In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m a huge Audi fan. Some Most consider this a huge flaw. But the company has emerged from fringe technology fighting to compete with the established giants in the 1980s to be the standard for interiors and, even in some cases, performance in a daily driver. And as a result, they’ve become incredibly popular. For some reason I can’t fully identify, as they’ve become more popular I’ve become increasingly disenchanted with the brand. They all look broadly similar, they all are way too complicated, and they all are way out of my price range.
But once in a while one pops up that grabs my attention. I live by a port that delivers new Audis and Volkswagens, and ride my bike by the long rows of oh-so-boring white, grey, silver, silver-grey, off-white, black, black-grey, grey-black, and charcoal SUVs that pile into this country. But last year I caught sight of a green RS5. I never stop to look at these cars, but I stopped to look at that one. It was damn impressive, and I internally applauded the buyer who sat down and refused to buy a black car. On top of that, they refused to put black wheels on it, too.
Lo and behold, I found its four-door twin this week:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2019 Audi RS5 Sportback on eBay
Year: 2019
Model: RS5 Sportback
VIN: WUABWCF56KA907265
Engine: 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Mileage: 0 mi
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Price: $76,740 Buy It Now
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The color is Sonoma Green Metallic, and while it’s not quite as pretty as yesterday’s Goodwood Green Pearl Effect TT, the result is pretty similar. And I have to say, as a fan of classic British cars, the combination with silver accents and silver wheels is perfect! Despite that, I can’t help but be confused by the mission of the RS5 Sportback and it’s stiking similarity in shape to a certain and very famous pioneering electric car. It’s not as quick, either – with “only” 444 horsepower, it does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds.
20-odd years ago, this probably would have been my favorite Audi if they made it then. Today? I hate to sound picky because I am glad that the RS models are finally coming here – and in neat colors, too! But I really wish this car was a RS4 Avant, because that would stand apart from the crowd. And to me, today this car just doesn’t.
-Carter
I think I match on every sentiment that you expressed except for this shade of green, I am not so fond of it. Goodwood green is far superior, and better yet a legit non metallic BRG. But otherwise, from the eighties until today I feel very much the same way you do. Still fun to look at this car, but it’s not for me, I’m a long roofer.
I like the RS5 but my biggest issue is the price. A lightly optioned version makes sense but loaded they are mid 90s. That is nuts for 450 hp small sport “sedanâ€. I do like the RS4 Avant but obviously Audi doesn’t think there would be enough of a market here for it. Same reason they didn’t bring the RS3 hatchback here. Let’s see how the new RS6 wagon does here….
newer german cars are designed for the original owner. the high cost of repairs is mitigated by the warranty making ownership much less expensive. by the tenth year the plastic parts start failing and replacement can be extremely costly. consider the heater core inlet/outlets… to replace this inexpensive part the entire dashboard must be removed, not an easy job and hours of labor.
making these parts out of more robust material could easily be done but isn’t a consideration by audi. the insulation on the wiring is another weak point among other problems that will arise.
timing belt replacement comes to mind. it goes on. good luck…
This green was the hero color for press cars, no?
Been waiting for green to come back. It was the 90s German car color of choice. Has been popping up as a 911 PTS color as of late.
As far as RS5 Sportbacks go, this is a rare one. Not many were sold with the base 19†wheels, not many were sold without leather seats, and not many were sold without the Black Optic package, which got rid of all the aluminum exterior accents. This car checks all 3 boxes.