2018 Audi RS 5 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What's new

The Audi RS 5 is fully redesigned for 2018Represents the second RS 5 generation

　　There's something intimate about a coupe, even one that's closely related to a sedan. Perhaps that's because a coupe inherently prioritizes the driver and a sole passenger over all else.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Audi RS 5 quattro 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

　　$219/mo  for RS 5 quattro

　　RS 5 quattro

　　quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $69,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　When the first-generation RS 5 debuted, it encapsulated that allure quite well. That its non-turbocharged V8 had character and wound up to stratospheric revs only underscored the sense of occasion engendered by a coupe.

　　The redesigned 2018 Audi RS 5, the second-generation model, trades the fizz and character of the V8 for a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6. This new engine, which can also be found under the hood of the Porsche Panamera 4S, packs a whole lot more punch, particularly down low in the rev range. However, it doesn't rev as high and it sounds much more muted than the V8. This is the quandary of modern performance engines — the demand for more power and lower fuel consumption has resulted in smaller-displacement turbocharged engines that deliver the goods but can't quite match the sparkle of a free-revving V8.

　　The RS 5's standard all-wheel-drive system transmits all of that power to the ground in a sure-footed way. In the bargain, it may not be quite as playful as its rear-wheel-drive competitors when it comes to spirited or track driving. At least you'll have Audi's terrific cabin environment to luxuriate in, replete with leather, carbon fiber and satin-finish metal accents. Throw in the available 8.3-inch infotainment screen and Virtual Cockpit extended instrument cluster and you've got one heck of a well-rounded, special-feeling coupe after all.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The second-generation 2018 Audi RS 5 hones the performance edge ever sharper, yet it takes care of its occupants, too. It's faster and more luxurious than the outgoing RS 5. Its standard all-wheel drive provides ample traction, while the superb cabin might make you wonder why you'd be in such a rush in the first place.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the Audi RS 5 (turbo 2.9L V6 | 8-speed automatic | AWD).

　　

Driving

　　The RS 5 delivers massive acceleration, incredible grip and sharp steering. Thanks to selectable drive modes and an adjustable suspension, it can also be an easygoing everyday car. Unfortunately, even with everything turned up to 11, it lacks some of the excitement we expect from RS cars.

　　

Acceleration

　　Acceleration is monstrously strong, with Audi stating a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Unfortunately, the soundtrack is muted, even with the adaptive exhaust. While it's incredibly fast, it lacks the character we've come to expect from RS engines.

　　

Braking

　　The massive brakes are strong whether you upgrade to the carbon-ceramics or not. In fact, the upgrade doesn't change braking distance, but it does improve fade under hard use. Get the upgraded brakes if you're planning on a lot of high-performance track day events.

　　

Steering

　　Dynamic Steering is an excellent option. It locks the steering to a single, quick ratio instead of varying the ratio based on vehicle speed. It provides a much sportier and direct experience, even though it doesn't improve the generally numb feedback.

　　

Handling

　　The RS 5 has a huge amount of grip. Putting the adjustable suspension in Dynamic mode tames body roll, but it also makes the suspension so stiff that midcorner bumps upset the car's composure.

　　

Drivability

　　The traditional eight-speed automatic may seem like a downgrade from Audi's dual-clutch automatic, but it executes quick, sharp shifts that feel appropriately aggressive in Sport and smooth in Normal mode.

　　

Comfort

　　Because of the RS 5's many driver-selectable modes, noise and ride comfort can vary widely. The sport seats aren't too aggressive, and the climate control system works as well as you'd expect from an Audi.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The sport seats have enough bolstering to help keep you in place, but not so much that they feel tight or restrictive. They're comfortable for long drives.

　　

Ride comfort

　　In Comfort mode, the adjustable suspension is just that: comfortable. It absorbs bumps surprisingly well for a high-performance car while keeping you feeling connected to the road. In Dynamic mode, though, it becomes overly stiff, accentuating even tiny road imperfections.

　　

Noise & vibration

　　The RS 5 is pretty well-insulated from wind, road and tire noise, and with the adaptive exhaust in Comfort mode the engine fades into the background. However, with the exhaust in Dynamic mode, there's an unpleasant droning from under the hood between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm.

　　

Climate control

　　The climate control system works just as well in the RS 5 as in the regular A5. The controls are clearly labeled and easy to use. Left to its own devices, the system will automatically keep you comfortable.

　　

Interior

　　A thoughtful interior design means most of the controls are easy to find, and the technology interfaces are easy to master. Visibility is excellent, and the materials quality is top-notch. There's not a lot of headroom, especially in the rear, but rear legroom is better than in some competitors.

　　

Ease of use

　　The RS 5's design is mostly thoughtful, with easy-to-use controls and an infotainment interface that's among the best on the road. Our biggest issue is the drive mode button, which is a bit hidden and hard to reach. It's disappointing considering how important it is to this car.

　　

Utility

　　The 12 cubic feet of cargo space isn't exceptional for a coupe in this class, but the space is usable enough for a weekend trip. The rear seats fold down for longer items. There are a few spots to store small items in the cabin, but nothing exceptional.

　　

Technology

　　Audi's technology is among the best on the market: an easy-to-use infotainment system, a specialized Virtual Cockpit screen with enthusiast-oriented display options, and excellent driver aids for when you want to relax a bit.

　　

Which RS 5 does zzdcar recommend?

　　There's only one trim level, so options are the only thing to decide on. The RS Driver Assistance package has a lot of useful features and is priced reasonably. Get the Dynamic package for the variable dampers, but skip the pricey Dynamic Plus package, of which carbon-ceramic brakes are the headlining item. Also consider the Dynamic Steering, which simply makes the car more enjoyable more of the time.

　　

2018 Audi RS 5 models

　　The 2018 Audi RS 5 comes in only one trim level, but there are a variety of option packages from which to choose. Be aware that a few of these packages have prerequisites; that is, they require you to also opt for other option packages first.

　　All RS 5s are powered by a turbocharged 2.9-liter (444 horsepower, 443 pound-feet of torque) that drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The list of standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, full LED headlights, parking sensors, automatic wipers, keyless entry and ignition, a 7-inch infotainment display, a 10-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, and a suite of driver assistance systems (forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and intervention, and blind-spot monitoring).

　　The Dynamic Plus package is the most expensive, and it provides carbon-ceramic front brakes and adds direct tire pressure measurement. This package's prerequisite happens to be the second most expensive option, the Dynamic package, which includes variable suspension dampers and a sport exhaust. Getting Dynamic Steering, which replaces the standard fixed-ratio steering with a variable ratio system, also requires the Dynamic package.

　　If you want driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and a lane keeping system, tick the box for the RS Driver Assistance package. However, you'll also need to opt for the Navigation package, which adds an 8.3-inch MMI infotainment screen and Audi's Virtual Cockpit extended instrument cluster.

　　Premium upholstery is what the Fine Nappa Leather package nets you, which upgrades the leather on the seats, center console and door armrests and adds LED interior lighting. Audiophiles, meanwhile, will gravitate toward the Bang & Olufsen sound system.

　　Interested in cosmetics? Check out the Black Optic package's 20-inch wheels, gloss black trim and body-color mirrors. Additionally, a different set of forged 20-inch wheels are optional once you've selected the Black Optic package.

　　

2018 RS 5 Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$69,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$219/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles