Friday 5th November 2010

Driven: Audi RS5

Does Audi's latest performance beast live up to its hardcore billing?

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I have a bit of a soft spot for RS Audis - the V8-engined RS4 was the first properly fast car I ever drove.

There was a nagging worry in the back of my mind before I got into the RS5 the other day though, because every RS or S-badged Audi I've driven since that RS4 - including the RS6 but with the possible exception of the TTS - has been, to a greater or lesser extent, a bit of a disappointment.

But that original V8 RS4, with its gorgeous naturally aspirated V8, tenacious grip and terrier-like nature proves that Audi can produce a proper enthusiast's car when it puts its mind to it, so I remained optimistic.

The RS5's spec is - mostly - a cause for optimism too. Its 4.2-litre V8 is free of forced induction yet still produces a pleasing 444bhp at an encouragingly heady 8250rpm, while the A5-based chassis - already one of the nicest that Audi produces - is further helped by a 'proper' four-wheel-drive system with a crown-gear differential rather than a Haldex system.

There are warning signs, though, such as the fact that the RS5 is fitted with a 7-speed S tronic transmission, making it the first RS car to get a double-clutch gearbox. And while we admire the VW group's latest iterations of its twin-clutch tech, this is a type of transmission that lends itself more to a softer GT-style car than a proper RS ought to be.

On the road, the RS5 proves itself to be just what you hope it isn't - that little bit too soft-edged. Sure, the engine is pretty epic, but that S tronic gearbox makes it a little too smooth and refined and - dare we say it? - the otherwise fab engine note is too subdued. There is a satisfying crack-pop on flat-chat upchanges, but overall the experience of accelerating in the RS5 just isn't quite visceral enough.

It's much the same story in the bendy bits - the RS5 is clearly hugely capable, and able to cover a point-to-point run absurdly quickly, but you as a driver will feel a little separated from the experience. It's mostly down to steering that, while quick and direct, always feels somewhat artificial.

It's also partly to do with the suspension, which feels as though it treats the bump and flow of the road as an impolite intrusion to be smothered at the first opportunity - exactly the opposite of what the old RS4 and R8 do, which make a virtue out of flowing with the road, making the whole driving experience that bit more involving.

There's no doubt that the RS5 is a breathtakingly quick and competent car and, if it had a simple S badge, it could be a great one, too. But the RS label brings with it an expectation of satisfying the desires of a more committed type of enthusiast, and on that count I reckon it doesn't quite score highly enough.

[Escort Si-130]

Looks nice, but not too sure on the red. Looks best in white I think.

[10 Pence Short]

The effect has worn off and the value of the 'RS' branding for Audi seems to have runs its course.

[FraserLFA]

Could they not have put the Quattro into production instead of this? They said in a recent interview they're looking for a position in the market for it, surely this could have been it?

[adycav]

Other than an old 'H' reg Audi 80 2.0 I had when I was poor and worked in a biscuit factory I have never driven an Audi that I have liked, and I've tried a few.

I've yet to have a go in an RS4 or R8 though, and I suspect that I'd probably like them.

[Ed.]

FraserLFA said:

Could they not have put the Quattro into production instead of this? They said in a recent interview they're looking for a position in the market for it, surely this could have been it?

Given Audi's niche filling tendencies it should still materialise.

[Mermaid]

This was Audi's opportunity to knock the mighty M3 off it's perch.

[FraserLFA]

Ed. said:

FraserLFA said:

Could they not have put the Quattro into production instead of this? They said in a recent interview they're looking for a position in the market for it, surely this could have been it?

Given Audi's niche filling tendencies it should still materialise.

i hope so. It has so much more character than what the RS5 does, in my opinion. It's a unique piece of design and love it or hate it, it would be great to see it on the roads

[Luca Brasi]

I'd have an M3 over this anytime. The only RS Audi I really liked was the B7 RS4.

[Tony75]

hello all, first post:
having driven one last week i would have to agree that it was a bit disappointing. although a very good car i thought it was lacking something to carry the rs badge and i would not consider trading in my rs4 avant for it

[James Dean]

I think your i-key is binding.

On topic, no surprise, unfortunately. I quite like the A5-shape. It's both got a fantastic engine, good looks and proper 4wd. They had the right ingredients, but should've got a bit more time in the oven.

[soad]

N/a V8, looks decent too- i'd happily take one.

[mackie1]

This or an M3 or GTR? I know the GTR has high running costs but a decent spec RS5 is ~ £75k isn't it?

[J-Skid]

I too drove one last week, as I'm in the market for a car of this ilk. For me, it is up against:
M3
1-2 year old 911 C2 'S'
C63

I have to say that I really liked its more "lazy" approach. It is bonkersly fast although the M3 would be quicker on track, as it is just better balanced.

But for the "London to South of France" blat, it and the c63 are looking favourite.

[exceed]

The problem is it's toooo fat!

[iluvmercs]

Interesting review. It's the first proper test I've read, and the second I have absorbed. Fifth Gear's one the other week was enjoyable and positive for the RS5.

This sounds slightly negative - Not living up to RS brand, perhaps. I've had concerns over the double clutch system. My Audi dealer can't tell me whether they will eventually offer a manual.
Also, I am surprised the RS5 comes with DRC, rather than Mag ride, as per R8 and TTRS. I asked the dealer if Audi have finally cracked the DRC issue, to which he couldn't give an answer.

A great review by PH though. Thanks guys
Makes me wonder whether remaining with the RS4 (and modifying it) would be more statisfying than paying out for a 2nd hand RS5 in one or two years

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Friday 5th November 12:10

[98C4S]

J-Skid said:

I too drove one last week, as I'm in the market for a car of this ilk. For me, it is up against:
M3
1-2 year old 911 C2 'S'
C63

Why a 1-2 year old 997S?

They are 74k new, and Porsche are doing discounts on that model - youd get one closer to £70k

[adycav]

J-Skid said:

For me, it is up against:
M3
1-2 year old 911 C2 'S'
C63

IS-F?

[anonymous-user]

I must admit I quite like it! It has neat purposeful styling and a nice looking interior! Would make an excellent fast GT car, though I guess an RS should be more of a drivers car! I prefer it to the M3!

However the price of a well specced one (as with the M3) come very close in price to this!

[Negative Creep]

Escort Si-130 said:

Looks nice, but not too sure on the red. Looks best in white I think.

Looks pretty cheap in red, although white is getting a bit boring now as well

[Mermaid]

Negative Creep said:

Escort Si-130 said:

Looks nice, but not too sure on the red. Looks best in white I think.

Looks pretty cheap in red...

Awful launch colour, should have been a dark colour.