2022 Audi RS5 Sportback

The 2022 Audi RS5 Sportback has an MSRP of $76,200 in the USA. The Audi RS5 base price excludes the $1,045 destination charge, taxes, title, and dealer charges. The RS5 Sportback doesn't have any direct rivals, but we can compare it to some sedan offerings. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has a price of $75,250, while the pricing for the new 2022 BMW M3 sedan starts at a base price of $69,900. Of course, the Audi RS5 will cost even more after adding a couple of options. We recommend a test drive of each before making a final decision.

The Sportback doesn't weigh that much more than the coupe, so the handling characteristics are similar. The electrically-assisted steering is accurate but provides little feedback. Audis are known for understeering when you push them too hard, but you can easily bypass this by using the slow in, bomb out method. Approach a corner at a reasonable pace, and as soon as it's straightened out, you can lean on the gas. The quattro system will sort it all out for you. The ride is simply too stiff in Dynamic mode, with the RS5 performing at its best in Comfort mode. It's not as engaging nor as fun as its rear-wheel-drive competitors, but it is a much easier car to drive quickly. If you're a novice driver, the RWD cars will eventually bite you when you start taking liberties. The quattro system will work with you rather than against you.

It may be a weird choice, but the Audi RS5 Sportback offers the best of both worlds. It has sleek coupe-like lines and mind-warping performance, but you get more than double the cargo space of the RS5 Coupe, which only has 10.9 cubes available. The interior is lovely to behold and interact with. Alcantara, carbon fiber, and real Nappa leather are just some of the interior finishes you'll find in there. It feels more expensive than it is, which is not something many manufacturers can claim.

The performance is blistering. The RS5 can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, which is proper sports car territory. The 444-hp twin-turbo V6 is an epic engine, and it has almost as much character as the V8 that came before it. It has a different set of skills, and it does things a little bit differently, but the result is still a massive grin on the driver's face. It's not as engaging as an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio or Mercedes-AMG C63, but it's easier to use all the available power. You need to be a next-level driver to get the most out of its rivals, while Audi's quattro system will hold your hand and let you know well in advance when you're pushing too hard.

There is only one model to choose from and it will cost $76,200. We can give you some buying advice when it comes to optional extras, however. We'd add one of the dazzling metallic options for $595 but keep the standard wheels. The ride is already firm, and there's no need to make it any firmer. The only other thing we'd add is the $3,000 RS Driver Assistance Package, as it adds adaptive cruise control, lane assist, a head-up display, park assist, surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition. This package won't change the performance of the Audi, but depending on how much you value modern driver aids, it could be worth it. If you're really going to extend your RS5 to the max on a track, you might have to consider the $5,400 Dynamic Plus package with its ceramic front brakes and higher top speed.

The Alfa is a more traditional performance sedan and not a hatch disguised as a coupe. They do have similar powertrains, however. The Alfa also has a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, and its performance specs include an output of 505 hp, all of which goes to the rear wheels only. Like the Audi, the Alfa takes 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, but by comparison, the Italian feels more exciting doing it.

The Audi RS5 Sportback is one of those cars that want to be all things to all men. It offers a comfortable interior, a generous helping of standard luxury features, and supercar-like pace. The Alfa isn't like that. It feels like an actual supercar that just happens to have four doors.

There's nothing else that drives quite like the Alfa. Its unapologetic focus on providing the ultimate four-door driving experience is the reason why you'll love it or loathe it.

The Audi RS5 sedan is built for people who like their speed with a decent helping of added luxury. The Alfa demands your undivided attention at all times. As gearheads, this is an easy choice. But we wouldn't blame you for choosing the Audi as it will likely be an easier car to live with more of the time.

The C63 Coupe could be considered a better match against the Sportback than the C63 Sedan, as it also offers svelte lines and a handsome exterior. It's worth noting that the Audi is more practical, as it still has four doors, decent rear-seat space, and a big trunk. The Audi is more comfortable to drive enthusiastically, thanks to its quattro all-wheel-drive system. This is worth keeping in mind if you live in a state where it regularly snows or rains. The Merc's primary weapon against the Audi is its 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine. It packs a 469 hp and 479 lb-ft punch in the guts. Go for the C63 S, and you get 503 hp and 516 lb-ft. It's an epic engine, but it's tough to unleash so many horses daily. The traction control will simply step in and say "nein." And you can't switch it off because the car will want to go sideways all the time. But, and it's a big but, the 4.0 V8 makes a lovely noise. It's intoxicating, and it's doubtful we'll see the likes of it in AMG products again.