2022 Audi RS 5

　　

2022 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.

　　High-performance luxury coupes may not be as popular as they once were, but the Audi RS 5 keeps the dream alive. Along with its rivals the BMW M4 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63, the RS 5 offers abundant horsepower in a cozy two-door package. A Sportback variant is also available with two extra doors and a roomier back seat.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) - $75,900 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $76,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Fresh off a midcycle update for 2021, the RS 5 soldiers on into 2022 with few changes. That refresh brought revised exterior styling and a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The RS 5 still packs a turbocharged V6 that cranks out 444 horsepower routed to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. In either two- or four-door guise, the RS 5 is a hoot to drive, though it's not quite as engaging as its German rivals. Get all the details in our Expert Rating below.

　　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