Audi’s performance range extends with two distinct updates: the new RS 4 Avant and RS 5 family 02.02.2021: • The RS 4 and RS 5 model ranges bring a fresher and updated appeal to Audi’s performance range in South Africa • Retail launch of the new models will take place from 1 April 2021 • VIP customer deliveries have officially begun

•    The RS 4 and RS 5 model ranges bring a fresher and updated appeal to Audi’s  performance range in South Africa

•    Retail launch of the new models will take place from 1 April 2021

•    VIP customer deliveries have officially begun




Audi has fine-tuned many details of the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 model ranges (Sportback and Coupé). The newly designed front section and the sporty interior with the new MMI touch operating system underline the athletic aspirations of these new performance models.



The high-torque twin-turbo V6 with a power output of 331 kW applies an impressive 600 Nm of torque in both model ranges. VIP customer deliveries of the Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and RS 5 Coupé, have officially begun in South Africa as part of a pre-launch strategy ahead of the official retail launch from 1 April 2021.




Streamlined and muscular: the exterior design


The front section of the new RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and Coupé is completely redesigned. The Singleframe is wider and flatter and just like its big RS brothers, the new models also feature the three-dimensional honeycomb structure in gloss black that is typical for the RS model series. To give it a clean look, the Singleframe is designed without a frame. The new egg-crate grille with the RS emblem is inserted directly into the bumper with the large lateral air inlets and vertical flaps in a new, pentagonal cut.



The shape of the LED headlights have also been redesigned. The matrix LED headlights (standard on the RS 5 range but optional on the RS 4 Avant) with darkened bezels complete the revised appearance of the high-performance models. Both models have wider wheel arches aiding to a more sportier and powerful stance.



The matte aluminium styling package is the standard exterior appearance offering with the optional packages of gloss black or carbon/black which give the attachments at the front, rear, side sills and exterior mirror housings an even more individual look. Upon request or part of the extended black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS nameplates can be painted black.



On the RS 4 Avant, the roof rails are designed in matte aluminium look as standard, while black roof rails are available as a no cost option. The RS-specific roof edge spoiler and the diffuser insert as well as the chrome tailpipes of the RS exhaust system give the vehicle a distinct finish.



On the RS 5 models, the side sills and the diffuser insert at the rear end, which encloses the two large tailpipes of the exhaust system, have also been redesigned. The Coupé is fitted with a carbon roof with a CFRP fibre structure which lowers the vehicle’s weight by just under four kilograms. Both models come standard with the RS sport exhaust system which creates a particularly sporty sound experience and 20” Audi Sport alloy wheels.



Cool and connected: the interior


Horizontal lines and dark colours dominate the interior of the revised RS models adding to a premium and spacious cabin. LED light guides trace the contours of the doors and the centre console—doing so in up to 30 different colours in combination with the standard contour ambient lighting package.


The RS sport seats are covered with fine Nappa leather in black or moon silver and honeycomb stitching as part of the standard offering. As an upgrade, the RS design package adds some colour to the interior of the cars and includes control elements such as the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads are fitted with Alcantara covers with red contrasting stitching; armrests in the doors in black Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in crescendo red; side centre console in black Alcantara with contrasting stitching in crescendo red; seat belts at the front and outer rear seats in black with a red border; floor mats in black with contrasting stitching in crescendo red and RS lettering on the front.


The new operating concept of the two RS model ranges is concentrated on a 10.1-inch MMI touch display. The large, free-standing display with acoustic feedback is slightly inclined toward the driver. The standard infotainment system which is MMI navigation plus, includes a specific RS monitor which provides the driver with information on the drive temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the quattro sport differential, the tyre pressure and the tyre temperature.

The Audi virtual cockpit plus (12.3-inch display in full HD resolution) is another standard offering across both RS model ranges. The driver can select between multiple graphic views - classic; dynamic and sport, suited to a layout preference. With the new RS-specific performance design view (specifically applicable to RS models and available at an upgradable option), the rotational speed scale is displayed as a kind of angle that includes a shift light display.



When the driver uses the RS mode steering wheel button to select one of the two new individual RS modes, the RS-specific performance design opens up and displays the maximum g-acceleration values, for example. The optional head-up display also offers exclusive RS graphics and the standard Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound completes both model ranges with acoustic excellence.


The innovative and forward-thinking features of Audi connect are now available in the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and Coupé. The technology delivers top-of-the-line connectivity. It features an embedded SIM, and the extensive Audi connect portfolio. The latter ranges from online traffic information, point of interest search, Navigation with satellite map and live weather updates. The Audi connect functionality also includes Car2X services which consists of standard safety and service features in the event of damage, breakdown or minor accidents.



 This functionality (through a built-in emergency button in the vehicle’s roof module) allows an emergency safety or service call to an Audi call centre to support in any event. Additional functionality, accessible through the MyAudi application, includes remote functions that network the new RS model with the driver’s smartphone. This includes car finder, remote lock/unlocking, speed and theft alerts, to mention a few.


The RS 4 Avant provides excellent everyday usability. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 495 litres, which increases to 1,495 litres with the rear seats folded down and cargo loaded to the roof. The luggage compartment lid and the luggage compartment cover are electrically operated as standard. A trailer towing hitch that can be unlocked electrically at the push of a button is also available upon request.

The new RS models can also assist the driver in many situations. With the many driver assistance and parking systems on board, such as lane change assist (standard); 360 degree camera and park assist (optional City Assistance Package); adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and Audi active lane assist (optional Assistance Package), the performance models are a safe travelling companion.




Traction, dynamism, and stability: the drive


Immense tractive power and a high output combined with efficiency: The 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6, the heart of the RS 4 and 5 models, outputs an unchanged 331 kW and already delivers a whopping 600 Nm of torque as from a speed of 1,900 rpm. All models accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of up to 280 km/h upon request.




A quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic directs the power of the engine to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The driver can control the gear change via the new larger aluminium shift paddles. The quattro drivetrain provides the RS models with the crucial amount of additional traction, dynamism, and stability, regardless of the weather.


The handling is made even sportier with the optional sport differential at the rear axle, which distributes the torque actively between the wheels. All models come standard with the RS sports suspension which provides a comfortable on-road driving experience.




Local pricing and availability


The new Audi RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Sportback and Coupé will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. Pre-deliveries to select customers who had pre-ordered the vehicle will be rewarded for their brand affinity as part of Audi’s South Africa’s pre-launch strategy.


The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi RS 4 Avant TFSI quattro        R 1,296,000
Audi RS 5 Coupé TFSI quattro    R1,394,500
Audi RS 5 Sportback TFSI quattro    R1,409,500




Tashta Bhana - photos Audi quickpic.co.za