Used 2019 Audi RS 5 Base for sale 

There is only one trim to the RS5 and it comes standard with the Quattro rear differential and RS sport suspension. The huge 19-inch wheels are great for precise control and steering.

We Recommend

Absolutely. Since there is just the one trim level to pick from, we do recommend buying it as it is one of the best cars to come out of the Audi stables today. Whether your intent is to get an extremely sporty car or not, the RS5 can surely sort you out, with its more sporty appearance packages getting parts like a carbon fiber roof. Its grand tourer characteristics are highlighted in the not-very sporty appearance packages. The car still looks quite aggressive but in a more docile manner, with a whiff of elegance accentuated by the all new Sonoma Green exterior colour. 

The folks over at Audi decided to take something very dear away from driving enthusiasts. The V8 engine has been replaced with a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6. While the new engine may not have the sheer brawn possessed by the V8, the downsized engine put out a respectable 444 horses, just 6 short of the larger V8. Moreover, the twin-turbo setup is efficiently programmed to the point that the V6 produces significantly more torque than the previous engine, increasing urban driveability as well.

There is no doubting Audi and its Quattro AWD system, so we just revel in the technological excellence of the system while abusing the vast amounts of traction presented to us through a lightning quick 8-speed gearbox. The RS5 Sportback handles just as you would expect it to, and never seems to let up its grip in adverse weather conditions either, although bad roads seem to give it slight trouble at times. In an age where Audi vehicles are described as numb due to their precise nature, the RS5 does well to provide such levels of exhilaration despite the ease at which the car carries out its duties.

If it wasn’t for the high-revving VVT-iE engine under the hood of the Lexus RC F, the RS 5 would take its rightful place at the top as king of the powertrains. Alas, the 7100 rpm limit of the Lexus makes for a class leading output of 467 horsepower, seconded by the Audi RS5 and its V6. The German manufacturer does show off its superiority in terms of twisting force, as the 443 lb-ft torque rating of the Audi RS5 is the highest among its competitors. The BMW M4 has a competent powertrain, and appeases enthusiasts with a tasty 6-speed manual on offer, leaving the AMG E 53 Coupe for last. The Merc does however, produce more horsepower than the BMW M4, but falls behind the competition when it comes to twisting force and driveability. 

Straight Line Performance

The Audi RS5 looks to boss rival vehicles when it comes to straight line speed, with a rapidly spooling twin turbo setup that produces 444 horses. Combine that with the Quattro drivetrain and you will find yourself wary of spilling your coffee.

The acceleration is by no means breakneck, but gradually increases until you hit the 60 mph mark in under four seconds, realising just how intense this car is when it comes to performance. To put it into perspective, the enthusiast's choice - M4 does the same sprint in 4.3 seconds, while the AMG and Lexus both take 4.4 seconds. 

Over a standing quarter mile, the results begin to differ. The RS5 still holds its own at the end of the race, finishing the quarter mile in 12 seconds flat, followed by the BMW M4 which takes just a tenth of a second longer. The third German rival seems to be quashed under the might of the RC F and its similar minded manufacturer from across the pond. Both the E 53 Coupe and Lexus RC F show a priority towards luxury and comfort over performance. Nevertheless, the high revving RC F narrowly beats the Mercedes-Benz coupe over a quarter mile.

Ride and Handling

Now this aspect of the RS5 causes undue complications when it comes to the exact classification of this car. The Audi RS5 has everything it takes to be called a blitz of a sports coupe, but has enough ride comfort to qualify as a grand tourer. Moreover, the interior is luxurious enough to completely disregard the RS badging, if it weren’t for the red accents all around the cabin. Whether it be short or long distances, the Audi RS5 does not induce any fatigue when driving. It can be driven in both extremes as well as in a balanced manner, owing to a responsive powertrain and some hefty brakes. It is also worth mentioning the seats, which find the perfect balance between body holding and body support, allowing for complete comfort through the twisties, as well as a grin when you decide to floor the throttle through a corner. 

In city limits the torque comes in handy, as quick or sudden maneuvers are also carried out with a certain seamlessness. Having 444 horses does come with its problems though. The high torque rating makes for an engine that just begs for more speed, making it difficult but far from impossible to maintain speeds and resist the urge to just floor it for the sake of it. Even from low revs, the car is quite jumpy and you could find yourself at dangerously high speeds in a school district if you’re not being careful. 

Braking 

Easily one of the most imperative aspects to consider when buying a performance oriented vehicle, especially one as capable as the RS5. The weight characteristics of the cars remain similar across the comparison range, ergo similar brak sizes are seen. The Lexus RC F and BMW M4 Coupe house the largest front brake rotors, measuring 15” in diameter. The M4 maintains this urgency for shedding speed in its 14.6” rear brake rotors. The Audi RS5 does house competent brake discs in the front, but uses relatively small 13” rotors for the rear wheels. Nevertheless, you never feel at a loss of braking ability, as there is plenty of bite from the brakes, allowing you to shed speed quite rapidly.

