My day with an Audi RS5 - Description with Photos
Discussion
Last Friday I was given the fantastic opportunity to have a full day test drive in an RS5, courtesy of Robinsons Audi, Norwich. Presented in Daytona Grey, with Grey Rock leather interior, I picked up the car at around 10am, returning at just after 5:30pm. I had the opportunity to drive on a wide variety of Norfolk roads, in a varying traffic conditions. Weather was mostly dry, with a tiny bit of rain.
Having owned an RS4 for the last two years, I had a prejudice towards the RS5, thinking it would be far too similar to my car, not enough of an "upgrade", to warrant changing. How wrong was I.
So while I had a thoroughly enjoyable day, I thought I would give PH a write up of my experiences, comparing the RS5 with my car. I've also included some photos
FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Interior
I've had an A5 as a courtesy car before, so I was familiar with the general layout of the cabin. This one just had a shed load more toys to play with.
The demonstrator had a smattering of lovely options: Dynamic steering, Advanced key (keyless entry and start), parking sensors, 20" titanium alloys, tinted rear windows, electric & heated front seats with driver memory, electric folding mirrors, Audi MMI with Ipod dock, SD Cards and Sat Nav, Sports Exhaust and derestriction (well technically it's a raised limiter).
All this on top of the usual climate control, leather and a few other lovely bits and bobs.
The cabin was extremely well laid out, and the A5's MMI is very intuitive. At first I was duanted by all the button clustered around the gearknob, but it's all rather obvious and easy after a very short period of time.
As mentioned, this demonstrator had the standard electric seats, rather than the buckets. I have previously sat in an RS5 with the bucket seat option, and my car has the buckets, too. I find these extremely comfortable and amazingly gripping, which I initally thought I would miss with these standard RS5 seats.
However, during the day I was proved wrong. Everyone who sat in the car, myself included, found the seats gripped just as well as my RS4's buckets, but were miles more comfortable.
Also, the electric adjustment meant easier access to the rear, compared to the RS5 with buckets. You push a button once, and the seats slides all the way forward to allow access.
Whether the standard seats would be as good in track conditions remains to be proven, though.
As for the rear seats, I was informed they were just a comfortable, with a reasonable amount of head room. I suspect they would be fine for longer periods, too.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Exterior
The exterior of the RS5 is sheer delight. While the arches are bulging and the bumpers show an element of aggression, it's a rather subtle package - even more so than the RS4.
In fact, during the day, I would say less 30 people actually looked at the car as anything other than "a bit special". I guess the demure paint colour and matching wheels went some way to help in this matter. The bright blue RS4 definately gets more looks....not good thing in every circumstance!
In terms of dimensions, the RS5 is certainly wider than my car. It is only slightly longer, and it seems to have similar rear leg room as the RS4.
DRIVING - Suspension
The first test was trying out the car's cruising ability, as I drove it immediately back home to show the parents. This meant a 30 minute drive along mostly dual carriageway.
So I decided to play with the different settings for Steering, Suspension, Sports Differential and Gearbox. There are 3 pre-set settings for these driving parameters - Comfort, Auto & Dynamic.
Comfort sets everything to it's softest setting. Dynamic is kind of a "sports" setting - everything is harder and more ferocious. Auto adapts to your driving style.
There is also a 4th "Individual" setting, where you can set up the parameters for each of the aforementioned components.
For some Norfolk's bumpy B-Roads, I set up the Individual option as follows: Suspension on Comfort, with everything else in Dynamic.
Dynamic was the setting used most during the day. The only trouble with this option arises when you leave the gearbox in it's normal Drive, as Dynamic will hold the gears longer. even when you change up using the paddles (Manual mode), it will change back down after a period of time. When cruising in Dynamic, you have to flick the gearknob over to it's tiptronic function to avoid the override I initially experienced.
It's worth mentioning that the 20 inch alloy wheels still soaked up the bumps VERY well. Large wheels nowadays are so common, it's good to see suspension development obviously includes allowing for these wheels
DRIVING - Gearbox
On that note, the gearbox is truely fantastic. It's a 7-speed double clutch (DSG) item. The shifts are eerily smooth, even under full load. There is not loss of power, the likes of which you get in other high-powered cars with conventional torque converted automatic gearboxes.
