First drive: Audi RS5 Limited Edition almost sold out

DESPITE being announced less than three months ago, almost all 25 examples of Audi’s Australia-only, value-added RS5 Limited Edition have already found homes here, with just seven remaining up for grabs.

The Limited Edition, which costs the same as the standard RS5 at $175,300 plus on-roads, features cosmetic exterior flourishes and more interior equipment that amount to a claimed value of $13,610.

Providing a more purposeful look than the subtle styling of the standard car, the RS5 Limited Edition replaces 19-inch silver-coloured alloy wheels with 20-inch titanium-effect rims.

A gloss-black grille surround is complemented with a matte-black finish for the window sills and exhaust tips, which are connected to a bi-modal sports exhaust system for a beefier soundtrack from the 331kW/430Nm 4.2-litre V8.

Only three exterior colours are available (Ibis White, Phantom Black and Suzuka Grey), while the luxury upgrades comprise a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, memory for the electrically adjusted driver’s seat and auto-dimming/folding door mirrors.

Left: Audi S3 Sportback Limited Edition. Below: Audi A1 Competition Kit.

Limited Edition buyers are also offered a pair of race-style RS bucket front seats for $3700, some $2800 less than for the standard RS5.

Audi says the Limited Edition heralds the availability of an optional Dynamic Ride Control suspension upgrade for the RS5, although it is offered as a $4750 option rather than being included as standard.

The three-mode ride system, as used on the previous-generation RS4 and RS6, hydraulically links the suspension dampers to reduce pitch and roll while improving ride comfort and is different to the electronic Magnetic Ride Control set-up featured on other Audi models including the R8 and TT RS.

With selectable Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes, Dynamic Ride Control uses a valve to manage the flow of oil between the RS5’s dampers, stiffening suspension on the outside wheel under cornering and controlling squat or dive motions under hard acceleration or braking.

The RS5 Limited Edition sits among a set of four limited-run sporty specials recently released by Audi Australia, including the R8 Carbon Edition, TT RS S Tronic and S3 Sportback, with an A1 Competition Kit to be offered from early next year.

Like the RS5, the S3 Sportback Limited Edition gains five-spoke titanium-look alloy wheels (in 18-inch diameter) and black grille/window surrounds. Also included on the 60 available units will be front bucket seats, a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel and satellite-navigation, adding up to a claimed $9000 extra value for a $2800 premium over the S3’s $71,700 base price.

The sporty A1 Competition Kit – based on the 1.4 TFSI Ambition variant – will be limited to 50 units, with a contrast-coloured body styling package comprising a front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffuser, larger tailgate spoiler, big-bore tailpipe trims and door mirror housings for no extra charge over the standard car’s $33,450 sticker price.

Audi RS5 coupe (before on-roads):
RS5 coupe (a)	$175,300