Audi RS5 Coupe - Interior & comfort

Shifting the adaptive damping system from ‘dynamic’ into ‘comfort’ reveals the RS5’s true colours – it settles down to become a remarkably comfortable cruiser. On smooth roads, the RS5 feels more soothing than a BMW M4; it’s the kind of car in which you can cover great distances effortlessly.

Almost perversely for such a powerful car, it’s when you’re not driving hard that the RS5 really gels. Its smooth ride and quiet engine match the well designed and high-quality interior to a tee. As with any Audi A5, every surface in reach is made from tactile, sturdy materials that are a pleasure to touch. The dashboard looks handsome without being over-styled and the seats are well shaped for comfort and support.

Audi RS5 dashboard

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The RS5 puts you in a seating position perfect for fast, effortless driving; the only sensory letdown is the cheap-feeling plastic gearshift paddles on the back of the steering wheel. They provide another reason for leaving the transmission in automatic mode. Fortunately, everything else inside is as pleasant to touch as it is to look at.

Audi’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster is now standard on all RS5 models. It allows the driver to select multiple display modes with various dial sizes, or as a full screen sat nav with smaller dials. Also included is a unique RS Menu, which includes a lap timer and the temperature readout for the engine and gearbox oil, and the tyres. Two new customisable RS driving modes were added in the 2019 facelift, these can be programmed via the ‘RS’ mode button located on the steering wheel.

You can also opt for a head-up display on the base RS5 and Carbon Black models, which is standard fit on the Vorsprung trim level. It projects vital information onto the windscreen in your field of vision, including speed, navigation direction arrows and even lap times along with a unique RS specific graphic display.

Equipment

Audi has done a good job of dressing the RS5’s interior in suitable fashion for a performance flagship – the special flat-bottomed RS steering wheel is trimmed in leather and larger aluminium gearshift paddles and soft Nappa leather seats make up just some of the standard kit added in the 2019 facelift. However, the S5 (and even cheaper A5 models) offer a similar interior for far less money – we'd rather the RS5 had a truly special interior.

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No A5 is found wanting for standard equipment and the RS5 is as lavish as they come. Dual-zone air conditioning, keyless go, electrically-adjusted, heated seats are just the tip of the iceberg inside, while the RS5’s unique body styling and 19-inch alloy wheels distinguish it on the outside. Matrix LED headlamps are standard across the RS5 range, with the range-topping Vorsprung models getting Audi’s Laser Matrix lighting system, which doubles the range of the high beam.

Audi’s single 10.1-inch MMI infotainment system comes as standard on all versions of the RS5. It features an easy to use touchscreen and includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone connectivity. The system is integrated with the steering wheel mounted ‘RS’ mode button, and can display RS specific data including lap times along with acceleration and cornering information.

Options

Despite its range-topping status, the RS5 still offers plenty of scope for extra personalisation. You can upgrade to bigger 20-inch alloy wheels, the interior can be trimmed with soft Nappa leather and a carbon-fibre roof panel can be ordered, further lightening the car and enhancing its looks.