Audi RS5 B8
The RS coupe — from screaming 4.2 V8 to twin-turbo V6.
25 reviewers · 37 videos · 4 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance, but split on handling and fun to drive.
across 25 reviewers
"these systems make the Audi stick to tarmac like chewing gum and you look like a far better driver than you actually are"
Auto Express · ▶ 3:58"Unfortunately, it's very front-heavy due to the heavy V8 engine. At the same time, the steering is a bit too light and not quite as precise as in the BMW."
AUTO BILD · ▶ 8:31"this is one of the most sensational engines I have ever driven in any car ever"
Throttle House · ▶ 19:28"There's no denying the Audi lacks the fun factor of the BMW"
Auto Express · ▶ 2:17"Everyday, all weather functionality"
BuzzytheBlue · ▶ 0:00"fuel consumption and these things by the way is terrible"
Robinsons Select Car Reviews · ▶ 3:16"considering you're getting this for 20 to 25k it's unbeatable"
azizdrives · ▶ 9:34"you need to have a very healthy bank account not just to fix the long list of things that can go wrong for the maintenance too really expensive"
ReDriven · ▶ 0:09Performance
4.5/525 of 25 reviewersstrong consensus“it's a brilliant engine has a red line here of some 8,200 plus RPM yet even low down at 3,000 like I am now it's got plenty of pull and a very distinct soundtrack”
positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 8:36“one of the best V8s ever built.”
positive · BuzzytheBlue · ▶ 3:26“this thing is an absolute monster and holy crap just listen to the noise”
positive · Ross Reviews · ▶ 1:59Handling
4.0/525 of 25 reviewerssplit“Unfortunately, it's very front-heavy due to the heavy V8 engine. At the same time, the steering is a bit too light and not quite as precise as in the BMW.”
critical · AUTO BILD · ▶ 8:31“these systems make the Audi stick to tarmac like chewing gum and you look like a far better driver than you actually are”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 3:58“the RS5 really handles nicely it doesn't feel anywhere near as heavy as the stats say it is”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 6:54Fun to drive
4.5/525 of 25 reviewerssplit“this is one of the most sensational engines I have ever driven in any car ever”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 19:28“And the sound, is just an orchestra.”
positive · Auditography · ▶ 6:01“I'm having an absolute ball in this car and I really didn't expect that”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 6:46Daily drivability
4.0/525 of 25 reviewerssplit“Everyday, all weather functionality”
positive · BuzzytheBlue · ▶ 0:00“it's absolutely luxurious enough to be a daily driver”
positive · TheSmokingTire · ▶ 7:37“The interior of the B8.5 is one of, if not the best interior that Audi has ever made.”
positive · Auditography · ▶ 11:21Value
4.0/525 of 25 reviewerssplit“considering you're getting this for 20 to 25k it's unbeatable”
positive · azizdrives · ▶ 9:34“these are becoming a real bargain... you can pick one of these up for about 45 grand”
positive · Ross Reviews · ▶ 4:38“that's a hell of a lot of car for the money”
positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 18:07Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- The Drive
2027 Audi RS5 First Drive Review: Heavy, Complicated, and Somehow Glorious
◆Worth itThe 2027 Audi RS5 is a triumph of over-engineering that manages to be genuinely fun and agile despite its massive curb weight.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who value complex engineering and driving engagement over raw spec-sheet dominance.
- Watch out
- Significant weight · Transmission delay in manual mode · Excessive piano-black plastic · Complex, potentially high-maintenance tech
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
Slide Ruler: The New Audi RS5 Loves to Go Sideways
◆Worth itThe RS5 is a surprisingly playful, high-tech performance sedan that masks its massive weight with clever engineering, though it lacks the raw mechanical purity of its closest rivals.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-tech, dual-purpose daily driver that can surprise on a track.
- Watch out
- Extremely heavy curb weight · Touchy carbon-ceramic brakes · Deadened throttle response in EV mode
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
Driven! Is the 2027 Audi RS5 the Most Un-Audi Audi Yet?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe RS5 is a brilliant engineering achievement that successfully masks its weight, but it is hampered by a frustrating transmission and a prohibitive price tag.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who value cutting-edge chassis tech and all-weather capability over transmission refinement.
- Watch out
- clunky manual shifts in the ZF 8-speed · 5,200-pound curb weight · significant price increase over predecessor · complex PHEV system
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
Audi's New RS5 Has More Power Than the R8 Supercar
◆Worth itThe RS5 is a masterclass in using technology to overcome mass, resulting in a car that feels lighter and more agile than its 5200-pound weight suggests.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who need a high-performance daily driver that balances track-ready dynamics with luxury comfort.
- Watch out
- 5200-pound curb weight · Generic screen design · Regenerative braking feel
Quotes worth your time