2015 Audi RS 5 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$70,900 to $79,200

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
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The RS 5 rolls in on some additional wheel options and a Black Optic package that’ll further set you apart in your V8-powered Audi. With all-wheel-drive (AWD) chops and one of the most attractive designs on the road, adding 450 hp and V8 rumble to an Audi is sure to produce a drool-worthy package.

But it’s not just the engine that’s an upgrade from the already-awesome S5, as the RS 5 gets a unique suspension, 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual, advanced AWD and some aesthetic enhancements that just might be worth the extra cash alone.

Exclusive front and rear fascias hold air dams, dual oval exhaust outlets and air channels designed to make the most of the RS 5’s aero profile. An automated rear spoiler will deploy at speed to keep things nice and stable and retract once you decide to return to a less liberal use of force on the accelerator. Inside you’ll find a flat-bottom steering wheel, your choice of stainless-steel mesh, black piano or brushed aluminum trim, and optional sport seats for those that will truly be pushing themselves laterally.

Which is easy to do in the RS 5, thanks to the Quattro AWD system, with its crown gear self-locking center differential, capable of modulating torque distribution between axles from the default 40/60 split to 70% front or 85% rear, making the RS 5 feel nearly like a RWD car. And while the RS 5 is slightly nose heavy with a 56/44 weight distribution, understeer is mitigated nicely with the stability control system and optional active rear differential, each capable of applying appropriate brake pressure to appropriate wheels during aggressive cornering. Still concerned about the handling capabilities of this beast? Add the dynamic damping system for the suspension to provide an extra bit of on-road security during your more assertive driving moments.

But with its five-link front suspension and independent trapezoidal-link rear enhanced with a wealth of aluminum and nearly three-quarters of an inch of drop compared to the S5, even the standard setup provides plenty of confidence, if a bit too firmly. Twenty-inch alloys are available as part of the Titanium package, which also gets you body-color side mirrors and the Black Optic trim package with a gloss black grille surround and matte window trim. However, the 20-inch wheels seem to only compound the skittishness that can present itself over uneven pavement and should be avoided if your RS 5 will see anything other than track time.

But let’s get back to that engine. A 450-hp, 4.2-liter V8 deserves respect, especially in naturally aspirated form. In an industry that is quickly being choked by turbochargers, superchargers and hybrids, a free-breathing V8 that’ll swing the tach needle up to 8,300 rpm is getting increasingly rare. Opt for the sport exhaust, and it’s a note seldom are still playing. The RS 5's 317 lb-ft of torque shouldn’t be ignored either, and with the quick-shifting 7-speed dual clutch being operated by paddle shifters, the car will zip to 60 in just 4.3 seconds in coupe form. Cabriolets are heavier and take 4.6 to do the same trip, but it’ll feel faster with the top down. Stop at the pump on your way home, and you’ll see EPA-estimated returns of 16 mpg city/23 highway for the coupe and 22 highway for the cabriolet.

While I don’t usually recommend an optional navigation system, one of the most common complaints with the RS 5 is the operation of the standard MMI controller, versus the upgraded interface you get when navigation is ordered. The upgraded system is considered superior with regard to both hardware and software. Rear seats are also a sore spot, as they’re too stiff and lack the head- and legroom for full-size adults. Trunk space is a welcome surprise, however, even in the cabriolet. Because Audi deigned to fit the RS 5 with a soft top, trunk space drops only 2 cubic feet relative to the coupe’s 12.2—still plenty for luggage, groceries and more, and the convertible even shares the folding rear seats of the coupe for extra space, something most convertibles don't offer.

Michael Perkins
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2015 Audi RS 5

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User rating:
by Phil C
Jul 01, 2022
The car had 2 accidents one was significant. I feel the pricing of this car did not reflect this compared to other similar models.Jul 01, 2022
by Anonymous
Dec 03, 2021
A little pricy but looks amazing and the drive is like nothing else so thrilling! Best part specifically for this part and main reason to buy is the naturally aspired v8 engine just can’t beat that authentic beautiful sounding exhaust.Dec 03, 2021
by Tony A
Sep 13, 2021
A M A Z I N G car to drive. Impressive power, incredible sounds, a joy to drive. Rare V8 will be worth more over time Sep 13, 2021

2015 Audi RS 5 Pricing

Original MSRP
$70,900 to $79,200
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 13 · 505 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 190 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bang & Olufsen · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 505 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.38 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 190 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: aluminum · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.9

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

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