2018 Audi RS 5

2018 Audi RS 5 offers only a single trim, but there are a variety of optional packages to choose from. It is important to note that a few of the packages are prerequisites as you need to opt for other packages before you choose your desired one. RS 5 comes with a turbocharged 2.9-liter engine. Among the several standard pieces of equipment, three-zone automatic climate control, and a suite of driver assistance systems sets it apart from other coupes.

Trims	Base
MSRP	$69,900
Key Features	Quattro sport rear differential
	RS model appearance--front/rear fascia, widened (+15 mm) front and rear fenders
	RS fixed suspension
	Twelve-way front S sport seats, including four-way power lumbar, thigh support, pneumatic side bolsters, and massage function for driver and passenger

The three optional packages include Dynamic, Dynamic Plus, and RS Driver-Assistance. The first one offers nets red brake calipers, adjustable dampers, and RS-Sport exhaust with black tips and is priced $3000. In order to get the Dynamic Plus bundle shoppers, need to upgrade to the Dynamic version first and then they can upgrade with the $6000 package which includes ceramic brakes, a carbon-fiber engine cover, and an increase in top speed from 155 mph to 174. Lastly, the assistance bundle brings a 360-degree-view camera, adaptive cruise with a traffic-jam assist that will accelerate and stop the car which works at speeds up to 155 mph. It also offers automatic high-beams, a head-up display, traffic-sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist.

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Audi RS 5 offers only a single trim, but there are a variety of optional packages to choose from. It is important to note that a few of the packages are prerequisites as you need to opt for other packages before you choose your desired one.

"The 90-degree six is 44 pounds lighter than the V-8 (the car is 132 pounds lighter overall), all blower hardware included, and its two turbochargers are nestled in the valley between the cylinder banks. This “hot vee” configuration’s largest benefit is to emissions, according to Audi Sport chief Stephan Reil, since the catalysts warm up more quickly, thanks to shorter distances between the turbos, the exhaust valves, and the catalysts. Less plumbing also reduces lag, and this V-6 is indeed one hell of a hard charger, with power, torque, and speed coming in a near instantaneous wave that intensifies proportionally to the angle of your right ankle." - CarandDriver

Engine and Transmission

RS 5 switched from its previous gas-guzzling V8 to its current twin turbo 2.9-liter V6. This might seem to be a downgrade, but the newer variant performs quite fantastic pulling off 444 horsepower and the far meatier turbo pulls off 443 lb.-feet of torque against previous generations' 317 lb.-ft. The twin turbos are placed under the hood in the valley of the engine's two banks of cylinders. Since they have a shorter turbo plumbing it reduces the turbo lag which is mainly an issue with turbo engines as the delay between pushing your foot down on the throttle and wait for the expectant onslaught of boost is annoying.

The monstrous engine rockets the RS 5 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds where the old V8 car needed 4.5 seconds. Compared to its predecessor this newer engine also gives a wider, more useful band of torque and relatively yields better mileage with 26 combined mpg from the previous 23 mpg. Another change that has been brought about in this RS 5 is that the seven-speed S Tronic transmission has been replaced by an eight-speed ZF automatic. Though the ZF can handle the V-6's torque, it's torque-converter unit's gearchanges are slower compared with a dual-clutch 'box. The company says that the newer version is smoother and has more predictable step-off behavior from a stop.

Models	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
MSRP	$69,900	$68,700	$64,790	$67,500
Engine	2.9L TFSI 6 Cylinder	3.0L 6-Cylinder Twin Power Turbo	3.6L V6 Twin Turbo SIDI, DOHC, VVT	4.0L Biturbo V8
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-Speed Manual	7-Speed Automatic
Power	444 hp	425 hp	464 hp	469 hp
Torque	443 lb.-ft	406 lb.-ft	445 lb.-ft	479 lb.-ft

Acceleration

Acceleration of Audi RS 5 is freakishly strong, as the beast can reach 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The only coupe close to its performance is Cadillac ATS V which moves 0-60 mph in a mere 3.8 sec. Although RS 5's soundtrack is muted, even with the adaptive exhaust it does perform well on the streets and encapsulates the allure quite well. But as expected from RS engines, it lacks the character despite being incredibly fast.

