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Audi’s RS performance division has long held a cult following, revered for its ability to infuse everyday practicality with pulse-pounding performance. These are cars that blur the lines between luxury sedans and weekend track warriors, offering a potent blend of power, comfort, and everyday usability. However, compared to the constant roar of its German rivals — BMW’s M division and Mercedes–AMG — Audi’s RS badge can sometimes feel like a forgotten gem. Take the iconic RS 6 Avant for example. This ultimate sleeper wagon holds a legendary status among car enthusiasts, a wolf in sheep’s clothing that can outrun most dedicated sports cars.

Yet, the recent spotlight seems to have shifted towards electric performance within the RS brand, with models like the blisteringly fast RS e-tron grabbing headlines. One might be led to believe that Audi is abandoning its internal combustion heritage. Fear not, petrolheads! Audi has yet to stray from its glorious ICE–powered roots. The 2024 Audi RS5 stands as a testament to that, a fire-breathing machine that delivers an exhilarating internal combustion experience.

The magic starts even before you slip behind the wheel. The scene is set as you approach the car and press the unlock button. Puddle lights which beam out from the bottom of the side view mirror light up the ground, not just any light, but a welcoming glow showcasing the RS5 logo. This subtle touch instantly elevates the experience, a reminder that you’re not just about to enter another Audi, but a member of the prestigious RS family, a lineage steeped in performance excellence. The RS5 isn’t just about brute power; it’s about a holistic experience that excites you from the moment you see it.

The Audi RS5 cuts a striking figure, its exterior design a mix of elegant proportions and aggressive detailing. Unlike some of its boisterous rivals, the RS5 adopts a more understated approach, a beast waiting to unleash its hidden power. The sleek Sportback design is the first thing that grabs your attention. This silhouette seamlessly merges the practicality of a sedan with the dynamism of a coupe, offering both style and functionality. The sloping roofline towards the rear
gives the RS5 a sense of forward momentum even when standing still. The RS5 we have on test came in a stunning Nardo Grey, a colour that would surely turn heads among enthusiasts — both fans of high-performance cars and those who appreciate a certain 50 shades of grey. But beneath this sleek exterior lies the unmistakable spirit of an RS model. Look closer, and you’ll find subtle cues that hint at the car’s potent performance capabilities. The Singleframe grille, a signature Audi design element, takes on a more aggressive form in the RS5. The horizontal slats are finished in a honeycomb mesh, hinting at the powerful engine that lurks beneath the hood. Flanking the grille on either side are sleek LED headlights, incorporating Audi Matrix technology for exceptional night-time visibility.

Moving along the profile, the RS5’s muscularity becomes evident. The sculpted fenders bulge outwards, creating a wider and more planted stance. Keen eyes will notice the subtle RS badges adorning the front fenders, a quiet reminder of the car’s pedigree. Audi offers a variety of stylish alloy wheel options for the RS5, with larger sizes on higher trims further emphasising the car’s bold stance. The designers haven’t forgotten the rear of the RS5. Here, we find a sculpted boot lid that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the car’s design. The tail-lights, featuring sleek LED, echo the sharp design language at the front. A subtle roof spoiler adds a touch of sporty flair, while the RS signature is once again present with an understated badge on the boot lid. Perhaps the most prominent design element at the rear is the quad exhaust system. Unlike some rivals that resort to fake exhaust tips, the RS5 incorporates them elegantly into the diffuser, adding a touch of aggression without appearing overly loud.

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Get into the interiors of the Audi RS5, and you’re greeted by an interior that exudes a sense of sporty luxury. The first impression is one of focus and purpose. Every element is meticulously crafted to enhance the driving experience. The sports seats immediately grab your attention. Bolstered with Nappa leather or Alcantara, they provide exceptional support during spirited driving manoeuvres. Contrast stitching and RS logos further emphasise the car’s performance pedigree. Dominating the dashboard is a driver-centric layout. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, displays all the essential driving information in a crisp and customizable format. A glance to the right reveals the MMI Navigation Plus infotainment system, controlled through a rotary dial and a touchpad for added convenience. The system itself is intuitive and offers a wide range of features, from navigation and music to vehicle settings.

However, the true star of the show might be the flat-bottomed RS steering wheel. Wrapped in perforated leather with red stitching, it feels fantastic in your hands and provides excellent feedback during cornering. Although the rear seats are surprisingly comfortable for two passengers, the front seats prioritise driver engagement. Taller people may find legroom a little constricting on longer trips, but the RS5’s redesigned front seatbacks do offer slightly more knee room than in prior models. For enhanced comfort and convenience, rear passengers also benefit from separate air vents and USB charging connections.

Nestled beneath the hood of the Audi RS5 lies a beating heart worthy of the coveted RS badge. A ferocious 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine sits ready to unleash a torrent of power at your command. This isn’t just any engine; it’s a masterpiece of German engineering, meticulously crafted to deliver exhilarating performance without sacrificing refinement. The numbers themselves are enough to stir excitement — 444 bhp and a staggering 61.18 kgm of torque. These figures translate into earth-shattering acceleration, with the RS5 launching from 0 to 100 kph in a blistering 3.4 seconds.

But the magic goes beyond just the raw numbers. The true brilliance of this engine lies in its power delivery. Plant your foot on the accelerator, and the RS5 responds with a surge of forward thrust that pins you back in your seat. The twin turbochargers eliminate any hint of turbo lag, ensuring a seamless and immediate response. The throaty exhaust note adds to the exhilarating experience, a deep growl that intensifies as the revs climb. Yet, despite its wild spirit, the engine remains surprisingly refined. There’s minimal vibration intruding into the cabin, even at high speeds, ensuring a comfortable and composed driving experience. Mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery feels seamless and effortless. The transmission responds intuitively to your inputs, keeping the engine in the sweet spot of its powerband for optimal performance. For those who crave even more control, paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel allow you to take manual control of the gearshifts.

Push the throttle down and brace yourself — a surge of forward thrust pins you into the supportive seats. Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system rockets the RS5 forward with unwavering grip. This confidence extends to highspeed driving; the car feels planted and composed, inspiring you to push the limits with a sense of security. The ride might be on the firmer side, a necessary concession for such sharp handling, but that’s a trade-off most performance car enthusiasts are willing to make for the exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

The 2024 Audi RS5 has firmly reasserted its dominance in the high-performance arena. The sculpted exterior, brimming with subtle RS cues, hints at the hidden power beneath the surface. Slide behind the wheel, and the driver-focused cockpit with its supportive sport seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel prepares you for an unforgettable experience. The true magic unfolds when you unleash the fury of the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. One press of the throttle and you’re pinned back in your seat as the RS5 rockets forward with astonishing ferocity. So, if you’re looking for a car that offers both everyday usability and weekend track hero potential, the 2024 Audi RS5 deserves serious consideration. This is an Audi with a naughty streak, a wild side that awakens the thrill-seeker within — just like Mr. Grey might have wanted in his garage.