Audi RS5
The RS coupe — from screaming 4.2 V8 to twin-turbo V6.
17 reviewers · 37 videos · 4 press articles
Reviewers agree on its performance and fun to drive, but split on handling and value.
across 17 reviewers
"it feels like a proper leap on in terms of the handling balance for an RS Audi."
Hagerty · ▶ 14:44"everything is good and everything is fine and everything is dandy up until the point where you're pushing really quite hard and then it just doesn't want to go around a corner."
carwow · ▶ 27:06"if you guys comparably add, you know, the options to an M3 competition xDrive that matches this car in terms of equipment, the BMW is just under $100,000. So it's about five grand more. ... it kind of makes the Audi a little bit of a bargain."
Redline Reviews · ▶ 53:50"if you're expecting like a luxury car interior that's not this this feels more something like a $45,000 car would be in this modern era"
Savagegeese · ▶ 4:00Performance
4.5/517 of 17 reviewersconsensus“this is a fast car a very fast car”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 6:57“0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds makes this thing about as quick as the current generation BMW M3 Competition with xDrive.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 36:27“all that works together to get you a startlingly fast 3.8 seconds 0-60”
positive · Car Confections · ▶ 23:32Handling
4.5/517 of 17 reviewerssplit“it feels like a proper leap on in terms of the handling balance for an RS Audi.”
positive · Hagerty · ▶ 14:44“I'm pleasantly surprised with the handling of this car it's definitely a lot more Nimble than I expected”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 8:04“And on the circuit, it is exceptionally agile. You would not believe this car is as heavy as it is.”
positive · Autocar · ▶ 4:09Fun to drive
4.0/517 of 17 reviewersconsensus“It makes all the right noises. I never had a chance to drive the RS5 without the competition package. But man, does this thing truly just feel like a proper super sedan.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 40:25“this is the best Audi that I've ever driven”
positive · TopherDrives · ▶ 5:51“if you like it very well balanced and at the same time super sporty then the rs5 is for you”
positive · Autogefuhl · ▶ 31:11Daily drivability
4.0/517 of 17 reviewersconsensus“the ride quality in this RS5 competition is just unbelievable. It has an uncanny smoothness that I have not experienced in this segment.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 43:53“audi being the more comfortable car to drive home it is the most comfortable”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:09“I noticed there's some bumps in the road and stuff. Wow, it's really comfortable You wouldn't expect that you would be able to absorb the bumps like this”
positive · Car Confections · ▶ 26:56Value
3.5/516 of 17 reviewerssplit“if you're expecting like a luxury car interior that's not this this feels more something like a $45,000 car would be in this modern era”
critical · Savagegeese · ▶ 4:00“if you guys comparably add, you know, the options to an M3 competition xDrive that matches this car in terms of equipment, the BMW is just under $100,000. So it's about five grand more. ... it kind of makes the Audi a little bit of a bargain.”
positive · Redline Reviews · ▶ 53:50“if this car doesn't really light my fire and for a hundred grand I think it should”
critical · Throttle House · ▶ 18:28Hear 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