Audi RS5 Sportback Ascari Edition: Style Meets Speed in a Limited Edition

Words and Photos by Jennifer Jensen

This is the Audi RS5 Sportback, specifically the rare Ascari Launch Edition. If you’re an Audi fan, you’re in for a treat—this RS5 isn’t just any Sportback. This is one of only 100 Ascari Editions out there, featuring some serious upgrades in both aesthetics and performance. From its exclusive Ascari Blue paint to its impressive list of high-performance features, this model pushes the RS5’s appeal to another level. Let’s dive in and see what this car brings to the table, from the driver’s seat and beyond.

What Makes the Ascari Edition Unique?

When Audi puts out a launch edition, they go all out, and the Ascari Edition is no exception. Here’s a rundown of what makes it special:

• Audi Exclusive Ascari Blue Metallic Paint – This blue is a real stand out, giving the car a fresh and exclusive look.
• Blue Brake Calipers with Ceramic Front Brakes – Not just for show, these ceramic brakes are high-performance with serious stopping power.
• 20” Flag-Design Forged Wheels in Silver Finish – Designed for performance but look fantastic on the road.
• Carbon Fiber Trimmed Engine Cover – This adds that extra hint of motorsport design under the hood.
• RS Carbon Matte Interior Inlays and Alcantara®-Trimmed Steering Wheel – It’s a small touch, but it does elevate the feel of the cabin.
• Dynamic Ride Control Suspension – Enhances the driving experience with several adaptive suspension modes.
• RS Sport Exhaust with Black Tailpipes – It gives the RS5 an aggressive, sporty exhaust note, adding to the thrill.

For 2021, Audi also released a Black Optic Launch Edition of the RS5 with darker, more subtle styling cues, but if you’re going for exclusivity, the Ascari is where it’s at.

Exterior Styling and Design

On the surface, the RS5 Sportback has always been an eye-catching car, but this Ascari Edition takes it up a notch. The Ascari Blue metallic paint contrasts sharply with the silver accents, particularly around the grille and diffuser. And speaking of the grille, Audi has updated the front fascia on the RS5, giving it a wider, flatter look. It’s an aggressive refresh that’s sure to turn heads. You’ll notice slight venting above the grille, and the rear diffuser carries the silver trim accents as well, perfectly framing the black RS sport exhaust.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Sportback layout, Audi combines a sleek, coupe-like roofline with four doors and a spacious rear hatch. Audi calls this configuration a “four-door coupe,” and while the concept may sound contradictory, the result is a vehicle with both form and function. That coupe-styled rear end adds a bit of extra sportiness while keeping the practicality intact.

Then there’s the lights. Audi loves to have fun with the lights and these are no different. We’re talking LEDs with lasers. When you turn the headlights on it basically becomes daytime in front of the car. And of course they do a little dance when the car comes to life.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside, the RS5 Sportback is both driver-focused and luxurious. The Alcantara®-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel is a standout feature in the Ascari Edition. Normally, I’m not a fan of Alcantara on the wheel—it does not wear as well as leather—but Audi seems to have nailed the balance here. It’s comfortable, grippy, and feels just right in your hands. And yes, it’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel, which, in a car like this, feels more at home than you might think.

The RS Carbon Matte inlays and gray contrast stitching add an understated elegance to the interior. And because it’s the Ascari Edition, you get that 10.1-inch touchscreen in the center, powered by Audi’s latest MMI software. This infotainment setup is responsive and easy to navigate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and a high-quality JBL sound system. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit offers multiple display configurations, including an RS-specific view, with big, bold gauges and performance metrics right in front of you.

While the seats up front are heated and ventilated, rear passengers get a bit less attention in the RS5. Heated rear seats are a nice touch, but legroom is about average for the class. It’s comfortable for adults but best suited for shorter trips if you’re packing the car full of people.

Back on the subject of lighting, inside the RS5 are more LED lights that are customizable to more than 30 different color combinations.

Then there’s Audi’s driver assist package which adds adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist. Seeing as how we were driving the RS5 around LA, it was easy to give this feature a try. I was actually impressed with how well the RS5 handled the traffic congestion we were stuck in multiple time. I still didn’t trust it so was always right there to take control, but after a couple of days I began to relax a bit more when using this system.

