Audi RS5

The RS5 is the fastest version of Audi's popular A5. The experts give it great reviews, they particularly like the excellent V8 engine which makes it an incredibly fast four-seater. All of those who reviewed it said that it was very, very competent although some suggested that such a sporting car should be a bit more involving for the driver.

Therein lies the problem for the RS5; reviewers don’t know whether to treat it as a clearly-defined, hard-edged missile like the BMW M3 or a more cosseting, comfortable car like the Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupé.

Interior

The leather, carbon-fibre and aluminium interior is tasteful and has been installed with superb fit and finish. The seats are infinitely adjustable and wonderfully comfortable and supportive.

The steering wheel was mentioned by a couple of testers who were pleased to see that it is now round; Audi had previously pioneered the fitment of flat-bottomed steering wheels that few of them liked!

Driving

The Audi RS5 is a fine long distance tourer that is also ridiculously quick in the bends. The ride quality is excellent, although one said that it treated road imperfections were treated as an “impolite intrusion to be smothered at the first opportunity” – which wasn’t a compliment in car that is as overtly sporting as the Audi.

Some reviewers felt that it was a bit “remote” but all admired its sheer competence. One reviewer, though, said that far from being boring the advantage that the Audi RS5 has over its competitors is that it “doesn’t need entertaining roads to entertain you!”

Engine

The 4.2-litre V8 engine is naturally aspirated and delivers its peak power of 450bhp at a stratospheric at 8250rpm, making the engine a bit of a screamer, given the chance.

But scorching acceleration isn’t its thing really; it’s a urbane car that specialises in “rocket-ship” performance over long distances, being crushingly superior to just about anything else at the price; peak torque is 317lb ft and it’s all there from 2000-4000rpm, making for a relaxed but very fast driving style that is “compelling”.

Value for money

Its range of abilities is so great that the RS5 could conceivably be every car you’ll ever need and this alone makes it great value for money – although the BMW M3 is cheaper, though older too.

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Worth noting

The engine management system injects a spot of petrol into the exhaust when you short-shift up the gearbox, giving a very nice reverb as you change.

The RS5 is a little bit too soft for some of the reviewers who would have preferred it to be a bit more of a sports car and less of a long distance cruiser. They are confused by its nature and aren’t sure what it's supposed to be.

The biggest problem for the RS3 is the BMW M3. Most motoring journalists said that the M3 is a better bet for drivers wanting the ultimate in driver involvement and excitement – and the fact that it costs less than the Audi just makes the case for the BMW even more compelling.