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Australian launch of Audi RS5 imminent

Audi RS5

Information found its way to AUSmotive recently that the Audi RS5 will more than likely be making its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show, which starts in mid-October. This complements another anonymous tip that was received some time ago now that reveals the entry level list pricing for the 4.2 litre V8 powered RS5 is expected to be $179,900.

There are reports of RS5s being seen at Audi dealerships around the country and even stories of a few customer pre-orders, as well. Standard equipment starts with the 331kW engine coupled to a 7 speed S tronic transmission. Also thrown in for good measure is Audi’s familiar quattro system which has been tricked up some more thanks to a crown-gear centre differential with torque vectoring. Xenon headlights with adaptive technology are included, too, along with high beam assist, three zone climate control, MMI Navigation Plus, Audi Music Interface and more.

In addition to the basic spec customers can choose from a range of options, including two choices of 20″ rims ($3885 or $4128 if you want the titanium finish), ceramic brakes ($15,000), Dynamic steering ($1080), Matt aluminium styling pack ($1335), Matt black styling pack ($1044), Adaptive cruise control ($2945), heated RS bucket seats ($3450) and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade ($2306).

A total of nine colours will be available for the RS5 and it’ll cost you $1695 if you want sparkles in your paint. The range of options is as follows, Monza Silver, Suzuka Grey, Daytona Grey, Missano Red, Mugello Blue, Phantom Black, Panther Black, Sepang Blue and Ibis White.

The thing is, though, with a $180K starting price, pushing well into the 200s, with a few options ticked, won’t take a lot of effort. That’s a lot of cash for a car that has an impressive natural rival in the BMW M3.

10 replies on “Australian launch of Audi RS5 imminent”

IMO, they are dreaming on price and options lists. Is this a better drivers car than an M3, better question is this a better drivers car than the previous RS4? Not form the independent reviews I have read so far. Further, just watch the usual Audi slash and discount on the price, then watch your resale sail down and out the window. (Yes I own a current model M3, I was considering an RS5, not now)

I have to agree, the car was on my maybe list looking ahead but at that price you’re kidding, its a beautiful car but $200K, hmmm someone at Audi needs to recheck their figures

When I got the pricing a few months ago, I said they have to be kidding, especially when there is still a few options you can tick. Anyway, ive bought a few other cars and Audi misses out.

you could get a nice 2nd hand 911 for that coin. keep dreaming audi. I’d rather a TTRS and pocket the change

As a current model Audi S4 driver I had been thinking of one of these but in light of that price advice and mediocre European reviews I think not.

Plenty of uninformed comment here. Having driven one, and compared the M3 before ordering my RS5, I can confidently say the RS5 is every bit as good as the M3, but it doesn’t satisfy motoring writers who drive so many cars that they’re just looking for their rear wheel drive M3 to step out a bit on corners so they can play with pulling it back into line. The RS handles beautifully, thanks to quattro, and it is gorgeous inside and out. The interior of the M3 is plain to the point of boring, and looks quite artificial. The exterior lines of an M3 are clumsy in comparison to,say a 335i M, which is a much nicer overall package. In terms of price, my RS5 was $193k driveaway, whilst the M3 identically optioned was $199k.

As for Zorgs comment about a secondhand 911, why pay that much coin for a used car, which has more than likely had the guts thrashed out of it?

ZeroRisk, happy that you decided on the RS5. Some of us like to have a bit of play in the rear end of car, so we prefer RWD. The problem with the RS5 I think is that it’s too much of a tourer as opposed to a more all out sports car. Sure it has more grip than a cat’s claw, but it doesn’t feel lithe like a M3. I drove this back to back with our M3 this week so this is fresh in my head. To me, even my E63 feels more lively than the RS5, let alone the C63 or M3. I am not some journalist, i have owned all these cars so i know them intimately. It’s a really nice car though, but it isn’t a racer the way its Munich friend is. So if this is going to be your regular track car, then buy a M3. Both are very different sort of cars, wouldn’t say if one was better than the other. Frankly, if it came in 4 doors, I may have ordered one as I have other cars for the track.

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