2018 Audi RS5 Review: Price, Specs, and Performance
Introduction
The 2018 Audi RS5 is the high-performance variant of Audi’s popular A5 lineup, offering a thrilling driving experience wrapped in a sophisticated, luxury coupe design. For 2018, Audi gave the RS5 a major overhaul, with an emphasis on reducing weight, boosting power, and incorporating more advanced technology. With its aggressive styling, sharp handling, and powerful engine, the RS5 represents the pinnacle of Audi’s performance engineering.
This review explores the key features, specs, and overall performance of the 2018 Audi RS5, demonstrating why it stands out in the competitive world of high-performance sports coupes.
Design and Exterior
The 2018 Audi RS5 is instantly recognizable with its bold, muscular stance and aggressive styling cues. Compared to the standard A5, the RS5 features a wider body with prominent flared wheel arches, housing 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, which give it a more planted look. The Singleframe grille with the RS badge, large air intakes, and honeycomb mesh front grille design signal its performance potential.
At the rear, the RS5 features a subtle lip spoiler and dual oval exhaust outlets, adding to its sporty aesthetic. The available carbon fiber package further enhances the RS5’s sporty appeal, with lightweight carbon fiber accents on the roof, mirror caps, and rear diffuser.
Every angle of the RS5 exudes sophistication and speed, making it as beautiful to look at as it is exhilarating to drive.
Performance and Engine
The 2018 Audi RS5 marks a significant departure from its predecessor by switching from a naturally aspirated V8 to a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. While some purists may lament the loss of the V8’s raw character, the new V6 more than compensates with increased power, torque, and efficiency.
Key Engine Specs:
- Engine: 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: 444 hp
- Torque: 443 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)
- 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 155 mph (174 mph with the Dynamic package)
The quattro AWD system gives the RS5 immense grip in all driving conditions, distributing power to all four wheels for optimal traction. Paired with the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the RS5 delivers smooth and lightning-quick gear changes. The massive torque, available from as low as 1,900 rpm, ensures explosive acceleration and exhilarating performance from a standstill or when overtaking.
The Drive Select system allows drivers to tailor the car’s settings, including throttle response, steering weight, and suspension stiffness. In Dynamic mode, the RS5 feels like a proper sports car, with heightened responsiveness and a firm ride, while Comfort mode softens the suspension for a more relaxed, everyday driving experience.
Handling and Ride Quality
The 2018 Audi RS5’s handling is one of its standout features, combining precision with everyday usability. Its quattro all-wheel-drive system offers superb grip and confidence, even during aggressive cornering. The Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system, available as an option, further enhances the RS5’s handling by reducing body roll during cornering, providing a more agile and composed ride.
The car’s adaptive suspension ensures that it can handle both rough city streets and smooth highways with ease. While the RS5 feels incredibly sharp and composed on twisty roads, it also maintains a level of refinement that makes it a comfortable daily driver.
Steering is direct and responsive, offering a balanced feel that makes it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. Whether you’re carving through winding roads or cruising down the highway, the RS5 delivers an engaging driving experience without sacrificing comfort.
Interior and Features
Inside, the 2018 Audi RS5 delivers the luxury and craftsmanship Audi is known for. The cabin is a mix of high-quality materials, from soft-touch leather to carbon-fiber trim accents. The RS-specific sport seats with honeycomb stitching provide ample support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for long journeys. These seats are also heated and power-adjustable, with optional massage function available.
The RS5 also comes equipped with Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that can be customized to display key information such as navigation, speed, and performance metrics. This high-resolution display is complemented by an MMI infotainment system with an 8.3-inch center display controlled via a rotary dial or touchpad.
Standard tech features include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Bang & Olufsen 19-speaker sound system
- Navigation
- Head-up display (optional)
- Panoramic sunroof
The rear seats in the RS5 are a bit tight, as expected in a performance coupe, but the cabin remains practical, with decent cargo space for its class (around 11.6 cubic feet).
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2018 Audi RS5 includes a host of advanced safety features, making it not only fast but safe:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
These systems work seamlessly to enhance the driving experience, offering additional peace of mind in various driving conditions.
Fuel Economy
Despite the high performance, the RS5 is surprisingly efficient. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, which is respectable given its 444-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine. The switch from a naturally aspirated V8 to a turbocharged V6 has helped improve efficiency without sacrificing power.
Pricing
The 2018 Audi RS5 had a starting price of around $70,875 when new. Today, depending on condition, mileage, and optional features, used examples can be found between $50,000 and $65,000. The RS5 is a compelling value in the used market, offering a mix of high performance and luxury in a sleek, refined package.
Conclusion
The 2018 Audi RS5 strikes the perfect balance between luxury, comfort, and high-performance capability. With its sharp handling, powerful twin-turbo V6, and advanced technology, the RS5 is a standout in the performance coupe segment. It delivers supercar-like acceleration and agility, yet remains comfortable and practical enough for daily driving.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a car that can offer both heart-pounding performance and everyday usability, the 2018 Audi RS5 is an excellent choice. With its quattro all-wheel drive and suite of modern tech features, the RS5 is a top pick for drivers seeking a blend of luxury and excitement.
