SCarGuy

Not to argue, but modern E classes are nice interiors? I guess we can agree to disagree there. Save for AMG versions, they are average.

Exclusivity would be the first thing that comes to mind, as well as still flying under the radar from a branding standpoint. RS models also hold their value far better than a BMW. Can't speak to the MB, I don't pay much attention to their offerings anymore.

visualguy

I think there's a bit of a niche for the RS5 Sportback in Europe because it's a bit smaller than the S6/S7/M550i/CLS53/etc. There's an advantage to smaller cars in many European cities. This doesn't apply much in the US.

Audi could sell more S4 Avant in the US than RS5 Sportback in my estimation, and they should have brought that one instead. In the US, for the RS5 Sportback price, the buyers will go either for the the M3/M4/C63S if they value sportiness/handling/track/drifting/performance most, or they'll go for the M550i/E43/CLS53/S6/S7 if they prefer well-equipped comfortable sport sedans with great interior, equipment, space, power and good handling.

SCarGuy

I'd love to see the S4 Avant or RS4 here. I've had 2 S4 Avants, and miss them. Unfortunately, over time, tastes here have gravitated to the SUV, which is why they did an SQ5, and we may see higher trims down the road there.

RS models are limited runs, they don't make endless amounts. Demand will be very strong for the RS5 sportback, and dealers will have no problem selling the few that come ashore. Remember, Audi has the highest brand loyalty of any of it's rivals, and sales are up for record months consistently and progressively. They don't bring it here if there isn't a business case for it.

TMDFLA

visualguy

Yes, they can probably sell enough to justify bringing the RS5, but wouldn't they be able to sell more S4 Avant? I find it hard to believe that there would be more niche enthusiasts for the RS5 Sportback than the S4 Avant (or the RS4 that you mentioned).

I had an SQ5, and it still drove like an SUV and not a sedan or a wagon. I hated it and got rid of it pretty quickly.

WENR

I feel my S5 Sportback has enough luxury and comfort that I do not miss not having a 5 series BMW or an A6. The agility and performance offered by a smaller, lighter car like the S5 appeals to me. If the RS 5 Sportback provides a sizable performance upgrade and priced at within $10 grand or so of a similar equipped S5 Sportback, I think it would be quite perfect and I would not mind upgrading to one in the future. Another plus for the RS5 Sportback is that I expect it would be a much rarer car to see around the streets than even the Audi S cars.

I do think Audi, beside puts in a more powerful engine, should also includes the first class Audi/Porsche dual clutch transmission with the RS5 and RS5 Sportback..

visualguy

The S5 Sportback is a nice car - I don't think it's a bad choice or anything like that, and I like the way it looks, so don't get me wrong, but I somewhat disagree with you on the comparison to the 5-series. The 540i RWD is actually lighter than the S5 Sportback, and the 540i xDrive is only slightly heavier. I haven't driven the 540i xDrive, but the 540i RWD handles better than the S5 Sportback, has better steering feel, and it has significantly better throttle/transmission/engine response (I test drove both pretty extensively.) The interior, including seat comfort (if you pick the multi-contour seats) is in a different class. The S5 Sportback is very close in price to the 540i. Overall (for me), the S5 Sportback is a difficult proposition at its price point unless you really love the look or the hatchback.

prashanth1337

still a boat

WENR

Maybe I am biased nowadays, I test drove a 540i RWD before buying the S5 Sportback, the 540i did nothing for me as a sport sedan. I felt BMWs are getting more isolated, less direct and precise than Audis, or older generation of BMWs. Of course, my test drive was on local streets and did not last for very long, I did not drive on tracks to really test the limit of its handling, but I just do not think BMW has the same feel as before. And reading from many reviewers I do not think I am alone. To be fair, I was driving my 2013 S4 when the test drive occurred, and my impression of the 540i was it was not more fun to drive than my old S4.

Now I must admit the old super-charged S4 with DSG felt more responsive, agile than my current S5 Sportback with turbo engine and automatic transmission. The current S4/S5 is a lot more comfortable, has better seats, better ride, and better tech, but if I had taken a more extensive test drive of it , and if I had not became an Audi fan boy, I may think twice about buying/leasing it. I think the S5 Sportback can be a great car but the current tune on engine response/sound/transmission can be better. And that is also one of the reason that I am hoping the RS5 Sportback would be the more perfect car.

ArvX147

It's official, I'll be ordering an RS5 SB once its available.