The Twin-turbo V6 engine gives you great economy compared to the gas guzzling V8s. In the city the mileage you get peaks to 18 miles to the gallon, while at highway speeds the economy reaches up to 26 mpg, giving you the combined mpg of 21.

The Lexus RC F manages to keep fuel in its tank delivering 16 miles to the gallon in the city and 25 mpg on highways. The main competitor, the BMW M4 gives quite similar economy to the Audi RS5, with the numbers not far behind.

As far as the interior design goes, Audi gets full points for providing the necessary amount of luxury for a car priced north of $70,000. The cabin is roomy enough and has plenty of reminders of the typical Audi cockpit design, as well as some interesting sporty additions and finishes across the dashboard and seats.

The Germans definitely know their seats, and you can expect brilliant fitting and finishing across the dashboard. Non-touchscreen based functions feel solid and aren’t tacky at all.

In terms of pure seating space, the Audi RS5 does well to accommodate adults the best it can. However, it still falls behind the competition. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe offers the most headroom in the front, making it a good choice for the taller buyers out there. The tallest of customers should probably stick to the drop top. The Japanese Coupe offers the most front legroom at 45.5”, making up for its relatively low headroom. The back seat isn’t really the most spacious across the segment, but the RS5 and M4 are designed quite smartly, offering 32.7” and 33.7” of legroom respectively. To put it into perspective, the Lexus only offers 27.3” of rear legroom. The rear seat in the RS5 is narrow though and is best suitable for kids or just the one adult if you’re looking for complete comfort. 

The RS5 fails to top the comparison table in any interior measurement, but don’t let that fool you. The RS5 is fairly spacious, but feels even more so, courtesy of some intelligent planning and design.

Interior features:

The RS5 coupe is an Audi after all, which means the cabin is decked out with some interesting features, and clever technology.

Moreover, the UI and general workings of all tech systems are quite intuitive and easy to work with. Combining tech and opulence, the Audi RS5 has plenty to offer:

• 12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster
• Heads-Up Display
• 8.3” infotainment touchscreen
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• 19-Speaker Premium Audio System
• Power Liftgate
• Power Windows
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Audi Pre-Sense Basic
• Audi Blind-Spot and Side Assist
• Audi Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist

Cargo Volume 

Unfortunately manufacturers cannot promise much when it comes to practicality in a coupe. In a bid to make these luxury coupes comfortable enough, other parts of the car lose out on volume. To be specific, the trunk gets affected the most in order to make for a semi-comfortable backseat? Jokes aside, the Audi RS5 leads the competition with 11.6 cubic feet of storage volume in the trunk, speaking volumes about the clever use of space over at Audi. The BMW M4 can store up to 11 cubic feet, while the Mercedes-AMG stores 9.5 cu-ft. The Lexus RC F offers exactly 10.1 cubic feet of storage room. Considering the limited cargo space in these vehicles, it is advisable to use the rear seat as a more conveniently accessible storage area anyway. 

Audi rarely disappoints when it comes to looks. Although their vehicles are limited as to how far the design strays from the front fascia that we see when we hear or say “Audi''. The current RS5 is beautifully designed, with aggressive inserts like the grille and wide fenders. With the optional alloys, the car really pops out on the roads due to its vibrance and peculiar look, which screams Audi but begs for a second look to confirm. 

With the V6 growl, twin-turbo and raspy exhaust note, the Audi RS5 sure is a presence on the road that can be felt from a fair distance away. The flared proportions also make for an imposing look that only misleads you, as the chassis is actually quite compact, allowing for tight maneuvers and a worry-free drive. 

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe is the longest of the lot - only fitting for the most pompous of manufacturers. The RC F has the cutest proportions in comparison to the more beefy German coupes, among which the BMW M4 is the widest.

Exterior features

Apart from the obvious powertrain overhaul, the Audi RS5 gets quite a few cosmetic changes coming into 2019, including:

• Brand new 19” 5-spoke alloy wheels
• All new paint colour - Sonoma Green
• Body coloured side view mirrors
• RS badging on front, rear, and side fascia
• Flared fenders and air intake for a meaner look

The RS5 Coupe is the perfect emulsion of performance and versatility. The Quattro all-wheel drive keeps it planted and grips the tarmac regardless on the climate as well as gives your ride a rear wheel drive character in dynamic mode. The 4-door Coupe with a GT-like roofline makes the RS5 also a great cruiser for longer journeys. In conclusion, the RS5 Coupe is the perfect car, one for all purposes, for your garage.