![]() ![]() A pair of stubby paddle shifters is mounted on the wheel, should you have the sudden desire to drop a gear or two and charge into your favorite set of esses. The driver faces a handsome flat-bottom steering wheel, behind which sits a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Inside, the RS5 Sportback shows off the company's typically sophisticated design and exemplary build quality. For more information about the RS5 Sportback's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. The last RS5 Sportback we ran on our 75-mph highway route-part of our extensive testing regimen-earned 26 mpg. Compare that with the Giulia QF's ratings of 17 mpg city and 25 highway, as well as the Mercedes-AMG C63 sedan's 17 mpg city and 26 highway. The RS5 Sportback gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. 2023 Audi RS5's Competition Pack Adds Aggression.2023 Audi RS5 Competition Finally Finds Its Voice.Credit the Audi’s all-wheel drive traction advantage off the line relative to the rear-drive Alfa and Bimmer. That shows that the RS5 can hang with the more powerful 505-hp Alfa Romeo Giulia QF and 503-hp BMW M3 Competition, at least up to 60 mph, though those two pull ahead by the quarter-mile mark. We also tested the RS5 Sportback at the track, where it hit 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. ![]() The adaptive dampers provide a smooth ride in all but the sportiest Dynamic setting. Our first drive revealed that the car is stable at autobahn speeds and a hoot to hustle around corners, with well-controlled body motions and predictable handling. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system not only maximizes traction, but also can direct more torque to the rear wheels when needed. It pairs with a paddle-shifted eight-speed automatic transmission that routes that torque to all four wheels. The RS5 Sportback's sole engine choice is a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 that makes 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. ![]() The Dynamic package tickles our boy-racer fantasies, too, thanks to its red brake calipers, specially tuned RS suspension, and sport exhaust system. This includes a set of summer tires and carbon fiber exterior accents. We'd also choose the 20-inch five-spoke anthracite-finished wheels, which require the Black Optic Carbon package. We think the optional Mythos Black metallic paint fits the RS5’s somewhat disguised performance attitude. Picking the best RS5 Sportback is as easy as choosing the right paint color. The 2023 RS5 Sportback might not be wild enough for everyone, but its attention to comfort and style makes it a well-rounded choice with plenty of scoot. The sport suspension’s comfort mode delivers on that promise with an impressively supple ride, and even the RS-tuned exhaust is more subtle than sharp. Its myriad of luxurious features and roomy interior make it a comfortable performer. The RS5 Sportback sends its power through an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system that delivers exceptionally grippy launches. These performance improvements put it a cut above its more civilized four-cylinder A5 Sportback and 349-hp S5 Sportback versions, but still not quite in league with super sports sedans like the BMW M3 and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. The four-door version of the RS5 coupe, the RS5 Sportback is weaponized with a 444-hp twin-turbo V-6, big brakes, sticky tires, and a fortified suspension that lowers the ride height and gives it an intimidating stance. As the Audi RS5 Sportback’s swollen fenders imply, this hatchback sports sedan is built to handle aggressive driving with practicality in mind.
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