2025 Audi RS 5

Price Range: $79,900 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

+28

If all you care about are performance numbers, the RS 5 Sportback is impressive in the way it fires off the line and grips through turns. For those who want to feel engaged in the driving experience, the RS 5 Sportback may leave that desire unfulfilled. But in terms of comfort, quality and convenience, the Sportback easily makes the grade with a balance of sophistication and aggression.Read full review

17 Owner Reviews

20 mpg

Combined MPG

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Year

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$78,019

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2025 Audi RS 5 Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.}

rating written byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
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 Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Strong acceleration from the turbocharged V6
Confident and capable handling
Well-finished cabin with excellent infotainment interface
Surprisingly comfortable ride

Cons

Sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can make the handling feel artificial
Powerful engine lacks character
Limited cabin storage and rear headroom
Costly options required to experience it at its best

What's new

RS 5 coupe has been discontinued
Homelink buttons integrated into rearview mirror
Part of the second RS 5 generation introduced for 2018

Overview

If the Audi A5 lineup was a range of hot sauces, the A5 Sportback would be mild, the S5 would be medium, and the RS 5 would be extra-spicy. The 2025 Audi RS 5 is a high-performance variant of the A5 that's now offered exclusively as a liftback — a four-door sedan with a sloping hatchback. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged V6 delivering 444 horsepower to all four wheels via a performance-tuned Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The RS 5 also comes with a host of standard go-fast goodies, including an RS sport suspension, torque-vectoring rear differential and summer performance tires. If you need even more performance capability, you can upgrade your RS 5 with the formidable Competition package.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi RS 5 4dr Hatchback 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$228/mo

$158/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds spotlight: Farewell to the coupe

The most significant change from last year's model is the discontinuation of the coupe body style. The RS 5 coupe is the latest casualty to hit the shrinking two-door luxury performance car segment, which also recently lost the V8-powered Mercedes-AMG C 63 coupe, Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type. A redesigned A5 is expected to debut for 2026, so you can bet an all-new RS 5 isn't far behind. It's unclear, though, if we'll see a coupe variant return for the next generation.

Competitors to consider

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe is the RS 5 Sportback's primary competitor. Both are performance sedans equipped with rear liftgates. Because it's not a full-bore M4, the M440i makes less power and torque than the RS 5, though it still packs a punch. Other potent four-door options worth looking at include the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds 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

edmunds 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.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The RS 5 uses Audi's last-generation interior design, which is much more user-friendly and less distracting. Unlike the newer layout, you get a good number of physical buttons, which means you won't have to dig through touchscreen menus. Every control is thoughtfully placed and has a solid and quality feel to it.

It's easy to access the front seats, and once there, it feels as though you're sitting just a bit tall for a sporty sedan. Rear passengers will likely have to stoop a little to clear the sleek profile of the rear roofline. Headroom is a bit snug back there. So is legroom due to tight toe space under the front seats. Visibility is good aside from a thick rear roof pillar that sits squarely in your over-the-shoulder view.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $3,176 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,176 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}

2025 Audi RS 5 pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Build & Price

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? Some people may prefer the RS 5's last-generation infotainment system more than the new version, as we do. The infotainment display is right in the driver's sight lines. And the dial controller is less distracting than a touchscreen to navigate menus with. Programmable shortcut buttons are a bonus amenity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and each booted up quickly and was glitch-free in our testing.

The adaptive cruise control functions well, with smooth reactions to changing traffic conditions. The front parking sensors can often be too sensitive, turning on while in bumper-to-bumper traffic. They're adjustable to some degree to reduce the beeps.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The Sportback's hatch can hold up to 21.8 cubic feet, which is very useful for a sport sedan like this. The only thing missing back there are remote releases for the rear seatbacks. It's a long reach to fold them flat so some people may need to do so from the rear doors.

Up front, there are plenty of places to put your personal items and we especially like the small tray that ably holds your phone. The door pockets and cupholders could stand to be a little bigger, though. All but the largest rear-facing infant seats should be accommodated with little effort.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the RS 5 Sportback gets 20 mpg combined, which is pretty good considering how fast it is. We saw 22.8 mpg on our highway-heavy evaluation loop. That seems to indicate that the EPA mileage estimates are realistic, which is always a nice thing.

Value

7/10

Is the RS 5 a good value? Audi's build quality is consistently top-notch, and the automaker manages to make a cabin look and feel special without going overboard. The RS 5's interior is no exception. Taking a look at the window sticker will bring you back to the reality of how much some nice things cost. Our as-tested cost crested $100,000, which we think is a lot considering that the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S are in the same ballpark and play in a difference performance league.

Audi's warranties are pretty typical, but the automatker does provide the first scheduled service free of charge, which is more than what some others offer.

