AudiRS 5

　　

2024 Audi RS 5 Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　The Audi RS 5 is a high-performance luxury car available in two-door coupe and four-door fastback body styles. Whichever configuration you choose, the RS 5 packs a potent 444-horsepower punch from a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and boasts herculean grip thanks to a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system. The RS 5 received a midcycle refresh in 2021, and last year it gained a new, even more hardcore Competition package. For 2024, that package loses the carbon-ceramic front brakes available last year but also gets a substantial price reduction.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi RS 5 2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$223/mo  for RS 5 Base

　　RS 5 Base

　　2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $78,600 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $78,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Engine and performance

All RS 5 models come equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine producing a healthy 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That mill, when combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system, delivered a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds in our tests. On paper, its performance numbers are commendable. But from behind the wheel, you might feel like you're missing some of that secret sauce that makes an RS car special. Luckily, Audi offers the Competition package to invigorate the RS 5 with a performance-tuned coilover suspension, stickier summer tires and a sport exhaust system.

　　

Competitors to consider

The 2024 Audi RS 5 primarily competes with the BMW M4, which also has both two- and four-door variants available. The RS 5 must also contend with high-performance small luxury sedans and coupes like the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio, BMW M3 and the recently discontinued Lexus RC F.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the RS 5 drive? The RS 5 turns in an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and can pull a full g around the skidpad, which means high levels of road grip. Subjectively, it's missing some of the excitement expected of an RS car. In Sport mode, it transforms into a very dynamic performer, but it does so by using sophisticated differentials that simulate a neutral or even loose rear end, which ends up feeling artificial.

　　In normal driving modes, there's a significant lag before the engine spools up and starts moving the car. And after some spirited use in our test car, we found the brake pedal got noticeably soft and the front rotors emitted loud squeals.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the RS 5? What the RS 5 surrenders in excitement it makes up for in touring comfort. The front seats offer great lateral support without being confining, and they're also shaped well for long-distance drives. The difference in ride quality between Comfort and Dynamic modes is very noticeable. In Dynamic mode, it gets much stiffer, yet it can maintain composure without riding harshly.

　　Likewise, the cabin remains quiet at high speeds and over rougher pavement. Road noise is present, but only just so. The engine and exhaust sound good off the bat, and even better in Dynamic mode, if not a bit synthetic. We're fairly certain the aural experience involves using the speakers to pipe in some of that sound.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below