2023 Audi RS 5 Hatchback

　　

2023 Audi RS 5 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　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.

　　When the current-generation Audi RS 5 debuted five years ago, it lost some of the visceral performance that its predecessor was famous for. That's not to say the RS 5 is slow. On the contrary, it's a capable performer, but in the transition from former V8 to current twin-turbo V6, it lost some of the theater and thrills. The 2023 Audi RS 5 looks to recapture a bit of that magic with a new Competition package that improves handling and braking, as well as a sport exhaust system to get your blood pumping.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$219/mo  for RS 5 Base

　　RS 5 Base

　　2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) - $77,900 MSRP4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $78,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Hopes are high for this new option, but in all likelihood, the RS 5 will continue to play second fiddle to the emotive BMW M4. There are also some forthcoming AMG variants of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to keep Audi honest. Unlike its two German rivals, the Audi is offered as either a coupe or a more practical four-door hatchback, called the Sportback. Despite its subtle lack of performance and driver engagement, the RS 5 has a lot to offer, and we cover everything 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