Whew, that’s a mouthful of a headline! And while I was familiar with the RS5 and the Sportback variant, I wasn’t immediately familiar with this special model. What is it? Well, for $20,500 on top of your RS5’s base price, the Ascari Launch Edition added 20″ forged wheels, Ascari Blue Metallic paint from Audi Exclusive, matte aluminum-optic trim, blue calipers for the ceramic front brakes, an RS Sport exhaust, RS Sport suspension, matte carbon inlays, Dynamic Steering, a carbon-fiber engine cover, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, a head-up display, an Alcantara-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 174-mph top speed. Only 100 were made, and while it’s an expensive package, it sure offered a lot of kit. Of course, it also came with the RS5’s standard 444 horsepower linked exclusively with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. As fast four-doors go, it’s a quick one.
2021 Audi RS5 Sportback Ascari Launch Edition on eBay:
From the seller:
This is a rare 1 of 100 Audi RS5 Ascari Launch Edition that features an exclusive exterior color, an extensive list of equipment, and an increased top speed over the standard model. These launch editions are the only RS5 to get blue calipers with ceramic breaks. Original monroney / window sticker in gallery – $97,455 MSRP.
– Ascari Launch Edition is fully loaded plus: Dynamic, RS Driver Assistance, Navigation, and Side Assist packages, Audi Exclusive Ascari Blue Metallic paint, Audi Dynamic Steering, 20-inch “5-arm-flag” design wheels, blue brake calipers, ceramic brakes, carbon fiber trimmed engine cover, Audi Exclusive matte aluminum exterior inlays, RS carbon fiber matte interior inlays, Alcantara steering wheel
Selling as another kid has made a need to get rid of my third “fun” car for the time being. Service has been kept up to date, with last service March 5 2024 (picture in the gallery shows that this RS5 is covered by an Audi Care warranty until September 2026, or 52,000 miles, whichever comes first.) and has one more free service left on the package. Inspection video here for walk around and under (https://youtu.be/yCYPkIj6o6c).
Modifications
– Full ceramic tint (20% sides and back, 70% windshield)
– Clear bra
– Winter tires
– Thule cross bars (included if you want them) – used for bike rackComes with both the Pirelli Sottozero winter tires (8mm tread left – noted in video) and the Hankook Evo2 summers. Includes BOTH Winter tires (8mm tread left, noted in video) and summer tires (also 8mm tread) in sale.
Issues
– Minor scruff in paint on rear passenger side panel (in gallery)
– Minor curb scuff on wheels front driver side
– Minor scuff door well passenger side (not exterior facing)- Minor streak in tint bottom windshield – only notice if you look for it
I really love the exterior tones, though I wish the car retained its original wheel finish – the all-black look just isn’t for me.
One of these burbles by my house daily. I have to say, I really admire the size, presence, and practicality of the RS5 – though they’re far from cheap. I really like the color of the exterior on this one, but I’m less sold on the interior being all black and the slightly-different-blue calipers. Coupled with the black wheels, it’s just not my favorite combo that I’ve seen. That said, if you want an as-new ’21 RS5 special edition, this one is offered at a discount over the original price. Of course, for about 10k more, you can get a brand new one in your own spec.
-Carter
We had an Ascari blue etron GT. Great color. Red and gold flakes when you get up close.
That car was totalled by a low speed rear ending. Looked at possibly replacing with a S5 or RS5. The RS seemed like too much money for too little over the S. Decent car, overall. Endied up with an RS GT in a painfully boring color… Daytona Gray