Wildcard

7/10

RS models from Audi have historically been the fiery and raucous beasts that dare you to explore their potential for performance. This RS 5 is fast, sure, but fun? In many ways, this is probably where the S5 should be in terms of engagement and excitement. We expected more.

That said, the RS 5 is sleek and sophisticated. It has the look of lurking aggression, even though it isn't fully realized. If your tastes trend more toward sporty touring than outright performance, it might fill that tiny niche perfectly.

Which RS 5 does Edmunds recommend?

The RS 5 Sportback is the only body style and trim available for 2025, so the only thing you need to do is decide what packages you want to add. We think the Competition package is well worth it for the extra performance it brings. Checking that box will get you an even more aggressive coilover suspension setup, upgraded wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa summer tires, an RS sport exhaust system and more.

Compare 2025 Audi RS 5 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Audi RS 5 models

The 2025 Audi RS 5 is a high-performance model sitting above the A5 and S5, but its power and looks elevate it to a stand-alone model. For 2025, there is only one trim level and one body style available: the RS 5 Sportback. It's powered by a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 engine (444 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque) driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi offers a number of option packages if you're looking to add equipment to the already extensive list of standard features.

RS 5
The RS 5 Sportback comes with these equipment highlights:

19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires
Auto-dimming and power-folding heated mirrors
Torque-vectoring rear differential (can enhance agility when cornering)
Selectable drive modes
Matrix-design LED headlights
Panoramic sunroof
Three-zone climate control
Heated front sports seats finished with contrasting honeycomb stitching and RS logos
Heated rear seats
Premium leather upholstery
Digital instrument panel
Heated steering wheel
10.1-inch touchscreen display
Wireless changing pad with signal booster
Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system
Satellite radio
Homelink garage and home security controls

Advanced safety features include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Automatic high beams

Optional features for the RS 5 include:

Competition package

20-inch wheels
Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires
180 mph top speed
Sport steering
High-performance suspension
RS sport exhaust system with black tips
Carbon-fiber trim elements
Synthetic suede interior trim and partial seat upholstery

Dynamic package

Red brake calipers
RS sport suspension plus with adaptive dampers
RS sport exhaust system with black tips

Black Optic Carbon package

20-inch alloy wheels
Carbon-fiber exterior mirror housings, rear lip and front spoiler
High-gloss black exterior elements

Black Optic package

20-inch bicolor alloy wheels
High-gloss black mirror housings, rear lip and front spoiler

RS Driver Assistance package

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the RS 5 and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the RS 5 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RS 5 and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Traffic sign reader

Navigation package

Integrated navigation system
Audi Connect online communication services (subscription-based)

Side Assist package

Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Matte finish exterior mirror housings

Audi RS 5 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

17 reviews

5(76%)

4(12%)

3(5%)

2(0%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Better than M4 and C63

Rick, 03/07/2019

2019 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I have now had this car for a year and give you an accurate real world review, not the stupid reviews that every car magazine will give you Pros: Very fast Comfortable when not in dynamic mode. All wheel drive is amazing I like the stealth mode of Audi RS cars. Most people don’t know what they are and I like that. Plenty of room even in the back seat. Can fit 4 adults as long as the …

