Audi RS5 Coupe 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Audi Australia has announced sharp pricing for its second-generation RS5 Coupe, due in December, with the bahn-storming sports car to kick off from $156,600 before on-road costs.

This competitive list price helps the RS5 undercut its direct rivals, the BMW M4 Competition ($156,710) and Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe ($163,900). It also represents a $666 saving compared with the previous-gen model's $157,266 price tag.

Packing a Porsche-developed 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, the RS5 punches out 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque from 1900-5000rpm – a 170Nm improvement over its predecessor's 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8.

An eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission sends drive to all four wheels through Audi's permanent 'quattro' system which has a 40/60 front to rear split, while torque is transferred between the back wheels via a rear limited-slip differential (LSD).

The sprint from 0-100km/h takes a scant 3.9 seconds, while the four-seat RS5 claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of 199g/km.

Thanks to the German carmaker's new 'MLB Evo' chassis architecture – used for the first time on an RS model – the new RS5 has shed 60 kilograms over its first generation, aiding its 16 per cent efficiency gain.

Employed by the front and rear axles, the RS5's five-link sport suspension set-up with adaptive dampers is adjustable via Audi's 'drive select' modes, which include 'Comfort', 'Dynamic' and 'Individual' settings.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, gloss-black exterior package, boot-mounted lip spoiler, panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, red brake callipers and an RS sports exhaust system.

Inside, features extend to nappa leather upholstery, digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and a 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument cluster, as well as RS logos on the diamond-stitched sport seats, door sills, gear selector and flat-bottom sport steering wheel.

On the Inside, there is Audi's 12.3-inch 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument cluster.

Options comprise of different 20-inch alloy wheel designs, carbon ceramic brakes and dynamic steering, as well as carbon and matte-aluminium exterior packages.

The exterior paint colour palette is headlined by 'Sonoma green metallic', which is a finish exclusive to the RS5.

The incoming RS5 will face fierce competition from the 331kW/550Nm M4 Competition and 375kW/700Nm C63 S Coupe, which dash from standstill to triple digits in 4.0s and 3.9s respectively.

Will the Audi RS5 outgun the BMW M4 Competition and Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe? Tell us what you think in the comments below.