The Audi RS5 is far more than just a go-faster version of the A5 Coupe. As a true Audi RS model, it takes performance to the next level, with incredible power and speed. Its chief rival is the equally rapid BMW M4.
Audi’s now-trademark use of its quattro four-wheel-drive system has led other manufacturers to play catch-up. The M4 is now offered with four-wheel drive, as is the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic. Alfa Romeo’s wild Giulia Quadrifoglio is a four-door saloon alternative, while Audi also produces a five-door Sportback version of the RS5 if you need additional practicality.
This Audi RS5 is lighter, faster and more efficient than the V8-powered model it replaced. For a high-speed coupe that manages to still feel luxurious - it really is a compelling choice to make.
What makes the RS5 truly stand out from the regular Audi A5 range is its engine. Developed with Porsche, this twin-turbocharged petrol V6 serves up a considerable 450PS. It makes the RS5 a seriously quick car: on a level with some genuine supercars. Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system makes this huge performance usable all year round, while the eight-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and rapid.
Compared to the BMW M4, some might describe the RS5’s handling as lacking in feedback and engagement. In Audi’s defence, however, the RS5 is best considered an incredibly quick grand tourer, rather than an outright sports car. Viewed in this light, a feeling of surefootedness, rather than snappy steering and agility, makes sense for cruising the autobahn (or indeed the M1) at higher speeds.
Adding to this GT-car vibe is the plush interior of the RS5. There is plenty of Nappa leather upholstery throughout, with all the materials feeling reassuringly expensive. Even the windscreen is acoustically glazed for added refinement, while the Super Sports seats are both comfortable and supportive.
Bolstering this refinement is the Audi RS5’s lengthy list of standard equipment. There is little need to look beyond the base model; the extra kit found on the Vorsprung Edition is impressive, but not necessarily needed to enjoy the RS5.
Whether new or used, the Audi RS5 Coupe makes for a great choice as a high-quality sports car. Compared to alternatives such as the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C43, it offers unmatched refinement and ruthless efficiency when it comes to straight-line speed.
The RS5’s competitors may provide a slightly more engaging drive, but the Audi delivers plenty of enjoyment on real-world roads. For daily commutes or crossing continents at speed, it makes for a great used choice.
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Some still mourn the passing of the previous RS5 and its screaming V8 engine, but there is a lot to like about the latest car’s 2.9-litre V6. It uses twin turbochargers to free up 450PS from the motor, so 0-62mph is cooked up in 3.9 seconds.
Harnessing that power is an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels, which is standard for all RS5 models.
Audi offers the Carbon Black and Vorsprung models as two upper trims levels, but the standard Coupe and Sportback versions of the RS5 are superbly well equipped and finished, so there’s not much point spending more than these models that cost the same in two- or five-door forms.
The Audi RS5 Coupe is available with just one engine. However, it is a bombastic one, and comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Audi RS5 2.9 TFSI Quattro: The RS5 comes equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that produces an impressive 450PS. Such mighty power, combined with quattro four-wheel drive, results in a 0-62mph time of less than four seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, although the Vorsprung Edition extends this to 174mph. Given the performance on offer, average fuel economy of 30.1mpg seems very respectable.
The Audi RS5 Coupe is offered in a choice of three different trim levels. Standard equipment is high on all versions.
Audi RS5: Calling this the entry-level RS5 seems unfair, as it packs in features from matrix LED headlights to Nappa leather upholstery. Performance equipment includes sports suspension, a fruity exhaust system and upgraded brakes. The interior benefits from a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, along with a 10.1-inch multimedia screen.
Audi RS5 Carbon Black: The Carbon Black version delivers a large dose of stealth-like styling for the RS5. This includes gloss black trim covering almost every exterior detail, and extends to use of carbon fibre for the interior.
Audi RS5 Vorsprung Edition: For the ultimate Audi RS5 experience, the Vorsprung Edition adds features such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a head-up display and a surround-view camera. The RS5’s top speed is also increased to 174mph. Autobahns only, please…
The Audi RS5 Coupe’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4723mm
Width: 1866mm
Height: 1372mm
Ground clearance: 109mm
The Audi RS5 Coupe’s boot space is:
450 litres
The Audi RS5 arrived in 2017, so you'll pay the flat rate of £180 per year for road tax on this superfast coupe. As it cost more than £40,000 when new, you'll also have to fork out an additional £390 per year for road tax until the car hits its sixth birthday.
As a high-performance coupe with a premium badge, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Audi RS5 is relatively expensive to insure. The base specification Audi RS5 is rated in insurance group 44 out of 50. Moving up to the higher-spec Carbon Black and Vorsprung Edition models edges this up to group 45 insurance.
Read our full Audi RS5 review
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