Name: Audi RS 5 (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Audi RS 5
Rating: 52

Summary

The Audi RS 5 is a high-performance, luxury coupé and liftback (Sportback) model based on the regular Audi A5 range. This is the second-generation line-up – the coupé arrived in the UK in 2017, and the Sportback followed in 2019.

This sporty Audi range has received a largely positive collection of review scores from the British motoring media – notably picking up plenty of praise for its performance. The RS 5 is powered by 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6, which produces 450hp and a reported 0-62 sprint time of 3.9 seconds.

Autocar‘s Nic Cackett concludes that “the Audi RS 5 is larger, lighter, quicker, cleaner and cleverer” than its predecessor – observations underscored by the car’s well-built, comfortable and practical interior, as well as its attractive exterior looks.

That said, the RS 5 has one major flaw that heavily hinders its review scores – it’s just not as fun to drive as its competitors, especially in the turns.

“The Audi RS 5 is up against some truly epic performance car rivals that match it in most areas and offer a far more involving and exciting driving experience”, the What Car? team explains, while recommending that readers check out the BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG C 63 or Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio instead.

As of January 2024, the Audi RS 5 holds a New Car Expert Rating of E with a score of 52%.

RS 5 highlights

Blistering pace and acceleration
Well-built upmarket interior
Practical in both Coupé and Sportback guises
Sporty exterior styling

RS 5 lowlights

Handling feels rather emotionless
BMW M4 is more fun to drive
Expensive, base price and up
So-so fuel economy

Key specifications

Body styles: Coupé and saloon
Engines: petrol
Price: From £73,850 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview (Coupé and Sportback)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 5 is an incredibly fast and comfortable coupé, but it’s not as fun as some rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“Huge performance, endless grip and impressive refinement are all there in abundance, as is a roomy cabin and a big boot.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 5 is a very different experience to more humble versions of the A5 Coupe. It delivers insane speed and very capable handling, making it an exciting car to drive, but it also provides enough comfort to keep life civilised.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 5 is larger, lighter, quicker, cleaner and cleverer than the six-year-old model it replaces.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Dig the monster GT vibe, and the Audi RS 5’s established gifts for interior splendour, technical prowess and sharp-edged looks start to make considerable sense – as does the generosity and seamlessness of the twin-turbo lump.”
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Car+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
‘Audi may describe the RS5 as a sprinter in a posh suit, but it feels more like an all-wheel drive muscle car without the full-bodied soundtrack. The RS5 boasts speed, comfort and luxury in spades, but this is not a car you’ll want to take out just for the hell of it.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: RS 5 coupé
Score: 7 / 10
“The Audi RS 5 is easy to drive fast – but falls short of providing the necessary thrills”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“You expect cars this fast to force you to make some sort of compromise, but the RS5 could hardly be any easier to drive very quickly. It’s a great all-rounder.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Sportback
Score: 8 / 10
“The first Audi RS5 Sportback might lack the edge of Alfa’s Giulia Quadrifoglio, but its less frantic approach has strong appeal.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Audi RS 5 is borderline sensational.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Coupé
Score: 6 / 10
“A car that makes going fast incredibly easy. But rivals do the whole ‘fun’ thing much better.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 4 / 10
“An accomplished and rapid all-weather grand tourer, but the Audi RS5 is too aloof to be truly fun and can’t live up to the C63 or Giulia QF for driving involvement.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2015
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

Notes on safety rating

The Audi RS 5 has not specifically been assessed by Euro NCAP. Like the A5 coupé and saloon, the RS 5 shares its safety rating with the regular A4 range which was awarded a five-star rating in 2015. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid, as the A4 no longer fulfilled the criteria for a five-star rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Audi RS 5 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it is unlikely to have its emissions tested in the future.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 485
Average repair cost: £950.90
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Audi A5 family (including the RS 5) has a low reliability score of 41%, according to workshop data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.

The big thing to look for is suspension trouble. As the MotorEasy data above shows, this is the most common issue found on Audi A5 models, usually costing around £500 to correct. Engine issues are almost as common and a lot more expensive, with the average repair cost clocking in at more than £1,200.

Gearbox problems have also been known to crop up and are by far the most expensive faults, costing around the £3,000 mark. Bear all of this in mind if you’re looking at a used Audi A5.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	29 mpg	E	29 – 30 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	220 g/km	D	211 – 225 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	46	D	40 – 49	C – E

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£523	D
Year 2	£1,234	D
Year 3	£2,000	D
Year 4	£2,292	D
Year 5	£3,153	D
Overall	£9,202	D

The running costs for the Audi RS 5 can get quite expensive, according to full-life costings provided by our commercial partner Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is poor and insurance costs can get quite expensive. Finally, scheduled servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years are predicted to be more expensive than the average car.