2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback launched at Rs 1.04 crore

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 53 now has a worthy rival. Audi India has introduced the RS 5 Sportback that packs a powerful engine, dominating looks and four doors to up its practicality quotient.

Earlier this year Audi India launched the S5 Sportback and the German marque has now introduced the faster version of the same. The Audi RS 5 Sportback has been launched in India for an introductory price of Rs 1.04 crore (ex-showroom). Just as the S5 Sportback, the RS 5 Sportback will be sold via the CBU route. The Audi RS 5 Sportback will be sold with a complimentary 5-year warranty and 5 year Road Side Assistance (RSA).

Interestingly, the Audi RS 5 Coupe that was launched in 2018, had a higher price tag of Rs 1.1 crore (ex-showroom). Comparatively, the 2021 RS 5 Sportback retails for a lower cost than its predecessor coupe iteration. 

The performance-oriented Sportback gets a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that puts out 443bhp and 600Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission coupled with Audi’s all-wheel-drive Quattro system directs the power to all four wheels. The claimed 0-100km/hr timing for the RS5 Sportback is 3.9-seconds and the car has a top speed of 250km/hr.

The RS 5 Sportback isn’t only about the engine and power figure but also packs upgraded mechanical bits. Audi offers the RS grade sport suspension and a self-locking centre differential with the new RS 5 Sportback. There are two RS modes to choose from that alter the power delivery, gear shift times and steering sensitivity.

Moving to the styling, the 2021 RS 5 Sportback follows a similar design language as its elder sibling RS7 Sportback. A wide single-frame grille finished in gloss black sports a honeycomb pattern. The bumpers get sporty profiling and the overall stance is complimented by 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. The colours on offer are Nardo Gray, Turbo Blue, Tango Red, Mythos Black, Glacier White, Navarra Blue, Sonoma Green, and Daytona Grey.

The cabin can be specced out in Alcantara or Leather and there are some aluminium inserts that add to the sporty appeal. The steering gets a leather wrap and the pedals along with the footrest are finished in stainless steel.

The Audi RS 5 Sportback directly rivals the Mercedes-AMG E 53 that is priced at Rs 1.02 crore (ex-showroom). Mercedes offers a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine – mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system – with the E 53. The power output is rated at 435bhp and 520Nm. Stay tuned for a thorough comparo of the two newly launched performance cars!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN0HHRyrmW0