Audi's updated RS 4 and RS 5 models arrive in Mzansi

Following the recent reveal of the facelifted Audi R8 Coupe and Cabriolet models, the four-ringed German marque has announced the arrival of the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 models in Mzansi. 

The VIP customer deliveries of both models have begun in earnest while the official retail launch is earmarked for 1 April 2021. 

Cosmetically, both the refreshed Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Coupe and Sportback variants have received a minor, yet significant once-over. These come in the form of the signature single frame grille that is now wider and flatter with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure finished in sporty RS gloss black. 

There are large lateral air inlets and vertical flaps in a new pentagonal design in the front valance. 

Meanwhile, LED headlights have been redesigned and the RS 5 is fitted with standard matrix LED headlights, while buyers of the RS 4 Avant will have to dig deeper into their pockets for them. 

Audi has widened the wheel arches for a sportier stance and to accommodate the 20-inch alloy wheels. 

The standard exterior package includes a matte aluminium styling pack while the optional packages of gloss black or carbon/black give the attachments at the front, rear, side sills and exterior mirror housings an even more individual look. 

Upon request, the RS nameplates can be painted black as part of the extended black package styling.

As standard, the RS 4 Avant’s roof rails are designed in matte aluminium while black roof rails can be had as a no-cost option. There is an RS-Specifi roof edge spoiler, diffuser insert plus chrome tailpipes of the RS exhaust system. 

The RS 5 Coupe and Sportback lurks tweaked side sills and diffuser insert. 

The Coupe variant is fitted with a carbon fibre roof structure which, according to Audi, lowers the vehicle’s weight by approximately 4 kg. 

Cabin appointments are bolstered with horizontal lines and dark colours, while the RS sport seats are covered with fine Nappa leather in black or moon silver with honeycomb stitching as standard. 

The RS design package adds a colourful interior; the steering wheel, selector lever and knee pads are fitted with Alcantara covers with red contrasting stitching.

Armrests in the doors get a black Fine Nappa leather with contrasting stitching in crescendo red. The side centre console is finished in black Alcantara with contrasting stitching in crescendo red while the seat belts at the front and rear are black with a red border.

The floor mats gain a black colour with contrasting stitching in crescendo red replete with RS lettering on the front.

There's an infotainment system courtesy of a 10.1-inch MMI touch display, while the brand’s 12.3-inch virtual cockpit comes standard across the RS range. 

Boot space in the RS 4 Avant measures 495 litres as standard and folding down the rear seats increases it to 1 495 litres.  

Powering the refreshed Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 models is a 2.9-litre TFSI twin-turbo V6 engine with an altered 331 kW and 600 Nm. Both variants are credited with a 3.9 seconds sprint from 0-100km/h before topping at 250 km/h, the latter can be raised to 280 km/h at an additional fee. A fruity sports exhaust is also standard fitment across the range and both model derivatives feature the quattro all-wheel-drive system and a ZF’s eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Pricing:

Audi RS 4 Avant TFSI quattro            R 1,296,000

Audi RS 5 Coupé TFSI quattro           R1,394,500

Audi RS 5 Sportback TFSI quattro      R1,409,500