2015 Audi RS 5 Review
2015 Audi RS 5 Review
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Used RS 5 for sale
Appraise This CarAudi RS 5 model years
Audi RS 5 types
- Convertible
- Coupe
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Classy styling with a hint of aggression
- high-revving V8 engine produces impressive power and sound
- tenacious road-holding grip
- superb interior with high-end materials.
Cons
- Standard MMI controls aren't especially user-friendly
- nonadjustable suspension's stiff ride quality.
What’s new
For 2015, the Audi RS 5 gets a few minor updates to its options list, including three new wheel designs, a Black Optic Plus package and red-painted brake calipers.
Edmunds says
Subtly stylish and seriously potent, the high-performance 2015 Audi RS 5 delivers thrilling acceleration and typical Audi refinement in either coupe or convertible form.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2015 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM) 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 $4.47 per gallon for premium unleaded in New Hampshire.
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Hampshire
$292/mo for RS 5 quattro
RS 5 quattro
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Style and performance don't come together much better in Audi's lineup than they do with the 2015 RS 5. Although it's based on the rather ordinary A5 and its S5 performance variant, the four-seat RS 5 swaps in a scintillating 450-horsepower V8, giving it a 117-horsepower boost over the S5 and more than double the A5's output. With the standard rear-biased all-wheel drive, the RS 5 is an enthralling car to drive, second only to the otherworldly R8 in Audi's current two-door hierarchy.
Other than a pretty firm ride quality, the four-seat RS 5 is pretty agreeable for everyday driving, too. With comfortable front seats and decent cargo capacity, the RS 5 makes for a satisfying long-distance tourer. And like every Audi, the RS 5 has an impeccably crafted and well-appointed cabin that can be further upgraded with several infotainment, comfort and appearance options.
Still, there are some pretty desirable rivals in this price range. The new 2015 BMW M4 lacks the RS 5's epic V8 soundtrack, but otherwise its acceleration and handling could end up leading the pack this year. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe still offers a beefy V8 for thousands less. If it's pure curb appeal you're after, look no further than the stunning two-seat 2015 Jaguar F-Type. And while we're on two-seaters, we'd be remiss not to mention the astoundingly capable 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
Any of these cars is likely to work out well for you, but with its tasty blend of luxury, style and high-revving V8 thrills, the 2015 Audi RS 5 will certainly be a tempting choice.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2015 Audi RS 5 is a 4.2-liter V8 engine that produces 450 hp and 316 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual with shift paddles. All-wheel drive is standard.
In Edmunds performance testing, the Audi RS 5 coupe made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the heavier RS 5 convertible turned in a 4.6-second effort. Both times are competitive, though not class-leading.
The coupe's EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 18 mpg in combined driving (16 mpg city/23 mpg highway), while the convertible is slightly behind at 18 mpg combined (16/22). These are realistic estimates, as we were able to achieve a respectable 21 mpg on the 120-mile Edmunds evaluation route in a convertible.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2015 Audi RS 5 include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (coupe only) and front and rear parking sensors. Optional electronic aids include a rearview camera and a blind-spot monitoring system.
In Edmunds brake testing, the RS 5 coupe came to a stop from 60 mph in 105 feet while the Cabriolet took just a foot longer. These impressively short distances are actually just average for this high-performance segment.
Driving
Getting the most out of the 2015 Audi RS 5's high-revving V8 is dead simple, thanks to the snappy automated-manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Although the RS 5 trails most competitors' quarter-mile times due to its heavier-than-average curb weight, it compensates with one of the most viscerally satisfying engines in any car on the market. The V8's refinement is superb, and it sounds wonderful when you put the pedal to the floor and allow it to reach its awe-inspiring 8,250-rpm redline. The transmission's glorious blip-throttle downshifts reinforce the sense that you're operating a very special machine.
Even without the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, the RS 5 offers exceptional stopping power, whether in daily use or on a demanding race circuit or mountain pass. Handling is pretty astonishing for a car carrying 58 percent of its weight upfront, as the front tires just hang on, seemingly unwilling to relinquish their grip on the road. Credit the RS 5's standard sport rear differential, which powers the outside rear tire while the inside front wheel is braked in order to pivot the car neatly around the turn.
In terms of ride comfort, the RS 5's suspension uses sport-tuned conventional dampers and springs and thus has one mode only: firm. You can certainly live with it day to day, but we're surprised the RS 5 doesn't offer adaptive dampers as an option. Going with the 20-inch wheels can make the RS 5 even more fidgety on broken pavement.
Interior
The RS 5's interior receives high marks for its understated design and use of top-notch materials, but functionality is hit-or-miss. Our main complaint is that the standard dash-mounted MMI controls aren't as easy to operate as the Technology package's upgraded interface. With the standard layout, you have to go through more steps to accomplish basic tasks, and the controls require an awkward reach beyond the shifter. With the Technology package, however, the controls move the center console to where they fall readily to hand. Moreover, this version of MMI includes upgraded software that provides simplified menus and the nifty Web-based features of Audi Connect (see above).
The RS 5's standard front seats provide ample support to hold the driver and passenger firmly in place while cornering, yet are comfortable enough for all-day touring. The optional Comfort Seat package actually reduces the size of the side bolsters for those who prefer a more relaxed approach. Unfortunately, there's no fix for the rear seats, as the lack of head- and legroom makes them suitable for small passengers only.
Although the Cabriolet has a traditional soft top, its tight-fitting, multilayer construction provides impressive insulation from noise and weather, rivaling retractable hardtops in this regard. As a bonus, the soft top leaves more room for luggage. With the top stowed, the convertible provides 10.2 cubic feet of trunk space -- only 2 cubes fewer than the coupe. Both body styles feature folding rear seatbacks for more capacity, a rarity among convertibles.
