Audi Sport models are well-known not only for their
power but also for their short lifespans. However, the current 2019 RS5
Sportback will probably beat a record in this respect as the facelifted version
has already been spotted. Following the reveal of the facelifted A4 earlier this year, Audi
wants to refresh its entire A5 lineup as well and the 2020 RS5 Sportback will
be the last to launch.
As with the facelifted Audi A4/S4, the A5, S5, and
RS5 coupe, convertible, and Sportback models will get refreshed headlights with
new LED graphics, a new front bumper with revised air intakes, and a new
grille. In the case of the RS5 seen here in Sportback guise during testing, the
treatment will be the most sporty.
At the rear, the RS5 Sportback will get updated
taillights with a new LED signature as well as modest changes to the rear
bumper. We don’t have photos of the interior yet but we should expect changes
in line with the 2020 A4. The highlight will be the newer MMI infotainment
system which ditches the central control knob on the center console in favor of
a centrally mounted touchscreen with revised graphics and menus.
There’s no information on whether the facelifted
Audi RS5 Sportback will bring a power bump or not but it’s likely Audi Sport
will continue with the same 450 PS 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline
engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard quattro AWD.
We could see the CO2 emissions reduced in some way or another, though.
Expect the refreshed Audi RS5 Sportback to debut in
late 2019 or early 2020 at one of the major international auto shows, with
sales to begin sometime in mid-2020.
