Audi RS5 B8
The RS coupe — from screaming 4.2 V8 to twin-turbo V6.
27 reviewers · 40 videos · 6 hours watched · 4 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance, but split on handling and fun to drive.
across 27 reviewers
"the RS5 really handles nicely it doesn't feel anywhere near as heavy as the stats say it is"
Autocar · ▶ 6:54"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"I just have that engine out and that DCT and that added sharpness. I do find that to be such a compelling car to drive."
Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 21:20"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"these are becoming a real bargain... you can pick one of these up for about 45 grand"
Ross Reviews · ▶ 4:38"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
4.5/527 of 27 reviewersstrong consensus“The centerpiece is obviously that engine. A good amount of power. Very linear all the way up to redline.”
positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 8:37“I have to say I think this is the best bit about this car overall it is blinding this engine it is powerful it's tky it revs to 82 it sounds the nuts”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 5:02“not only does it sound amazing but it delivers a neck snapping 444 brake horsepower”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 0:30Handling
4.0/527 of 27 reviewerssplit“the RS5 really handles nicely it doesn't feel anywhere near as heavy as the stats say it is”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 6:54“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“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 · ▶ 8:31Fun to drive
4.5/527 of 27 reviewerssplit“I just have that engine out and that DCT and that added sharpness. I do find that to be such a compelling car to drive.”
positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 21:20“I'm having an absolute ball in this car and I really didn't expect that”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 6:46“It's very fun to toss around. It's very fun to drive.”
positive · Cars With Albert Alex · ▶ 25:13Daily drivability
4.0/527 of 27 reviewerssplit“Everyday, all weather functionality”
positive · BuzzytheBlue · ▶ 0:00“it gives you that feeling like you could drive this car all the time”
positive · Stick Shifting · ▶ 4:16“youve got a performance car can also double it's a relaxing Cruiser”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:32Value
4.0/526 of 27 reviewerssplit“these are becoming a real bargain... you can pick one of these up for about 45 grand”
positive · Ross Reviews · ▶ 4:38“considering you're getting this for 20 to 25k it's unbeatable”
positive · azizdrives · ▶ 9:34“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