That’s just like the base A5 — as is much of the interior. There are upgraded materials compared to the A5, with microfiber suede used on sections of the seats and other surfaces, plus optional forged carbon inserts if you like the look of that stuff. Otherwise, it’s the same basic configuration found on most new Audis.
The overall multimedia interface is heavily reliant on the central 14.5-inch touchscreen, plus a selection of other touch-sensitive controls. The steering wheel at least adds scroll-wheels for the thumbs, but that, too, is largely capacitive. The aforementioned shiny red Boost button, as well as its sister RS button, are great, but the RS 5 desperately needs more physical controls, especially one for toggling between driving modes.
So much better than before
Audi’s new RS 5 has gained a lot of weight, but more importantly, it’s also gained the aggression and presence that the previous model lacked. It’s perhaps not the most nimble, but it is far more fun to drive and to look at than before. Add in the extra practicality of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and you have a true performance all-rounder.
