vorsprung gains nappa leather upholstery, rear seat heating, a glass sunroof and RS Performance bumpers. It even gets posh touches such as OLED taillights and Bang & Olufsen audio, as well as a top speed increase to 177mph (up from 155mph).