How expensive can you make your new Audi RS5?

We’re driving the new Audi RS5 later this month. The specs make for interesting reading: no naturally aspirated V8 (downsized into a 2.9-litre bi-turbo V6), no more power (still 444bhp, but with massive torque boost to compensate) and the promise of a 60kg weight saving versus the lumpen old RS5, and a less nose-heavy handling balance. As a friendlier alternative to the fighty BMW M4, and with no two-door Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio to see off, the RS5 could be quite a bit of all-weather kit. We’ll see.

Until then, might we suggest you while away the time deciding exactly how to specify your ideal RS5. And you’ll need a few weeks to finalise it, because dear lord has Audi gone to town with the options on this car. Even for a fast German coupe, this list is crackers. 

Take the ‘Styling Pack’, which changes the appearance of the grille, side skirts and bootlid spoiler. You can have that in silver as standard, or black. Or grey. Or, carbon fibre, for £5,000. That makes the carbon engine cover a bargain, at just £500. And obviously that’ll need matching to the carbon interior trim, at just £950. At least the leather is thrown in for free…

Keep an eye out for odd references to ‘lightweight rear drum brakes’, and ‘reinforced bumpers’. Also, apparently a fuel tank is included as standard. Audi, you spoil us. Want an extra 10kg on that weight-reduction total? Carbon fibre roof ahoy.

Get busy with the visual surgery (but leave wanton rubbish like Dynamic Steering alone) and you’ll end up with something like the RS5 we’ve prepared for you in the gallery, specified to a hearty £87,000. Quite a leap over the £62,900 base price, but then what do you expect from a car that offers optional 20-inch rims milled from one single block of aluminium? Think about that next time you’re parking against a high kerb. Might be an idea to tick that parking assistance box after all…

We’ve left a few choice options left unticked, so give the visualiser a whirl for yourself and see how lofty you can get the price, and where the sweet spot for RS5 toys and trinkets lies. No arguments on the colour, however: it’s Sanoma Green all the way, obviously.