Audi RS5

The Audi RS5 has a 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6 TFSI engine, a powerhouse also seen in the Porsche Panamera 4S. It generates 444 bhp and 600 Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds despite its 1.7-tonne weight. Inside the "V" of the engine, the car's two turbochargers deliver instant throttle response and eliminate the lag often experienced in turbocharged cars.

Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The RS5's torque converter is also smoother at city speeds compared to other sports cars, making it far less jerky in stop-and-go traffic. Moreover, once the driver applies 'Dynamic' mode, the car delivers explosive power, and its Quattro all-wheel-drive system provides the required grip around a corner without the fear of it toppling over. The suspension is stiff, as expected from an RS, but the adaptive dampers provide sufficient comfort.

Since there is only a single trim of the Audi RS5, the German manufacturer made no compromises in making the car feature-rich.

RS5 Sportback

As the sole variant, the Sportback trim leaves little room for more improvement. It features Matrix LED headlamps that can mask oncoming traffic, a panoramic sunroof, and a three-zone climate control option. The "Sportback" designation also means you get two proper rear doors and a liftback-style boot opening, which is very practical for storing and transporting luggage.

Meanwhile, the Audi RS5's tech suite includes the "Virtual Cockpit Plus," an advanced, fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster featuring multiple display modes, including "Classic, Sport, Dynamic", with other specific RS layouts such as G-forces, tyre pressure, and temperature. The MMI Navigation Plus with MMI touch is the car's infotainment hub, paired with a high-fidelity Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

For the driver, the Audi RS5 gives pneumatically adjustable sports seats under its "Sport Seats Plus" tag. These seats provide a spa-like experience with different intensity levels to reduce driving fatigue, a feature rarely seen or implemented in sports cars.

While nobody buys an Audi RS5 to save fuel, the car is still more fuel-efficient today thanks to its smaller V6 engine, which is less demanding than the V8s of the past.

• Claimed Mileage: The ARAI-certified figure is 10.8 kmpl.

• Real-World Usage: In city traffic, mileage is lower, around 6-7 kmpl. But on highway cruises, and with the help of the ‘Comfort' mode, the car can stretch to 9-10 kmpl.

Even when it's standing still, the Audi RS5 looks in motion because of its racing design. It is wider than the standard A5, with flared wheel arches of 15mm on each side, paying a subtle nod to the original Audi Quattro. A wider, flatter single-frame grille with a glossy black honeycomb structure dominates its front profile, surrounded by aggressive air intakes on either side that feed cool air to the radiators and brakes.

The side profile uplifts the car's "Sportback" design with a sloping roofline that merges seamlessly into the tail. Its massive 19-inch alloy wheels (with customisation options for 20-inchers available) fill all arches perfectly, while towards the rear end, the RS-specific diffuser and the colossal oval exhaust stand out in the middle of traffic.

The interior of the Audi RS5 has a familiar yet distinctively sporty feel. The cabin is draped in black, with additional options available for Alcantara and Nappa leather upholstery. The flat-bottom RS steering wheel feels substantial in hand with its large aluminium shift paddles, and the 10.1-inch free-standing touchscreen display is the main highlight of the car's cockpit. While the display controls media and vehicle settings, Audi has preferred to keep physical buttons for other features, such as climate control.

The car's front seats are bucket-style "RS Sports Seats" that feel constricting around corners, but spacious and comfortable on long rides. The rear seats, in particular, are the Audi RS5's bragging point compared to 2-door rivals. Regarding headroom and legroom adjustment, the former feels compromised because of the vehicle's sloping roofline. The legroom, however, is adequate for two adults during medium-length trips. The Audi RS5's 465-litre boot space and foldable rear seats are two additional perks, turning it into a grand tourer from a sports machine.

German automobile brands consider safety in their cars paramount; therefore, the Audi RS5's rigid build and comprehensive safety suite leave little room for doubt regarding its durability.

• Standard Safety Features: The RS5 has 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which allows a bit of slip before intervening when in "Sport" mode.

• Advanced Technology: A 360-degree camera supplemented by Park Assist is available in India's Sportback edition. These are two crucial features for the car, given its low seating position and expensive alloy wheels. For children, there are ISOFIX seat mounts, reinforcing its family-friendly credentials.

Braking: The standard steel brakes provide immense stopping power, which is a necessary feature for a car that reaches 100 km/h in under 4 seconds.

The Audi RS5 price in India places the vehicle in a niche segment, competing with high-performance luxury cars.

BMW M4 Competition

This offering from BMW is the RS5's arch nemesis. It's a much more attractive choice for drift enthusiasts because of its rear-wheel driving nature. However, its ride quality is stiffer than the Audi RS5.

Mercedes-AMG C43 / C63

The C43 is a cheaper and less powerful alternative, while the C63 is transitioning to a 4-cylinder hybrid setup soon. The current RS5 sits comfortably between them with its peppy V6 engine, offering more power than the C43 and a better engine note than the new 4-cylinder AMGs.

Audi S5

If the Audi RS5 feels too aggressive in both price and performance, the S5 Sportback is a more practical choice. It uses a detuned version of the same V6 engine.

Even though the Audi RS5 is a "do-it-all" machine, it has some trade-offs, just like with every other high-performance car.

The Audi RS5 offers the best of both worlds: it targets buyers who want a sedan's practicality without sacrificing a supercar's pace. This vehicle also suits a lazy Sunday road trip and the traditional office commute for the rest of the week. With its new V6 engine, it maintains the speed and performance of its older variants, while evolving into a four-door sedan for the current Indian market.

If high speeds excite you more than other factors, the BMW M4 Competition is the more logical choice because of its more powerful, 530-horsepower engine. But for 99% of driving situations, the Audi RS5's 450-horsepower delivery is enough. Whether you're hitting the gas pedal on a highway or crawling through heavy city traffic, the RS5 will remain reliable and fast in both situations. Therefore, the existing Audi RS5 price in India provides one of the most complete performance cars available for sale in India today.