A few months ago, we got a look at the 2021 Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback refresh—and quite a successful one at that. The more aggressive new design, with a flatter “Singleframe” grille and some throwback Audi Quattro styling call-outs, speaks more to the cars’ performance potential than before. And now we have pricing for U.S. models, and details on two special launch editions.
As expected, the “regular” Audi RS5 Coupe and Sportback are a bit more expensive—just under $1,000 for base Coupes and Sportbacks. The new entry price is $75,145 for the Coupe, and $76,445 for the Sportback. Despite the styling changes and new infotainment system inside, as detailed in our first look, don’t expect any mechanical changes to the 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V-6—its 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft outputs carry over.
There are some new launch editions to ogle: the Ascari Launch Edition and the Black Optic Launch Edition. Both are cosmetic packages that feature different trim, brightwork, and wheels. The Ascari edition comes draped in Ascari Blue Metallic paint, with blue-painted brake calipers that grip the car’s enormous carbon ceramic rotors behind 20-inch forged wheels. Audi Dynamic Steering is standard, as is the RS sport suspension and RS sport exhaust found in the otherwise optional Dynamic Package. Grey contrasting stitching compliment the matte carbon inlays and RS design package inside. The Ascari Editions will run $96,645 for the Coupe and $300 more for the Sportback, limited to 25 of the former and 100 of the latter.
The Black Optic Launch Edition isn’t limited to one color; it’s available on Mythos Black, Glacier White, Daytona Gray, Nardo Gray, or Tango Red Coupes and Sportbacks. Opt for this edition, which runs $88,445 for both models, and you’ll get 20-inch wheels finished in gloss black, and a host of blacked-out bits: the Audi rings and badges, the roof on the Coupe, the mirror housings, front spoiler, rear diffuser trim, and so forth. The Dynamic Package is standard. Inside, the RS Carbon matte inlays and RS design package are set off with red stitching. This edition is limited to 100 Coupes and 325 Sportbacks.
