Audi RS5 review – performance and 0-60mph
The RS5 hits some impressive straight-line figures, and is capable of a delimited 174mph top speed
The latest RS5 is no more powerful than the original with 444bhp, but it’s both lighter and more torquey, making it significantly quicker both on paper and in real life. For instance, Audi claims the 0-62mph sprint can be covered in just 3.9sec, but we recorded our own 0-62mph time of 3.6sec. For comparison, both the new rear-drive M4 Competition and Mercedes-AMG C63 S will hit the same 3.9sec figure despite their extra power, but this requires ideal and dry conditions. The new M4 xDrive then gets its own back, doing the same sprint in just 3.5sec on paper, and like the Audi, is known to beat this figure with surprising ease in rain, hail or shine.
However, it’s fair to say the RS5 never feels as dramatic as the figures suggest. Make no mistake, the Audi is a seriously quick car that can cover ground with truly indecent haste. Yet the extremely linear power delivery (peak torque of 442lb ft is delivered at 1900rpm) means you’re treated to a smooth and relentless increase in pace, rather than the more exciting top-end frenzy of, say, the M4.
Like all fast German machines, the RS5 is limited to a top speed of 155mph. Yet if you’re willing to fork out an extra £1450 then Audi will raise this figure to 174mph – useful if you live just down the road from an autobahn.