Great everyday performance car

McGregor, 12/20/2019

2019 Audi RS 5 quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I traded my 2017 S6 in for the RS5 Sportback as I wanted something more sporty. The S6 was great but a little two big and unwieldy for sporty driving. Overall I am happy with the RS5. It is a good size, looks fantastic and has excellent performance and handling. The AWD makes it a year round daily drive in the Northeast, something the M4/C63/Giulia Quadrifolglio do not offer at least for … now. The AWD is not the only feature that makes it more practical as a daily; the hatchback (sorry, sportback) makes it easy to load and unload large items. Also the ride comfort is significantly more tolerable than the competitors. With 19" wheels the ride is just as comfortable as an A4. I went with the base 19" wheels for a few reasons; cost, better ride, less weight, better looks (subjective), less likelihood of a /bent wheel, and better traction when equipped with winter tires. The ride/handling tradeoff is perfect with the 19s and Dynamic Package (DRC suspension). I leave the suspension is auto as it is not as bouncy as comfort but not as stiff as dynamic. The drivetrain is great as well but the engine could use a bit more character. It pulls hard and there is good power everywhere. Turbo lag is not bad but you do feel it for a split second when flooring it. The engine sound is not terrible but it is one of the few negative points about the driving experience. The C63 sounds much better, while the M4 sounds only slightly better. The 8 speed automatic is a great transmission. It upshifts and downshifts quickly and smoothly in comfort and auto while dynamic makes the shifts even quicker and more forceful.Having said that a dual clutch transmission would be even better and make the car more special as everyone seems to be using the same ZF 8 speed automatic now. Coincidentally Porsche uses this same engine in the Macan turbo with a dual clutch (PDK) so it's a shame Audi doesn't do the same. Gas mileage is unsurprisingly poor but the worst part is the range. With the small gas tank I am getting around 240 miles per tankful which is awful. The car desperately needs a larger tank. The interior quality and design are excellent as you would expect from Audi. Fit and finish is perfect and the material quality is outstanding. The seats are comfortable all day. The massage feature is a bit lame as it uses deflating/inflating air bladders instead of actual motors like it the A8. Instead they should offer comfort seats for people that want really comfortable seats with real massage. The virtual cockpit is cool but I would be fine with a traditional gauge cluster. The infotainment/nav screen is just stuck on the dash, not integrated like newer designs, and it doesn't even retract. I wish the moon roof was optional. It adds weight and comes with a retractable perforated screen that blocks most but not all of the sun. Plus when open the glass roof retracts outside of the car. I would have paid $1000 to delete the moon roof. Audi: make the moon roof an option. Another gripe about the interior is the glaring lack of storage compartments. There is very little space to store small items. Another storage issue: the owner's manual get stowed in the hatchback area, and the jack get strapped to the floor of the cargo area instead of in a cubby. Weird. Other than the few minor gripes I still feel it is the best vehicle in it's segment. Yes the others have slightly better track times and acceleration numbers but in the real world the RS5 is right there with them. Throw is wet or slippery roads and you can't even use 1/4 of the performance of the others. Even if the others had AWD I will still take the Audi. The M4 styling looks ridiculous, designed by a Fast and Furious attitude in mind. Plus the ride is harsh. The Alfa can be dismissed due to its abysmal reliability and poor interior quality. The C63 is nice but it rides firms and looks too similar to a C300/C43; not acceptable when paying $80k. Also the MCT transmission shifts very harsh. In summary, if you are looking for a practical everyday performance sedan/hatchback that delivers the goods, and does not beat you up, the RS5 is the only choice.

Beyond and ultimate driving machine!

William, 09/27/2019

2019 Audi RS 5 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I’ve been driving BMWs for 15 years and this was my first Audi! It has surpassed ALL expectation! The seats are extremely comfortable. The drive modes provide a wide range of comfort and performance. If your more into a Lexus type ride, the comfort mode provides that while performance and handling under dynamic makes you feel you’re on the autobahn! I only wish I had bought one years …

RS5 Sportback exceptional at all things

HIGHFLIER, 07/23/2020

2019 Audi RS 5 quattro 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

Fast, stealth, good handling, all wheel drive, good sounding exhaust, great looks and comfort to boot. With seats down fits 15 bags of mulch in the back, 10' boards with ease and most other items you would need and still able to seat 5 in a pinch and 4 in comfort. Jack of all trades and master of daily driving. On long trips this thing munches up highway relentlessly (and safely). …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Audi RS 5, so we've included reviews for other years of the RS 5 since its last redesign.

See all 17 reviews of the Audi RS 5

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2025 Audi RS 5 Features & Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$79,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	21.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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Safety

Key safety features on the RS 5 include:

Back-up camera
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	Not Rated
Driver	Not Rated
Passenger	Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	Not Rated
Back Seat	Not Rated
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	9.9%

FAQ

Is the Audi RS 5 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 RS 5 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 RS 5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 17 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RS 5 has 21.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi RS 5. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Audi RS 5?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Audi RS 5:

RS 5 coupe has been discontinued
Homelink buttons integrated into rearview mirror
Part of the second RS 5 generation introduced for 2018

Learn more

Is the Audi RS 5 reliable?

To determine whether the Audi RS 5 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RS 5. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RS 5's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Audi RS 5 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Audi RS 5 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 RS 5 and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 RS 5 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 17 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 RS 5 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi RS 5?

The least-expensive 2025 Audi RS 5 is the 2025 Audi RS 5 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $79,900.

Other versions include:

4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $79,900

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi RS 5?

If you're interested in the Audi RS 5, the next question is, which RS 5 model is right for you? RS 5 variants include 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.9L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of RS 5 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Audi RS 5

Pricing

2025 Audi RS 5 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi RS 5 4dr Hatchback 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds spotlight: Farewell to the coupe

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $3,176 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,176 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RS 5 does Edmunds recommend?

Audi RS 5 models

Audi RS 5 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Better than M4 and C63

Great everyday performance car

Beyond and ultimate driving machine!

RS5 Sportback exceptional at all things

Helpful shopping links

2025 Audi RS 5 Features & Specs

Compare the Audi RS 5

Safety

Key safety features on the RS 5 include:

NHTSA Overall Rating

FAQ

Is the Audi RS 5 a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Audi RS 5?

Is the Audi RS 5 reliable?

Is the 2025 Audi RS 5 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi RS 5?

What are the different models of Audi RS 5?

Related 2025 Audi RS 5 info

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2025 Audi RS 5 4dr Hatchback 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $3,176 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,176 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}