2019 Audi RS5 Sportback: Review, Specs & More

by Alex Braham 46 views

The 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback is a performance-oriented car that blends coupe-like styling with the practicality of a four-door hatchback. Guys, if you're looking for a car that's both thrilling to drive and versatile enough for daily life, the RS5 Sportback might just be your sweet spot. In this article, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about this remarkable vehicle, from its stunning design to its impressive performance specs, and even what CarGurus has to say about it.

Exterior Design

Let's kick things off with the design. The 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback is a real head-turner. Upfront, you've got that aggressive RS-specific Singleframe grille, which not only looks fantastic but also helps channel air to cool the engine. The Matrix LED headlights are sharp and give the car a futuristic vibe, especially at night. The chiseled lines and flared wheel arches give it a muscular stance, hinting at the power lurking beneath the hood.

Moving along the side, the sloping roofline gives it that coupe-like silhouette, but unlike a traditional coupe, you get the added convenience of rear doors. The frameless doors add to the sleekness, making it look like a proper high-end sports car. The rear is just as impressive, with the RS-specific diffuser and oval exhaust outlets. The spoiler integrated into the tailgate not only looks cool but also helps improve aerodynamics. Overall, the exterior design is a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance, making it stand out in a crowd.

Key design elements include:

  • RS-specific Singleframe grille
  • Matrix LED headlights
  • Flared wheel arches
  • Frameless doors
  • Integrated spoiler
  • RS-specific diffuser and oval exhaust outlets

The color options available for the 2019 RS5 Sportback further enhance its appeal. From vibrant hues like Sonoma Green Metallic to more understated shades like Mythos Black Metallic, there's a color to suit every taste. The available Black Optic package adds gloss black accents to the exterior, giving it an even more aggressive look. Whether you prefer a bold and flashy appearance or a more subtle and sophisticated one, the RS5 Sportback can be customized to match your style.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, you're greeted with a cabin that's both luxurious and driver-focused. The sport seats are incredibly supportive, holding you firmly in place during spirited driving, yet comfortable enough for long journeys. The Alcantara inserts add a touch of premium feel, and the RS badging reminds you that you're in something special.

The dashboard is dominated by Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display a variety of information, from navigation maps to performance data. The MMI infotainment system is intuitive to use, with a responsive touchscreen and logical menu structure. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The Bang & Olufsen sound system delivers crystal-clear audio, making every drive a concert-like experience.

Notable interior features include:

  • Sport seats with Alcantara inserts
  • Audi Virtual Cockpit
  • MMI infotainment system with touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system

One of the standout features is the amount of space you get in the back. Unlike some other sporty coupes, the RS5 Sportback offers plenty of legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The hatchback design also means you get a generous amount of cargo space, making it practical for grocery runs or weekend getaways. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands even further, allowing you to haul larger items with ease. The interior of the RS5 Sportback is a testament to Audi's attention to detail and commitment to quality, creating an environment that's both comfortable and engaging.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback packs a serious punch. It's powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that churns out a hefty 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering power smoothly and effortlessly across the rev range. Paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the RS5 Sportback can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. That's supercar territory, guys!

The Quattro system not only provides incredible traction but also enhances the car's handling. It can distribute torque between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels, to optimize grip and stability in all conditions. The RS5 Sportback feels incredibly planted and confident in corners, inspiring you to push it harder and harder. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback from the road. The brakes are also up to the task, delivering strong and consistent stopping power.

Key performance specs:

  • Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6
  • Horsepower: 444 hp
  • Torque: 443 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
  • Transmission: Eight-speed Tiptronic automatic
  • Drivetrain: Quattro all-wheel drive

The driving experience is further enhanced by the Audi Drive Select system, which allows you to customize the car's performance characteristics to suit your preferences. You can choose from several modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual. In Dynamic mode, the engine becomes more responsive, the transmission shifts more aggressively, and the suspension firms up, transforming the RS5 Sportback into a true sports car. Whether you're cruising on the highway or carving up a twisty road, the RS5 Sportback delivers an exhilarating and engaging driving experience.

CarGurus Overview

So, what does CarGurus have to say about the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback? CarGurus is a reputable platform for car research and buying, offering insights based on real-world data and user reviews. According to CarGurus, the RS5 Sportback receives high marks for its performance, styling, and practicality. Users praise its powerful engine, sharp handling, and comfortable interior. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system is also a major selling point, providing confidence in all weather conditions.

CarGurus also notes that the RS5 Sportback holds its value well, making it a good investment in the long run. However, some users mention that the fuel economy is not the best, which is to be expected from a high-performance car. The infotainment system can also take some getting used to, although most users find it intuitive once they become familiar with it. Overall, CarGurus gives the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback a positive review, highlighting its strengths and acknowledging its minor drawbacks.

CarGurus key takeaways:

  • High marks for performance, styling, and practicality
  • Positive user reviews
  • Strong resale value
  • Quattro all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point
  • Fuel economy could be better

Pricing and Options

When it comes to pricing, the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback sits in the premium segment of the market. The base price is around $75,000, but that can quickly climb as you add options. Some of the popular options include the Dynamic package, which adds sport suspension and dynamic steering, and the Black Optic package, which gives the car a more aggressive look.

The Driver Assistance package is also worth considering, as it includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can make your daily commute safer and more convenient. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is a must-have for audiophiles, delivering exceptional sound quality. You can also customize the interior with different leather and trim options to create a truly bespoke vehicle. While the RS5 Sportback is not cheap, it offers a lot of value for the money, combining performance, luxury, and practicality in a single package.

Popular options include:

  • Dynamic package
  • Black Optic package
  • Driver Assistance package
  • Bang & Olufsen sound system
  • Customizable leather and trim options

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback:

Pros:

  • Blistering performance
  • Sharp handling
  • Stylish design
  • Luxurious interior
  • Practical hatchback design
  • Quattro all-wheel drive

Cons:

  • Fuel economy could be better
  • Infotainment system can take some getting used to
  • Relatively expensive

Conclusion

The 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback is an exceptional car that offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. It's perfect for those who want a sports car that can also handle daily duties. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or hitting the track, the RS5 Sportback is up to the task. While it's not the cheapest car on the market, it offers a lot of value for the money. If you're in the market for a high-performance sports car that's also versatile and stylish, the 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback should definitely be on your radar. Guys, go check it out!