2015 Audi RS 5 models
The 2015 Audi RS 5 is a high-performance coupe or convertible (Cabriolet) offered in one well-equipped trim level. Both body styles have the same equipment, but the convertible substitutes a power-operated soft top with a rear window defroster and a wind blocker.
Standard features include 19-inch wheels with summer tires, a sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes (with larger front discs compared to the S5), dual exhaust, RS-specific styling flourishes (including "wide-body" panels for a more muscular appearance), automatic adaptive xenon headlights with washers, LED running lights and taillights, an adaptive rear spoiler, a tilt-only panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors with exterior heating, front and rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), driver memory functions, carbon-fiber interior trim, split-folding rear seatbacks, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the base MMI infotainment system with dash-mounted controls, a 6.5-inch display and a 14-speaker (12 for the convertible) Bang & Olufsen sound system with satellite radio and iPod integration.
The Technology package is optional and includes a CD player, HD radio, Bluetooth audio connectivity, an upgraded MMI system with console-mounted controls, a 7-inch display, a navigation system with voice controls, Audi connect (featuring Google Earth integration, Google-powered search functions, smartphone app integration and WiFi hotspot capability), a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring.
The Driver Assist package requires the Technology package and adds adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering. The Comfort Seat package adds perforated leather seats with ventilation and less-aggressive side bolsters to both body styles, while the Cabriolet additionally receives a neck-level heating system that deletes the standard "RS" embossing on the seatbacks. The new Black Optic Plus package replaces last year's Black Optic package and consists of unique 20-inch wheels, a gloss-black grille, gloss-black window trim, body-colored mirrors, a carbon-fiber engine cover and a sport exhaust system with black finishers.
Standalone options include various 20-inch wheels, carbon-ceramic front brakes, red brake calipers, the sport exhaust from the Black Optic Plus package, leather/synthetic-suede "S line" front seats (not available with the Comfort Seat package) and matte-aluminum exterior trim.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2015 Audi RS 5.
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9 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars
What's it like after 3 years of ownership
Alfas and Audis, 06/02/2016
2013 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
The other two reviews talk about new RS5's. If you're reading this now you are looking to buy a used one. So what is it like after 3 years and 35,000 miles? I still get compliments wherever I go. The car still feels special when I get in and drive it. The engine still amazes - remember this is based on an Italian design so there is not a lot of torque or power until the revs … build..... From around 3700 to 8250 redline it is wonderful. The transmission is one of the better dual clutch automanuals. Quick shifts in manual and very smooth in automatic. Handling is good for a big heavy car. You don't toss it into corners like my Boxster but the grip is pretty amazing and the special differential that the RS5 has actually makes the car very neutral in cornering.
The dynamic/sport mode and comfort mode make this into a very smooth quiet grand touring car or a car that you can have fun with when the road calls to you.
The car has aged very well. The interior still looks brand new and everything works as it did on day one.
I'm thinking that because of the depreciation of German high cost machinery this will be a good deal as a used car. But you need to find your own as mine isn't going anywhere.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Fun to drive, Aggressive looks, Great performance, Limited Production.
marshallplacid, 02/15/2013
2013 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
Fun to drive, yet with drive select, you can make it as aggressive a ride as you want.
Custom your modes into 16 combinations
DRL LEDs.
Transmission = VERY smooth gear changing.
Exhaust sound = loud downshifts, great sounding upshifts and acceleration sounds.
Exterior design = subjective.
To me, it was aggressive in a very good way.
Uniqueness = only 1,500 to be sold and made for … the North American market for 2013 and 2014 (check NA Audi President Scott Keogh's video interview).
Performance = Based on caranddriver's lightning lap times, it beats the M3, M5, M6, and V8 R8 by a slim margin.
Mileage = just enough efficiency to omit the Green tax.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary
oberstb, 02/10/2013
2013 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
I replaced my 2010 S5 with a 2013 RS5 in December.
The S5 was great; the RS5 is an order of magnitude beyond that.
It handles beautifully (I never considered raving about steering but the way it steers had to be experienced to be believed: whoever thought turning a corner could be so much fun), the controls are well-placed and intuitive.
The Google GPS is a treat.
Let's face it, no one … needs 450 horsepower, but my, my it sure is nice to have it.
Do yourself a favor and spring for the sports exhaust, 'cause if you ever feel depressed all you have to do is sit in your driveway and rev the engine; why take a pill?
If that doesn't work, just get it on the road and shift to sports mode.
5 out of 5 stars
The best everyday sports car ever made
MD Jedi, 03/11/2017
2013 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
I have owned 3 BMW's, an Audi S5, and a Shelby GT500. This is by far the best everyday sports car one could own. In traffic it behaves and allows one to go with the flow in peace and comfort. You forget it is a beast under the hood. The engine though can roar to life when desired, and the handling is awesome with any weather condition. I had taken my Shelby GT500 on road trips, and just … felt beat up at the end of them. Not so in the Audi RS5. It is the perfect mix of power and refinement. I joke with people that if my Audi S5 and my Shelby had a baby it would be this car. I don't know what I will replace it with when the day comes. Production of this car should have continued. I certainly am not looking forward to having a V6 again with the future RS5. I may have to consider the RS7if they keep it a V8.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 Audi RS 5, so we've included reviews for other years of the RS 5 since its last redesign.
2015 RS 5 Highlights
Convertible
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $79,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $299/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the RS 5 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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