quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
quattro 2dr Convertible AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (4.2L 8cyl 7AM)
There have been no major changes made to the 2015 Audi RS5, and it still carries forward the same engine option from the previous year.
The 2015 Audi RS 5 can be thought of as a toned-down version of Audi’s RS7. It is available in both convertible and coupe variants and combines impressive performance and comfortable interior while maintaining the potential to be a desirable family sedan. It delivers supercar performance with its 4.2 L V-8 engine that churns out 450 hp and 316 pound-feet of torque. It delivers the 0 to 60 mph acceleration figure of 4.3 seconds with its highly capable Quattro drivetrain. It competes against the BMW M4,Lexus RC F, and the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.
The 2015 Audi RS 5 lineup is split into two models. These are convertible and coupé body options. The convertible is reviewed separately. There are no sub-trims available in either and hence the coupe comes as a standalone well-equipped trim. The sedan has a lot of standard features and a wide range of optional extras. Audi offers several packages like the Technology Package, Driver Assist Package, Comfort Seat Package, Black Optic Package, and so on.
Trims |
RS5 |
---|---|
MSRP |
$70,900 |
Key Features |
19-inch wheels with summer tires |
|
Sport-tuned suspension |
|
RS-specific styling |
|
Automatic adaptive xenon headlights with washers |
|
LED running lights and taillights |
|
Audi MMI Navigation Plus w/AM/FM - USB Audi music interface |
|
Front and rear parking sensors |
|
Audi Drive Select |
We Recommend
Since the Audi RS 5 is available as a standalone trim level, one only has the option of choosing between specific optional packages. Audi offers a lot like the Driver Assistance Package that includes adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering. However, the package we recommend is the Technology Package, which adds HD radio, Bluetooth audio connectivity, an upgraded MMI system, 7-inch display, Audi connect, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Audi RS 5 comes with a single-engine option, and that is a 4.2 L V-8 engine. Transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.
This engine produces 450 hp and 316 pound-feet of torque, which is quite impressive and shuts down all the arguments for another engine option. This engine does 0- 60 mph in a blisteringly quick 4.3 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in just 12.5 seconds.
Model |
Audi RS 5 |
BMW M4 |
Lexus RC F |
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$70,900 |
$65,195 |
$63,340 |
$76,195 |
Engine |
4.2 L V-8 |
3.0L, Twin-Turbo Inline-6 |
5.0L, Naturally Aspirated V8 |
3.4L, Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
7 speed automatic |
6-speed manual |
8-speed automatic |
6-speed manual |
Power |
450 hp @ 8250 RPM |
425 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
467 hp @ 7,100 rpm |
340 hp @ 7,400 rpm |
Torque |
316 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM |
406 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm |
389 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
280 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
0-60 mph (sec) |
4.3 |
3.7 |
4.3 |
4.2 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
12.5 |
12.0 |
12.8 |
12.6 |
Top Speed (mph) |
160 |
163 |
171 |
175 |
The biggest and most powerful engine in this class is offered by Lexus RC F, which has a 5.0L Naturally Aspirated V-8 engine that produces 467 hp. The least powerful engine in the segment is that of the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS with its 340 hp engine. However, it is the BMW M4 that translates most of its figures on paper to the road. The 2015 BMW M4 takes only 3.0 and 12.0 seconds for 0-60 mph and quarter-mile, respectively.
None of the cars we have here in comparison have exceptionally notable MPG figures. The Audi RS 5 returns an EPA estimated 16 mpg in the city, 23 MPG on the highway, and 18 MPG in the combined cycle. The sedan holds a decent fuel tank of 16.1 gallons, which results in a respectable 370 miles of range on the highway.
Model |
Audi RS 5 |
BMW M4 |
Lexus RC F |
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
16 |
17 |
16 |
19 |
MPG (Highway) |
23 |
26 |
25 |
26 |
MPG (Combined) |
18 |
20 |
19 |
22 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
16.1 |
15.9 |
17.4 |
16.9 |
Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles) |
257.6 / 370 / 288 |
270 / 413 / 318 |
278 / 435 / 331 |
321 / 439 / 372 |
The Audi has decent fuel efficiency, but still, its rivals have better figures. The Porsche Cayman is the most fuel-efficient by virtue of its much smaller engine as it returns a combined mileage of 22 mpg. The most impressive figure is that of the BMW M4, which returns nearly the class best figures of 20 mpg combined without the drop in power. Thanks to the class-leading fuel efficiency, Porsche leads the pack with the best-in-class range of 331 miles.
The Audi RS 5 has an interior that impresses most people. Even though the design looks simple, it is compensated for with the use of excellent materials and good ergonomics.
Seats are supportive and comfortable as well. The cargo capacity is also generous at 12.2 ft.³. The car can only seat four people but does so very comfortably.
Model |
Audi RS 5 |
BMW M4 |
Lexus RC F |
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
37.5 / 54.3 / 41.3 |
39.8 / 55.3 / 42.2 |
37.8 / 50.7 / 45.4 |
NA |
Rear Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in) |
36 / 52.8 / 31.7 |
36.1 / 51.7 / 33.7 |
35.0 / 46.1 / 27.3 |
N/A |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
12.2 |
11.0 |
10.1 |
NA |
All cars in this category seat at least four adults, except the Porsche, which seats only two due to its mid-engined layout. The Lexus may appear a bit cramped to passengers in the rear seat especially in terms of legroom. The BMW M4 is very spacious but it is the Audi that offers the most amount of cargo space. At 12.2 ft.³, it is one cubic foot more than its nearest competitor. Some of its interior features include:
The infotainment unit in RS 5 is Audi’s Multimedia Interface System. It is inferior to the system offered in the Audi RS 7 and gets a little tough to control.
The menu options and controls aren’t really intuitive but can be easily upgraded for a better system as an option. Few standout infotainment features available are-
The Audi RS 5 is a muscular yet elegant design, which even though not very modern, is quite handsome to begin with. The car has more aggressive details than its sedate siblings.
It measures 183 3 inches in length, 73.2 inches in width, and 53.8 inches in height. The car is not of modest dimensions by any standard but definitely makes for a stunning road presence due to its aggressive looks.
Model |
Audi RS 5 |
BMW M4 |
Lexus RC F |
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4009 |
3,530 |
3,958 |
2,910 |
Length (in) |
183 |
184.5 |
185.2 |
172.4 |
Width (in) |
73.2 |
73.6 |
72.6 |
70.9 |
Height (in) |
53.8 |
54.4 |
54.7 |
51.0 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
N/A |
4.8 |
5.1 |
4.0 |
Wheelbase (in) |
108.3 |
110.7 |
107.5 |
97.4 |
One can see that all cars in the segment are somewhat of the same dimensions, except the Porsche. The Porsche is the smallest car in the lot as well as the lightest. The Audi is the heaviest of the block weighing 4,009 lbs. When it comes to wheelbase, BMW M4 offers the longest at 110.7 inches. Some of its standout exterior features include:
The Audi RS 5 has not been crash-tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA. It however packs a lot of amazing technology that includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear parking sensors, airbags, ABS, and so on. Some standout safety features include:
The 2015 Audi RS 5 is a great car with a powerful V-8 engine that can also work as an everyday engine due to its supreme refinement. It brings Audi’s amazing Quattro technology in a package that’s very fun to drive and comfortable as well. The car uses an excellent powertrain, top-notch interiors, and provides excellent optional packages as well. It is a worthy choice if you’re on the lookout for a car with sports car performance and everyday reliability.