2023 Audi RS5 Sportback

The Audi RS5 Sportback is the closest thing the USA gets to an RS4 Sedan these days, and for those who want a sporty sedan with suave styling, the RS5 Sportback should sit high up on your to-drive list. It retains the majority of its coupe sibling's proportions, but with rear doors added, it boasts improved practicality. The performance sedan is fitted with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 which produces 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque to its quattro all-wheel drive system. It's a setup that is ideal for taking on big names that include the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo Giulia QV - and the RS5 Sportback looks at least as sexy as the latter, to our eyes. And with the addition of the Competition Package for 2023, buyers may find it more alluring than ever.

The 2023 Audi RS5 Sportback starts at $76,200 MSRP with a destination charge of $1,095. With all options added, including the Competition, navigation, and RS Driver Assistance packages with the Audi Exclusive paint and rear passenger side airbags, you can expect the new Audi RS5 Sportback's price to surpass $104k.

If you are looking for a quick sedan, the 2023 Audi RS5 Sportback still fills that need very well with its 444-hp twin-turbo gasoline V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission. These work together to propel the liftback sedan from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Beyond this, the RS5 Sportback can hold its own fairly well through some corners. Its all-wheel-drive system provides loads of grip while the multilink suspension translates to agile cornering characteristics. With a rear-biased driveline, it doesn't struggle with understeer unless you provide an unbalanced throttle input. With the Competition package, the Audi RS5 Sportback drives as it should because it has been given a tightened suspension and stickier tires. For the most part, the RS5 feels comfortable, but the ride becomes a bit unsettled over even the slightest bumps. This is more apparent in cars fitted with the Competition Package. The standard electric steering system does the job required, but if you want a more engaging system, the sport direct steering with a fixed steering ratio from the Competition Package is your best bet.

There's no denying that the RS5 Sportback does exactly what the brand claims it does, so it would be difficult to criticize this for being a bad car. Unfortunately, next to the Audi RS5 Sportback's younger competitors, it lags behind in terms of performance, and although it was introduced relatively recently in 2019, there are elements of its interior that are starting to feel a bit dated; the infotainment setup isn't quite as good as it should be. Looking at it in isolation, the Audi RS5 offers a well-rounded flagship sports sedan experience that caters to one's need for speed, comfort features, safety, and interior space. It may no longer be the most accomplished car in its segment, but it is still a good performance product.

There is only one RS5 Sportback trim, but if you are wondering which packages would make for the best-value specification, we'd strongly suggest the Competition Package, as it brings out the best in the sporty sedan. This forces the side assist package to be added as well, however. We'd also suggest the RS Driver Assistance and Navigation Packages for a more complete cabin and daily driving experience (the former requires the latter to be specified, too). These options will bring the car's price up to $97,300, excluding the destination charge.