Saar: It will take the crown from the S5 and become the range-topping model in India.

Audi unveiled the second-generation Audi RS 5 Coupe last year but it is finally making its way into India. The German carmaker will launch the range-topping RS 5 Coupe on our shores on April 11, 2018. It will take the crown away from the Audi S5, which is currently the most expensive and most powerful of the A5 model range. Where the S5 carries a price tag of Rs 72.41 lakh (ex-showroom India), expect the RS 5 to break the Rs 1 crore marker. So, what’s special about the RS 5 Coupe? Let’s find out!

The RS team is to Audi as the M-division is to BMW and AMG is to Mercedes-Benz. For the RS 5 Coupe, Audi downsized the standard 3.0-litre V6 engine, that does duty in the S5, by nearly 100cc. But to make it worthy of an RS badge, the Germans have tuned the smaller engine to produce 450PS of power and 600Nm of torque.That’s 96PS and 100Nm more than the S5. The powerplant in the RS 5 Coupe comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which feeds the oomph to Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system. The result is a 0-100kmph time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 250kmph (limited). That top speed can be upped to 280kmph with the optional RS dynamic package.

The Quattro four-wheel-drive system features a self-locking central differential. The power is split between the front and rear axles with 40:60 ratio. With RS sport suspension underneath, the RS 5 Coupe sits 7mm lower than the standard car. From the outside, the RS 5 doesn’t look as radical as its predecessor. But with the massive hexagonal grille at the front, accompanied by huge air inlets with the honeycomb structure, this RS 5 does stand out from the rest of the family.

The RS 5 Coupe comes with 19-inch forged aluminium wheels. At the rear, the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes and the bespoke RS exhaust system amplifies its sporty feel further. The cabin is just as expected from a fast Audi. It is bathed in back and red. Other highlights include a flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel, RS badges on the seats and Audi’s virtual cockpit and the subtle use of the colour red in the centre console, armrests and the floor mats.

Once it goes on sale in India, it will officially pick a fight with the BMW M4 coupe, which is priced at Rs 1.33 crore (ex-showroom India).