I was watching Shmee150’s video on the Audi RS5. Firstly, I want to point out one thing: the button that switches from EV to the engine why can’t that button be placed on the steering wheel? I find it weird to take my eyes off the road even for a second. Beyond that, the car seems great for a hatch; it all in all refreshingly stays true to what an Audi should look like, so that’s a welcomed plus when compared to the recently launched AMG GT and Luce.
It also has a regen function which should mean that it recharges through braking something not new, but again refreshing to see. Also, it was pretty bright out so I’m assuming the nits on the monitors are pretty good outside of damp, rainy, or overcast conditions, so again another plus. The engine to full EV mode isn’t bad, but outside of the reviewer’s review, I might find it peaceful listening to the tires roll over the tarmac. I would also say that the engine side of the build could sound a bit beefier? No revs in a tunnel on an Audi, that’s really disappointing, but i guess I could just keep it in sport and be happy not ideal, but I can live with it.
For a wagon, she also hugs on tight widening roads, which again is plus. Minus the drive assist, I’m not sure how I’d take the wheel fighting me in the corners due to white lines; sometimes you really do need to use the road, like when Shmee had to pull in as the truck approached. Sometimes you really do need all the road, I wasn’t kidding.
Also, I’m a big fan of Carwow and find the mud runs very entertaining, but back to the car. That instant kick, that’s great again; power when it’s needed on a tight road is great. The front wheel grips tight, allowing you to stay closer to those white lines this car’s not fond of. As for the Avant variant, I’m not too sure, but you can check it out in the lifestyle section when we get to it.
Back to the car, the battery regen is extremely interesting considering it seemed to be mostly an uphill drive; from 64% to roughly the 80s isn’t worse, but I’ll get techy with the AI and give you the deets in another article. And let’s talk about boot space come on, how many groceries realistically can I fit in it? Can I make a Costco run? Where is the extra tire? So many questions, not a plus. To not confuse, that tiny rant was about the Audi RS5 exclusive that popped up in Shmee150’s new video, I’ll link it somewhere in here. Yes, the wheels are a nice touch, but so is an extra tire and grocery space. I’m not entirely sure about how I feel on the open grill either, I see the radiators; I mean it’s not a plus, but it’s not a deal-breaker either, so there’s that.
I find it interesting that my last crazy idea to Scuderia Ferrari about shifting the power (torque) to the front and back wheels exists here. Audis manage to run the split 60/40 all the way down to 85/15, assuming this is rear to front wheel drive, so again another plus. Talk about innovators. Again though, I can’t help but nag on my eyes away from the road. It’s great to tweak as you feel out the track I mean road but removing my hands to interact with the screen all the time, not a plus. I assume over time, I’ll find something I’m good with and leave it there.
Oh, as for if I’d buy it, honestly at the start of the review I would have said yes, no problem. Now I’m not so sure. Being stuck on the side of the road without a tow truck and no spare tire is a big one for me, so is grocery space. Yeah, that’s all I’ve got on the Audi RS5 and if you should buy it.
