Often overlooked when compared to it’s rivals, the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, I find the RS5 to be an interesting alternative today. The reviewers of the time often drew the conclusion that the RS5 was more sport tourer in nature and rather limp-wristed by comparison to the other two. But as time has moved on and actual owner reports have documented since, the RS5 is a great daily driver with it’s own unique charms that make it noteworthy.
The 4.2L V8 is unique in a number of ways. While on paper it cranks out a healthy 450hp, it is left with lackluster 317ft/lbs of torque. For a car that weighs 4,000+ lbs this isn’t going to motivate the car in the same manner that the M3 or C63 will. While the dual clutch transmission does have launch control, it’s not going to propel the car with ease the way the 6.2L of the C63 will on roll on. On the other hand, that’s not what this car is about or how it will be driven on a daily basis. Letting the engine sing out to it’s 8,200 RPM redline will be something you can enjoy routinely and still dust mere mortals as often as you like however.
Aside from the aged infotainment, the rest of the interior has aged well to my eyes. It’s handsome and spacious for a car in this class. And despite the nearly 80k miles on this example, has held up remarkable well and is a testament to the chosen materials.
Living in the Pacific Northwest, or other climates that enjoy inclement weather, the Quattro all-wheel drive is a significant consideration for a car of this nature. You can legitimately enjoy it all year long and I hear it’s a beast in the snow with dedicated snow tires.
from the seller:
Great condition RS5 with a V8. The pre-emission 4.2L engine was one of the best V8s Audi put in their performance cars. Known for the incredible sound and high rev-limit. Paired with the AWD Quattro system and the Michelin Pilot Sport tires, this car rides on rails and feels glued to the pavement. Clean title, regular service, and kept in garage. Switched oil from Castrol to Mobil 1; upgraded both air filters to K&Ns.
As with any German car, maintenance records are key. On a car with this kind of mileage, I’d want to see a complete brake replacement and engine decoking in the not so distant past. Transmission service and timing chain tensioners would also be high on the list.
The condition of this car suggests someone loved it and hopefully has a well documented history to go with. At a mere $33,000 or offer, this looks like a solid buy if the background check works out.
If you have experience with B8 RS5’s I’d love to hear how your ownership has been. Comment below!
a lot of car for the money….and better looking than the current BMW designs
It is awful in snow with summer tires, but I loved ours, so much that when I traded it for something else I went back the next week and bought it back.
subtle and fun, and if you want it to move then it can be very quick
As for the aging infotainment comment, I installed the RS-Nav kit in my 2013 S5 and it transformed it into a new car. Perfect integration with Carplay.