Models	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
0-60 MPH	3.7 sec	4.0 sec	3.8 sec	3.9 sec
Quarter mile	12.0 sec	12.2 sec	12.2 sec	10.4 sec
Engine	2.9L	3.0L	3.6L	4.0L
Emission   (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.4	8.9	9.2	9.3

Ride and Handling

The RS has progressed significantly over its older models; its steering is accurate and faithful, and it also gives you a huge amount of grip. If one switches the adjustable suspension in Dynamic mode it controls body roll, but sometimes it also makes the suspension quite stiff that the car's composure is disrupted during mid-corner bumps. With its latest Quattro all-wheel-drive system and increased torque output, it makes your ride super smooth and balanced.

Nonetheless, with its all 21.5 psi of boost urging you forward, it rides superbly in the optional active suspension's Comfort and Auto modes. During Dynamic mode, straight line cruising can be a bit choppy so it is advised that this mode be used during fun times only.

Braking

The 2018 Audi RS 5 has massive brakes that provide it with some serious decelerating power. it one of the best coupes out there. Although a bit heavier than Cadillac ATS and BMW M4 it doesn't fail in its performance as the brake pedal works without a hitch and provides you a very smooth and progressive feel which is quite easy to manage. With the upgraded carbon ceramics buyers can improve fade under hard use. The RS 5 took just 104 feet to stop from a speed of 60mph which is quite impressive in its class.

Model	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
Brake Front(in)	14.8	15.0	14.5	15.4
Brake Rear(in)	13.0	14.6	13.3	14.2
Curb Weight(lbs.)	3990	3565	3803	4074
60-0 MPH (ft.)	104	104	101	103

Among its competitors, Cadillac ATS-V Coupe gives one of the best results in the brake tests as it quickly comes to halt merely taking 101 feet to come to a stop from 60mph which 3 feet shorter than BMW M4 and Audi RS 5.

The 2018 Audi RS 5 Coupe gets 18/26 mpg on city/highway. That fairs well when compared to its rivals. With combined 21 mpg, it outperforms BMW M4 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C.

Model	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
MPG (City)	18	17	16	17
MPG (Highway)	26	25	23	23
MPG (Combined)	21	20	19	19

Cadillac ATS-V and Mercedes-Benz AMG's thirsty engine puts them on the bottom of fuel efficiency parameter as they have 19 Mpg on city highway combined.

Seating and Comfort

Being one of the highest performing A5 variants, the Audi RS 5 doesn't let you down when it comes to its interiors. The seating adjustment for the rider is broad and it allows for a low-slung position with plenty of reach in the steering column. Both front seats are comfortable and have plenty of legroom but the rear seat with a capacity of maximum two passengers doesn't have enough headroom especially if they are tall adults. Almost all the cars in this segment have similar seating capacity.

Model	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.6/55.3/41.3	39.8/55.3/42.2	37.6/54.1/42.3	38.8/54.8/42.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.2/50.7/32.7	36.1/51.7/33.7	35.1/51.1/33.5	35.6/51.7/32.0

Buyers can also choose for the performance seats, wherein you'll get a lower seating position and a near-excessive amount of lateral support to keep you firmly seated when those extreme maneuvers are made. Overall the seats are quite supportive and comfortable. 

Infotainment System

As per the Audi officials, the car provides a ccomprehensive range of infotainment choices. It comes equipped with MMI navigation plus with MMI touch system which is one of a kind. The Coupe is equipped with Audi Connect which means it will give you an inbuilt 4G LTE connection. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard for this variant. One of the unique things about RS 5 is that it has a very professional navigation system which provides 3D maps on demand. Following is the list of infotainment features a connectivity that comes with Audi RS 5 Coupe:

• 8.2-inch MMI infotainment
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• voice control
• Audi connect (a 4G LTE connection)

Cargo Capacity

This impressively versatile coupe flaunts an augmenting 11.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity. With its hatchback body style, it walks over its rivals as other cars in this category are roughly 5-6 cubic feet shy. RS 5 has the roomiest trunk and its storage space could be maximized by folding the rear seatbacks without compromising comfort for your passengers.

