New Audi RS4 and RS5 for South Africa – Pricing and details

Audi has updated their RS4 Avant and RS5 ranges to include a newly-designed front end, a new interior, and a new MMI operating system.

VIP customer deliveries of the vehicles have already begun, and the retail launch to the general public is scheduled to take place on 1 April 2021.

Design

The front ends of the new RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe and Sportback have been completely redesigned, and now fall more in line facelifted models such as the RS6 Avant and R8 V10 sport quattro.

The singleframe grille is now wider and flatter, and also features a three-dimensional honeycomb structure.

The matrix LED headlights have also been redesigned and given darker bezels – fitted as standard to the RS5 while being an optional extra on the RS4.

Both models were then given wider wheel arches to provide a sportier stance over their non-RS counterparts.

For a more individualistic look, gloss black and carbon/black styling packages can be optioned – which gives the attachments at the front, rear, and sides a differentiated look.

And, upon request or as part of the extended black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS nameplates can also be painted black.

On the RS5 models, the side sills and the diffuser insert at the rear have been redesigned, and the coupe style is fitted with a carbon roof with a CFRP fibre structure which lowers the vehicle’s weight by just under 4kg.

Both models come with the RS sport exhaust system which creates a sporty sound experience – according to the company – and 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels are fitted as standard.

Features

Moving inside, honeycomb-patterned RS sports seats covered in Nappa leather are fitted as standard to both models and ambient lighting traces the lines of the doors and centre console in 30 different colours.

A new MMI touch display makes an appearance, and features a 10.1-inch freestanding display with acoustic feedback.

The standard MMI navigation plus system is then further improved for the RS models, as it now comes with an RS monitor which provides the driver with information on the drive temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, the quattro sport differential, tyre pressure, and tyre temperature.

Another standard offering comes in the form of the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a 12.3-inch full-HD display that sits behind the steering wheel.

From here, the driver can select between multiple graphic views that are suited to a layout preference, and – when selected – the RS-specific performance design opens up and displays information such as the maximum g-force that is exerted on the car.

A Bang & Olufsen sound system is standard across both models, and an optional heads-up display can be added if you please.

In the connectivity department, Audi connect has been enabled across both ranges.

Additionally, in the event of an emergency the included Car2X service allows emergency or safety services to call an Audi call centre for support of any kind.

Practical matters

The RS4 Avant boasts the most practicality of the new models as its luggage compartment has a capacity of 495 litres – which can be extended to 1,495 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

The luggage compartment lid and cover are electrically operated as standard, and a trailer towing hitch that can be unlocked electrically at the push of a button is also available at an extra fee.

For driver assist systems, both cars receive lane change assist as part of the standard package, and optional extras include a 360-degree camera as well as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist and active lane assist.