Review
/5
- Pros:
- Incredible engine and performance
- Fantastic build quality
- Comfortable front seats
- Cons:
- Lacking in character
- High asking price
- Cramped rear seats
pictured: Audi RS5 coupe 2011 2 door 4wd
reviewed by Carbuyer
"Savage acceleration is hugely accessible simply by pulling the gear lever into 'D' and flooring the throttle."
At a glance
- The greenest
- 4.2 quattro 2dr
£58,750 - The cheapest
- 4.2 quattro 2dr
£58,750 - The fastest
- 4.2 quattro 2dr
£58,750 - Top of the range
- 4.2 quattro 2dr
£58,750
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Audi launched the RS5 in 2010 to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the classic Audi Quattro. The RS5 has a hugely powerful 4.2-litre V8 under the bonnet, which is the same as the one in the R8 supercar. Combined with a seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, the RS5 is a massively competent road car that is easy to drive quickly. It's based on the A5 Coupe, but the body has been given a purposeful makeover, with mesh grilles up front, big wheels and wider wheelarches. Inside, there's room for four and the cabin is beautifully made, with some neat, model-specific touches to make it stand out from the rest of the A5 range.
Drive
The RS5 produces massive amounts of grip
Four-wheel drive and sophisticated traction and stability control systems mean the Audi RS5 is massively competent, but it lacks involvement when compared to the BMW M3. It's hugely versatile though and is very easy to drive fast in either wet or dry conditions. Drivers can also fine-tune throttle, steering and exhaust settings via the computerised Drive Select system. All this technology is backed-up by a 444bhp V8 petrol engine that catapults the RS5 from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Comfort
The interior feels very upmarket
Because the RS5 is fitted with automatic adaptive suspension, the suspension can be comfortable on most surfaces at any speed. The front seats are incredibly comfortable, and despite some road noise entering the cabin from the large low-profile tyres, long distances can be dispatched with ease. Rear passengers are poorly catered for, though, and the beautifully trimmed seats are best suited to children.
Reliability
Audi's reputation for reliability is strong
Audi has a very strong reliability record, and the RS5 feels superbly well made. The interior materials are all very high quality and the doors close with a reassuring thud. The V8 engine has been used in a number of other models, so it has a proven track record. The RS5 also has lots of safety kit, including six airbags, stability control and huge brakes.
Practicality
The RS5 is only available as two-door
The RS5's rear seats are comfortable, but they can be tricky to access and don't offer much head or legroom. They do split and fold however, which makes the decent-sized boot even bigger. The front cabin is very well designed, with plenty of storage areas and useful cubbies.
Value for money
Top of the range model isn't cheap
The RS5 is the flagship Audi A5 model, so it commands a hefty price tag. The incredible engine and very high spec do help to soften the blow, but this car costs twice the price of an entry-level A5 Coupe. All RS5 models come with leather upholstery, a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox and adaptive suspension, a system that automatically adjusts the suspension settings to suit the road conditions.
Running costs
Impressive for a performance car
The Audi RS5 is capable of returning 27mpg from its V8 engine, which, while thirsty, is a better figure than a BMW M3. It also sits in a slightly lower emissions tax-bracket, resulting in annual bills of £445. But, while it beats its closest rival, the RS5 is far from being a cheap car to run. Servicing, tyres and replacement parts are all very expensive.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
