In 2013, Audi introduced the first-ever all-digital instrument cluster in a car with the Audi TT, meanwhile the company’s MMI infotainment system made its debut on the flagship A8 back in 2002. Since their launch, both pieces of equipment have gradually evolved into a space-age computer that does more than just stream music or show maps. Audi’s latest-generation infotainment system has been outfitted in most models and the new RS5 Sportback is one of them.

The RS5 Sportback utilises Audi’s Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB 3) hardware that runs the operating system, apps and other functions. This is claimed to be ten times faster and also adds new features to the infotainment system of the car. It can now connect to up to eight devices at a time, a new modem allows the system to access the internet at speeds of up to 1GBps and the system is better able to recognise different voices and process different voice patterns better. In some markets the system is also offered with an in-car WiFi system.

The new RS5 Sportback is the top-of-the-range four-door performance saloon in the A5 line-up. Apart from its powerful V6 mill, the RS5 comes with an array of features that can be accessed via the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus and the MMI infotainment. Inside, there is a 12.3-inch high-definition colour TFT display next to a 10.1-inch HD LCD infotainment touchscreen.

The home screen shows three main apps as the primary quick access menu that has a vertical tile setup. RS5 specific menus include the RS monitor and RS mode configurator. Besides that, Audi’s in-built navigation previews the maps in 3D as well as 2D modes.

Moving on to the bigger display, the digital instrument cluster in the RS5 gets a couple of special RS-specific features such as the default RS Sport display which shows two conventional analogue dials for the tachometer and speedometer. On the other hand, there is also a unique RS Performance setup that displays a boomerang-shaped rev counter and digital speedometer as well as power and torque output figures. Meanwhile, the navigation feature in this system can project a full-screen map for the driver. In the lower section of the instrument cluster, it always displays the RS5’s current location in the form of a street name.

In conclusion, the Audi RS5’s infotainment screen has a plain user interface that is easy to use even while driving, thanks to it being tilted towards the driver.

Picture credits - Kapil Angane