In all the aforementioned settings, you have an option to leave the car in "D" (Normal automatic) mode, flick it across into "S" (Sport) mode, or use the "M" (tiptronic) mode. M-mode can be accessed by either flicking the gearknob into Sport, then moving the gearknob up and down to change gear. However I used the paddles, which felt much better and more intuitive to use.
DRIVING - Brakes & Handling
The brakes on this car were the standard steel discs, but these stopped the car very well, with good initial bite, which was sustained throughout heavy or longer braking.
Even when driven enthusiastically, there was not an ounce of fade. But then again, the RS4's brakes don't fade unless you are driving on track.
I'm not sure what the brake set up is for the RS5, but I'm sure someone on here can enlighten us (and me!). They looked similar the RS4's 8-piston caliper front set up.
The brake pedal size, however, is HUGE, almost verging the ridiculous. This does make left-foot braking even easier, though. So I guess I'm just picking holes with this point
The handling was superb when the car was in Dynamic, however the steering doesn't have as much feel as with the RS4. With my Individual settings, you can feel extra weight when you turn in and the roll is creates. This, I have to admit, was one of the slightly negatives.
However, I soon adapted my driving style to suit.
Most of the day, the car was driven the ESP switched off. I rarely drive the 4 with the aids turned on, so thought I would see what it's like in the 5. As per usual, the Quattro system's mechanical grip is truely awesome! You can feel the new centre Crown Differential working away to help you cover ground very quickly indeed.
The aids on this car really help rather than hinder. Despite the vast electronics, you still feel part of the driving experience.
After driving a Nissan GTR recently, I was left cold by the "Playstation" experience I felt. Even the salesman's pitch included the statement: "the car sorts it all out for you". Granted this type of car can only be compared to an RS5 in terms of pricing, though, as performance is in a completely different league.
However, I feel my above comparison is still valid in this context
DRIVING - Engine & Performance
For those who do not know, the 4.2 litre V8 engine in the RS5 isn't the same as the identically sized engine of the RS4.
It's derived from the R8 V10's engine, only with 2 cylinders and 1 litre removed.
It gives 450bhp and 317 ft/lb torque. Interestingly, while it produces over 30bhp more that the RS4, the torque is identical.
The engine revs peak about 250rpm higher than the 4's engine, too.
I know there has been big issues around RS4 power figures and coking, so it will be interesting to see if those have been solved in this new engine
On paper, the 5 is slightly quicker to 62mph than the 4 (4.6 secs vs 4.8 secs), but I couldn't really feel the difference. What I did noticed, was the RS5's engine was keener to rev than the RS4, which made the car feel quicker in the mid range, despite the matching torque figures and greater weight of the RS5.
While I couldn't exactly test out the RS5's raised limiter option, judging by the rate at which it gained speed, it would have no problem getting to the 174mph limit.
I do wonder if the RS5's limiter (standard or raised) is as soft as the RS4's, though. My car is supposed to limited to 155mph. However, my car acutally goes to 169mph indicated (163 on GPS).
CONCLUSION
The RS5 is an wonderful, magnificent machine, which would prove a fantastic daily driver.
There is a noticable difference between the RS5 and the RS4. While it's mostly improvement, there could be more feel through the steering wheel.
I certainly consider the RS5 to be an improvement. It's certainly not a HUGE leap forward, but it has advanced enough to show the RS4's age a little.
One major thing with RS5s at the moment is the depreciation. Car which would have cost £60-65k are already available for a little over £50k.
The demonstrator I drove had already been dropped £5,000, simply because it had been registered.
There are deals to be had when buying new, but considering the depreciation, I'm not sure it would be worth it - I specced up my most ideal RS5 which came in at over £95,000
OK, it had almost every option ticked 
Given this monumental depreciation, I foresee RS5s making a great buy when they reach 2-3 years old.
I was chatting with some friends on the Friday evening. We were dicussing the car, and when it came round the issue of cost and depreciation, they looked solely at the inital buying cost of the demonstator and asking what else you can get for the money. The list suprised me, to say the least: Audi R8 V8s, Porsche 911 Turbos (997 Gen 1), early Gallados and even early F430s can all be had! And these are all genuine exotics!
Considering I don't strictly need more than two seats, it's all very tempting! But of course, things like insurance and running costs would possibly prove inhibitive.
Now the big question: Would I upgrade the RS4 to an RS5?
Yes, I could see myself owning one. However I would be tempted to wait until prices become more reasonable, and there is a greater choice of cars on offer.
PHOTOS
My oh my! This post has been rather long. So let's get to the photos
Darren
Having owned an RS4 for the last two years, I had a prejudice towards the RS5, thinking it would be far too similar to my car, not enough of an "upgrade", to warrant changing. How wrong was I.
So while I had a thoroughly enjoyable day, I thought I would give PH a write up of my experiences, comparing the RS5 with my car. I've also included some photos
FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Interior
I've had an A5 as a courtesy car before, so I was familiar with the general layout of the cabin. This one just had a shed load more toys to play with.
The demonstrator had a smattering of lovely options: Dynamic steering, Advanced key (keyless entry and start), parking sensors, 20" titanium alloys, tinted rear windows, electric & heated front seats with driver memory, electric folding mirrors, Audi MMI with Ipod dock, SD Cards and Sat Nav, Sports Exhaust and derestriction (well technically it's a raised limiter).
All this on top of the usual climate control, leather and a few other lovely bits and bobs.
The cabin was extremely well laid out, and the A5's MMI is very intuitive. At first I was duanted by all the button clustered around the gearknob, but it's all rather obvious and easy after a very short period of time.
As mentioned, this demonstrator had the standard electric seats, rather than the buckets. I have previously sat in an RS5 with the bucket seat option, and my car has the buckets, too. I find these extremely comfortable and amazingly gripping, which I initally thought I would miss with these standard RS5 seats.
However, during the day I was proved wrong. Everyone who sat in the car, myself included, found the seats gripped just as well as my RS4's buckets, but were miles more comfortable.
Also, the electric adjustment meant easier access to the rear, compared to the RS5 with buckets. You push a button once, and the seats slides all the way forward to allow access.
Whether the standard seats would be as good in track conditions remains to be proven, though.
As for the rear seats, I was informed they were just a comfortable, with a reasonable amount of head room. I suspect they would be fine for longer periods, too.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Exterior
The exterior of the RS5 is sheer delight. While the arches are bulging and the bumpers show an element of aggression, it's a rather subtle package - even more so than the RS4.
In fact, during the day, I would say less 30 people actually looked at the car as anything other than "a bit special". I guess the demure paint colour and matching wheels went some way to help in this matter. The bright blue RS4 definately gets more looks....not good thing in every circumstance!
In terms of dimensions, the RS5 is certainly wider than my car. It is only slightly longer, and it seems to have similar rear leg room as the RS4.
DRIVING - Suspension
The first test was trying out the car's cruising ability, as I drove it immediately back home to show the parents. This meant a 30 minute drive along mostly dual carriageway.
So I decided to play with the different settings for Steering, Suspension, Sports Differential and Gearbox. There are 3 pre-set settings for these driving parameters - Comfort, Auto & Dynamic.
Comfort sets everything to it's softest setting. Dynamic is kind of a "sports" setting - everything is harder and more ferocious. Auto adapts to your driving style.
There is also a 4th "Individual" setting, where you can set up the parameters for each of the aforementioned components.
For some Norfolk's bumpy B-Roads, I set up the Individual option as follows: Suspension on Comfort, with everything else in Dynamic.
Dynamic was the setting used most during the day. The only trouble with this option arises when you leave the gearbox in it's normal Drive, as Dynamic will hold the gears longer. even when you change up using the paddles (Manual mode), it will change back down after a period of time. When cruising in Dynamic, you have to flick the gearknob over to it's tiptronic function to avoid the override I initially experienced.
It's worth mentioning that the 20 inch alloy wheels still soaked up the bumps VERY well. Large wheels nowadays are so common, it's good to see suspension development obviously includes allowing for these wheels
DRIVING - Gearbox
On that note, the gearbox is truely fantastic. It's a 7-speed double clutch (DSG) item. The shifts are eerily smooth, even under full load. There is not loss of power, the likes of which you get in other high-powered cars with conventional torque converted automatic gearboxes.
In all the aforementioned settings, you have an option to leave the car in "D" (Normal automatic) mode, flick it across into "S" (Sport) mode, or use the "M" (tiptronic) mode. M-mode can be accessed by either flicking the gearknob into Sport, then moving the gearknob up and down to change gear. However I used the paddles, which felt much better and more intuitive to use.
DRIVING - Brakes & Handling
The brakes on this car were the standard steel discs, but these stopped the car very well, with good initial bite, which was sustained throughout heavy or longer braking.
Even when driven enthusiastically, there was not an ounce of fade. But then again, the RS4's brakes don't fade unless you are driving on track.
I'm not sure what the brake set up is for the RS5, but I'm sure someone on here can enlighten us (and me!). They looked similar the RS4's 8-piston caliper front set up.
The brake pedal size, however, is HUGE, almost verging the ridiculous. This does make left-foot braking even easier, though. So I guess I'm just picking holes with this point
The handling was superb when the car was in Dynamic, however the steering doesn't have as much feel as with the RS4. With my Individual settings, you can feel extra weight when you turn in and the roll is creates. This, I have to admit, was one of the slightly negatives.
However, I soon adapted my driving style to suit.
Most of the day, the car was driven the ESP switched off. I rarely drive the 4 with the aids turned on, so thought I would see what it's like in the 5. As per usual, the Quattro system's mechanical grip is truely awesome! You can feel the new centre Crown Differential working away to help you cover ground very quickly indeed.
The aids on this car really help rather than hinder. Despite the vast electronics, you still feel part of the driving experience.
After driving a Nissan GTR recently, I was left cold by the "Playstation" experience I felt. Even the salesman's pitch included the statement: "the car sorts it all out for you". Granted this type of car can only be compared to an RS5 in terms of pricing, though, as performance is in a completely different league.
However, I feel my above comparison is still valid in this context
DRIVING - Engine & Performance
For those who do not know, the 4.2 litre V8 engine in the RS5 isn't the same as the identically sized engine of the RS4.
It's derived from the R8 V10's engine, only with 2 cylinders and 1 litre removed.
It gives 450bhp and 317 ft/lb torque. Interestingly, while it produces over 30bhp more that the RS4, the torque is identical.
The engine revs peak about 250rpm higher than the 4's engine, too.
I know there has been big issues around RS4 power figures and coking, so it will be interesting to see if those have been solved in this new engine
On paper, the 5 is slightly quicker to 62mph than the 4 (4.6 secs vs 4.8 secs), but I couldn't really feel the difference. What I did noticed, was the RS5's engine was keener to rev than the RS4, which made the car feel quicker in the mid range, despite the matching torque figures and greater weight of the RS5.
While I couldn't exactly test out the RS5's raised limiter option, judging by the rate at which it gained speed, it would have no problem getting to the 174mph limit.
I do wonder if the RS5's limiter (standard or raised) is as soft as the RS4's, though. My car is supposed to limited to 155mph. However, my car acutally goes to 169mph indicated (163 on GPS).
CONCLUSION
The RS5 is an wonderful, magnificent machine, which would prove a fantastic daily driver.
There is a noticable difference between the RS5 and the RS4. While it's mostly improvement, there could be more feel through the steering wheel.
I certainly consider the RS5 to be an improvement. It's certainly not a HUGE leap forward, but it has advanced enough to show the RS4's age a little.
One major thing with RS5s at the moment is the depreciation. Car which would have cost £60-65k are already available for a little over £50k.
The demonstrator I drove had already been dropped £5,000, simply because it had been registered.
There are deals to be had when buying new, but considering the depreciation, I'm not sure it would be worth it - I specced up my most ideal RS5 which came in at over £95,000
OK, it had almost every option ticked Given this monumental depreciation, I foresee RS5s making a great buy when they reach 2-3 years old.
I was chatting with some friends on the Friday evening. We were dicussing the car, and when it came round the issue of cost and depreciation, they looked solely at the inital buying cost of the demonstator and asking what else you can get for the money. The list suprised me, to say the least: Audi R8 V8s, Porsche 911 Turbos (997 Gen 1), early Gallados and even early F430s can all be had! And these are all genuine exotics!
Considering I don't strictly need more than two seats, it's all very tempting! But of course, things like insurance and running costs would possibly prove inhibitive.
Now the big question: Would I upgrade the RS4 to an RS5?
Yes, I could see myself owning one. However I would be tempted to wait until prices become more reasonable, and there is a greater choice of cars on offer.
PHOTOS
My oh my! This post has been rather long. So let's get to the photos
Darren
Edited by iluvmercs on Sunday 14th August 17:43
UVB said:
Did you have any problems with centre arch intrusion into the footwell? Probably not so much an issue in a DSG but I've found the new generation A4/5's annoyingly uncomfortable on long runs.