Model	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
Volume (ft cube)	16.4	11.0	10.4	10.5

"While the Audi RS 5 is a high-performance derivative of the standard S5, there is no mistaking its high-performance mission. With heavy design influence from Audi’s racing 90 quattro IMSA GTO, the RS 5 Coupe features wider and flatter Singleframe signature grille, wider front and rear quarter panels (note the gray extension on the outboard side of the headlights -- that accommodates the flare), a lowered ride height, and wider wheels. There is a discreet rear spoiler on the back decklid, and the rear valance has been re-sculpted to accommodate signature oval “RS” exhaust pipes."-KelleyBlueBook

Dimension and Weight

RS 5 is more than just a modern-day muscle car as its latest shorter and wider grill design makes it look more geometrically sound. The newer version has expanded headlights and the inlets have been designed smaller which are more recessed than before. It's body less gaudy and smaller than before. The hood gives it a stout curve which keeps the whole front end together with its sharper looks. Its exuberant exterior tweaks give it the worthiness to wear the RS badge.

Model	Audi RS 5 Coupe	BMW M4 Coupe	Cadillac ATS-V Coupe	Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63
Curb weight(lbs.)	3990	3565	3803	4074
Length(in)	186.0	184.5	184.7	184.0
Weight Distribution (Front-Rear)	40% - 60%	52% - 48%	51% - 49%	54% - 46%
Width(in)	73.3	73.6	72.5	73.6
Height(in)	53.5	54.4	54.5	55.1
Ground clearance(in)	4.5	4.8	4.9	4.4
Wheelbase(in)	108.9	110.7	109.3	111.8
Track width(in) F/R	62.9/62.5	62.2/63.1	60.5/61.4	64.4/62.7

Audi RS5 can be called a borderline heavyweight, but it surely doesn't hamper its performance. It has one of the best in class Ground clearance of 4.5 and an impressive Wheelbase of 108.9 which gives a tough competition to its rivals like Mercedes-Benz AMG C and Cadillac ATS-V.

Audi RS 5 boasts of a comprehensive de rigueur standard safety systems. Its base-model A5 comes with a rearview camera, pedestrian and vehicle collision warning, and braking initiation system as well as forward collision mitigation that works from 6 mph up to 52 mph and kicks in when the vehicle is traveling at speeds that are low to moderate. It also has Audi's latest safety assists such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking - though some need to be optioned.

Safety Features

• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Parking system plus with rearview camera (front and rear acoustic sensors)
• Driver-adaptive and front-passenger dual-stage airbags
• Driver and front-passenger knee airbags
• Sideguard head-curtain airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) and brake assist

BMW M4 Coupe vs Audi RS 5

Being one of the best in its class, the BMW M4 boasts of a very sharp and responsive handling without being too harsh on comfort. It has a well-finished interior which features many standard tools. Its stout brakes are quite capable and trustworthy, but its engine lacks the power and might as that of Audi RS or even Cadillac ATS-V. The engine and exhaust sounds are quite loud which is a big turn off. On the other hand, Audi RS 5 has superbly quite engines. Also, its steering is less connected than we would expect from this class of vehicle.

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe vs Audi RS 5

Though ATS-V comes in the same price range as that of Audi RS, this vehicle is a true driver's car as it is built to perform on road or track. It handles similar to a sports car without being cruel on the driver. Just like the RS it's Turbo V6 engine generates abundant power for quick acceleration. It has a very strong set of brakes just like the power and handling. But smaller back seat and trunk is a letdown as other coups in this segment comes with a bit larger cargo space.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 vs Audi RS 5

Mercedes-Benz AMG C beats all its competitors when it comes to interiors as it is impeccably crafted and flaunts its aesthetic design. It offers numerous cutting-edge features like no other car in this variant. Buyers can also choose from its multiple high-horsepower powertrains. The only thing where it doesn't perform well is its clumsy touchpad infotainment interface and stiff standard suspension.

Audi RS 5 is definitely one of the best luxury sports coupe which is more refined, poised and more importantly it is the closest thing you can get to a modern version of the epic Quattro Coupe. Its powerful engine and which makes this beast move quickly, coupled with a compelling combination of price, performance, and luxury it is a sweet deal for car lovers.

It's obvious competitors M4 and C 63 offers a whole lot of engineering and speed in this segment. However, RS 5 by no mistake is incredibly capable and, in most ways, quite good. It edges out the competition in a launch style start covering 0-60mph in 3.7 sec which makes it a seriously fast car.