Our Forum Is Divided Over 2021 RS5: Where Do You Stand?
Evolutionary, not revolutionary—that’s the name of the game for the newest iteration of Audi’s executive performance coupe RS5.
“Loyal” and “opinionated” are perhaps the two best words to describe Audi fans. Recently, one of our Audi World forum members, “yogs,” shared a YouTube video about the 2021 RS5.
The video review, by Top Rated, is certainly interesting. It actually features interviews with Audi engineers, explaining the work that went into the new car. However, what we’re more interested in today is the opinions of our members. As it turns out, Audi World has a lot to say about the new RS5. But not all of it is good.
For starters, “yogs” is disappointed by the front-end styling. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course. In his words, “The regular A5 and S5 have better-looking lower front bumper design cues than the RS5. The grill is too flat and characterless.” Here’s more from the OP’s thread:
‘There are new welcomed features and changes, but the front end looks so bland. I usually don’t complain when a new model is out, but the front looks significantly less aggressive than the B9. The regular A5 and S5 have better looking lower front bumper design cues. The grill is too flat and characterless. And where the heck is the quattro script?’
Another member, “belzebutt,” actually prefers the subdued look of the new RS5. He says, “Audi has always been the understated aka tasteful design company; it’s for people who are minimalist and OCD.” Audi’s subtlety and purity of form is one of the things that attracted us to the brand.
In the video, Audi’s Benjamin Holle explains the significance of the RS5 in the lineup. “It’s really the only coupe shape derivative that we have in our whole Audi portfolio, and especially the RS version, the sporty version, is a very special thing because of this fact.”
After all, if we want a more ostentatious appearance, the aftermarket is always ready and willing to satisfy our needs. From mild to wild, it’s easier than ever to personalize your Audi.
In the video, Audi stylist Marc Kirsch explains that the goal of the restyle was to bring the RS5 in line with its stablemates. “We changed the design into something more radical, and to come closer to the RS6 and RS7.”
Show Me Your Badge
Another hot topic in the thread was regarding badges. A subtle change for the 2021 Audi RS5 is the deletion of the “quattro” badging. One of our senior members, “JohnEnglish,” explains why.
“Audi removed the quattro script because, in this case, it referred to quattro GmbH and not the quattro all-wheel drive system. Since Audi renamed quattro GmbH to Audi Sport, the quattro script is no longer applicable.”
He also points out that de-badging is popular in Europe. Even manufacturers — Audi included — often offer it as an option for new cars. We’re with the Europeans on this one — less badging is (usually) a good thing.
Personally, we think the 2021 RS5 looks gorgeous. It’s not a huge change from the existing car, and that’s just fine by us. The RS5 is already one of the best-looking German performance cars out there. Why mess with a good thing?
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