Mix of seat position and shoes to sort I find but do understand entirely what you mean.Thanks for the writeup Darren, I like drive select to:
Steering - Auto
Engine - Dynamic
Suspension - Auto
Diff - Dynamic
The steering feels artificial and rubbery on the dynamic setting (up until the point it's weighted in a corner) and the dampers likewise. They do their own thing so well and so quickly I don't worry.
NORTS said:
How did you manage to get that for the day if you're not buying one?
I actually requested some figures, however they are still a little too expensive right now.I certainly have every intention of owning one some day
Also, I had to drive it to see if I liked it.
I've also built up a good relationship with many of the staff there. So I guess that all helps.
Darren
UVB said:
Did you have any problems with centre arch intrusion into the footwell? Probably not so much an issue in a DSG but I've found the new generation A4/5's annoyingly uncomfortable on long runs.
You could have had my old GS for less than your ideally spec'd RS5 ;-)
Sorry I missed this a first!You could have had my old GS for less than your ideally spec'd RS5 ;-)
I have to admit that I found no intrusion to the extent of making things uncomfortable.
I've had both the new A4 and A5 as courtesy cars befores, and with manual transmissions. But then I haven't taken those cars for long journeys.
One thing odd I found with the manual A5 was the height of the gear stick. It felt a little unnaturally high. However, there was no problem with the RS.
Fancy buying another GS you could sell me later? But this time, please spec it heated seats in addition to everything else
Darren
Loved my B7 RS4....This for me is a natural progression....
Soon has they hit 40k or just under i,m going to pounce!!!
My drean spec would be...
DAYTONA GREY
MATT ALU PACK
SUNROOF
SPORTS EXHAUST
TECH PACK HIGH
20" ROTOR ARMS
CERAMICS
SPORTS DIFF
BUCKETS
Dont want much do i??? lol....
Can i just ask? does it feel that much quicker than a RS4??
Soon has they hit 40k or just under i,m going to pounce!!!
My drean spec would be...
DAYTONA GREY
MATT ALU PACK
SUNROOF
SPORTS EXHAUST
TECH PACK HIGH
20" ROTOR ARMS
CERAMICS
SPORTS DIFF
BUCKETS
Dont want much do i??? lol....
Can i just ask? does it feel that much quicker than a RS4??
chrissyr32 said:
My drean spec would be...
DAYTONA GREY
MATT ALU PACK
SUNROOF
SPORTS EXHAUST
TECH PACK HIGH
20" ROTOR ARMS
CERAMICS
SPORTS DIFF
BUCKETS
Dont want much do i??? lol....
That goes a small way to demonstrate why my ideal RS5 cost so much.DAYTONA GREY
MATT ALU PACK
SUNROOF
SPORTS EXHAUST
TECH PACK HIGH
20" ROTOR ARMS
CERAMICS
SPORTS DIFF
BUCKETS
Dont want much do i??? lol....
So I think we can assume we're singing from the same page when it comes to spec
Mermaid said:
chrissyr32 said:
.
Can i just ask? does it feel that much quicker than a RS4??
& does it feel lardy, although the weight difference is small.Can i just ask? does it feel that much quicker than a RS4??
Well 0-60 doesn't feel very different.
However, the mid range feels quicker and the feels like it revs keener.
So in that respect, Yes it does feel quicker.
Lardy?
Just a tad. The 5 is about 125kg heavier than the 4.
You can notice it when pressing on, but only ever so slightly.
There is slight oversteer, but the new differential really helps out here. When I say slight, it's negligable at normal road speeds, to be honest.
Darren
iluvmercs said:
Fancy buying another GS you could sell me later? But this time, please spec it heated seats in addition to everything else
Darren
Ahh sadly it was already spec'd and too late to change production when I bought it (cancelled order) otherwise I'd have had the heated seats and maybe a different colour. I did berate the salesman for taking that highly spec'd a convertible without heated seats for a paltry £220 option cost...probably less than they charge for the floor mats! He seemed to take the point as I seriously considered not taking it when they said it was too late to change the spec. Don't think I'd have another GS, but maybe the replacement if I have the money when it comes along..or an Eatoque if they get the green light on it.Darren
As for you not feeling the effects of the offset pedals, your probably too much of a whipper to get the levels of back pain I do (not to mention not having broken enough vertebrae either!). I had an A5 Sportback service loan car recently and did find it annoying (but didn't drive it enough to get bad pain). I guess you might get used to it, but for that amount of money I don't think I'd take the risk.
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