2012 Audi RS5 hits the UK

The 2012 Audi RS5 - UK order book open

The tweaked and titivated 2012 Audi RS5 hits the UK this week. Priced at £58,725, first customer RS5s will arrive in April.

The Audi RS5 is Audi’s answer to the BMW M3, and in its latest 2012 iteration it probably comes closer to knocking the M3 off its throne than ever before. And this week the UK order book for the Audi RS5 opens up. So if you have £58,725 burning a hole in your pocket, there are a lot worse ways to spend it.

Revisions to the RS5 for 2012 are not huge, but they are welcome. The RS5 gets the new quadrant single-frame grill up front, new wraparound LED running lights, LED tail lights, new bumpers and a good-looking set of 10-spoke 19″ alloys.

Extra kit on the 2012 RS5 includes Bluetooth, Cruise, DVD SatNav and MMI iPod connection. You can also upgrade the Cruise to Adaptive Cruise. There’s also a new flat-bottomed  RS steering wheel and stuff like improved switchgear and optional inlays.

The cracking 4.2 litre naturally aspirated V8 delivers 444bhp at an astonishing 8,250rpm and peak torque of 317lb/ft between 4,000 and 6,000rpm. That translates to a 0-62mph of 4.5 seconds and a limited 155mph, although you can opt to have the limiter removed, in which case the RS5 will hit 174mph.

If the regular quattro 4WD on the RS5 isn’t quite good enough for you you can opt for the optional sport diff which controls power deliver between to two rear wheels, as well as the normal front-back control. You can also have ceramic brakes and dynamic steering too, just as long as you dig deep.

Bur rather than dig in to the options list for the RS5 you could instead opt for the new Sports Package. That will give you dynamic ride control and dynamic steering, 20″ alloys and a sports exhaust and all for £2,250 – a saving of £665 over ticking the relevant option boxes.

The 2012 Audi RS5 is now on sale with first deliveries expected in April. And it offers enough to make you wonder if the BMW M3 can keep its crown.

(28 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK