2019 Audi RS 5 Review

The RS 5 turns in an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and can pull a full g around the skidpad, which means high levels of road grip. Subjectively, it's missing some of the excitement expected of an RS car. In Sport mode, it transforms into a very dynamic performer, but it does so by using sophisticated differentials that simulate a neutral or even loose rear end, which ends up feeling artificial.

In normal driving modes, there's a significant lag before the engine spools up and starts moving the car. And after some spirited use in our tester, we found the brake pedal got noticeably soft and the front rotors emitted loud squeals.

What the RS 5 surrenders in excitement it makes up for in touring comfort. The front seats offer great lateral support without being confining, and they're also shaped well for long-distance drives. The difference in ride quality between Comfort and Dynamic modes is very noticeable. In Dynamic mode, it gets much stiffer, yet it can maintain composure without riding harshly.

Likewise, the cabin remains quiet at high speeds and over rougher pavement. Road noise is present, but only just so. The engine and exhaust sound good off the bat, and even better in Dynamic mode if not a bit synthetic. We're fairly certain the aural experience involves using the speakers to pipe in some of that sound.

The RS 5 uses Audi's last-generation interior design, which is much more user-friendly and less distracting. Unlike the newer layout, you get a good number of physical buttons, which means you won't have to dig through touchscreen menus. Every control is thoughtfully placed and has a solid and quality feel to it.

It's easy to access the front seats, and once there, it feels as though you're sitting just a bit tall for a sporty sedan. Rear passengers will likely have to stoop a little to clear the sleek profile of the rear roofline. Headroom is a bit snug back there, as is legroom due to tight toe space under the front seats. Visibility is good aside from a thick rear roof pillar that sits squarely in your over-the-shoulder view.

The Sportback's hatch can hold up to 21.8 cubic feet, which is very useful for a sport sedan like this. The only things missing back there are remote releases for the rear seatbacks. It's a long reach to fold them flat, so some people may need to do so from the rear doors.

Up front, there are plenty of places to store your personal effects, and we especially like the small tray that ably holds your phone. The door pockets and cupholders could stand to be a little bigger. All but the largest rear-facing infant seats should be accommodated with little effort.

Some people may prefer the RS 5's last-generation infotainment system more than the new version, as we do. The infotainment display is right in the driver's sight lines. And the dial controller is less distracting than a touchscreen to navigate menus with. Programmable shortcut buttons are a bonus amenity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, booted up quickly and were glitch-free in our testing.

The adaptive cruise control functions well, with smooth reactions to changing traffic conditions. The front parking sensors can often be too sensitive, turning on while in bumper-to-bumper traffic. They're adjustable to some degree to reduce the beeps.