The driver assist package also has active lane assist with hands on detection and that system sucks. It really tries to fight you with the lines on the road. I place the car a certain way in the lane and the RS5 might want to place it in a different spot so the system will actively fight with you over the steering. There were times where the car wanted to place itself unsettlingly close to a car in the next lane. Fortunately, I could turn the system off.

Under the Hood: Engine and Performance

Now, let’s talk about what makes this car truly fun to drive. The RS5 Ascari Edition packs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that cranks out 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That’s some serious power for a car of this size. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, though some tests have clocked it almost half a second quicker. It’s not the fastest in its class, but it feels fast, and that’s what’s important.

That engine is connected to an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission (no dual-clutch here), this isn’t an ultra-quick shifter, but it’s responsive enough to keep the drive engaging. The paddle shifters give you a hands-on experience, though they’re not quite as crisp as you might expect. The shifts in dynamic mode feel solid, but there’s room for improvement in the quickness department, especially for those who crave a lightning-fast response.

Where the RS5 really shines is in its grip and handling. Thanks to Quattro all-wheel drive, this car has insane traction, especially coming out of corners. Audi’s dynamic torque split can send almost 100% of the power to a single rear wheel, giving you excellent control and helping push the car through tight corners like it’s on rails. No four-wheel steering here (unlike in some of its larger RS siblings), but with the car’s nimble feel, you’re not likely to miss it.

The RS5 Sportback drives smaller than it is. It’s sort of like a Harry Potter magic bag. It looks small, but has loads of space which makes you think it’s going to drive like a barge, but it’s nimble and agile with a good balance of power.

Driving Modes and Ride Comfort

Audi gives you a variety of driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual. The Ascari Edition also includes RS1 and RS2 drive modes, which are customizable and accessible via the steering wheel button. In RS2, you can even turn off the traction control for a more raw, unfettered driving experience. In Comfort mode, the RS5 can be surprisingly docile—almost perfect for a daily commuter. But let’s be real: most drivers are here for the Dynamic and RS modes, where the exhaust growls, the suspension tightens, and the car feels ready for track use.

Dynamic Ride Control is a big selling point in the Ascari Edition. This adaptive suspension system uses fluid chambers to actively adjust the ride quality based on road conditions and driving style. It’s impressive, though you do feel a significant difference between Comfort and Dynamic. While Comfort mode smooths out the ride for longer drives, Dynamic is where the RS5 feels alive, making every corner feel like an invitation to push harder.

Practicality and Price

Here’s where things get a bit more sobering. The base RS5 Sportback starts around $75,000, but this Ascari Edition, with all its exclusive features, sits closer to $96,000. For that price, you’re getting an ultra-limited edition car, but you’re also paying a premium for exclusivity. Is it worth the jump in price? If you’re an Audi enthusiast or someone looking for something unique, it might be.

That said, at this price point, you’re in competition with some heavy hitters like the BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, and even some Porsche options. Each brings its own flair, but Audi holds its ground well here with a balance of luxury, power, and exclusivity.

Final Verdict

The 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback Ascari Edition is a beautifully crafted car that doesn’t just deliver on looks. It’s powerful, engaging, and strikes a nice balance between everyday usability and performance. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo engine has plenty of muscle, and while the 8-speed Tiptronic could be a tad faster, it’s still a thrill to drive. The handling, aided by Quattro and Dynamic Ride Control, is confident and poised, whether you’re carving up mountain roads or cruising on the highway.

For those who can swing the price tag, the Ascari Edition offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Audi’s limited production lineup, all wrapped in a stunning, head-turning design. It’s practical enough for everyday use, but this car shines brightest when you’re pushing it, hearing that RS exhaust roar to life. The cracks and burbles on the overrun are fantastic.

Would I choose it over the competition? That depends on how much value you put on exclusivity. But one thing’s for sure: if you do pick up an RS5 Ascari, you’ll have a car that’s guaranteed to make every drive an occasion.